It was time for me to make some turkey burgers and I really wanted to do something different this time. These Mexican inspired Turkey Burgers hit the spot. The cilantro lime pesto used as a condiment really took these turkey burgers to the next level.
As you would expect, these Gourmet Turkey Burgers are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time, you can enjoy delicious burgers!
If you are adverse to heat, you can leave out the jalapeños and substitute for something like green bell peppers (no heat) or a Poblano Pepper, which has slightly less heat than jalapeño peppers
How Hot Are the Peppers
The Scoville Scale is the measurement that tells you the spiciness of a given type of pepper.
| Pepper Type | Scoville Rating (Heat) |
|---|---|
| Bell Pepper | 0-0 |
| Banana Pepper | 0-500 |
| Poblano Pepper | 1000-1500 |
| Jalapeño Pepper | 2500-8000 |
| Serrano Peppers | 10,000-25,000 |
| Manzano Pepper | 12,000-30,000 |
| Tabasco & Cayenne | 30,000-50,000 |
| Habanero Pepper | 100,000-300,000 |
| Ghost Pepper | 855,000-1,000,000 |
| Carolina Reaper | 1,500,000-2,300,000 |
If cilantro pesto is not your thing, but you still want to try these burgers, you can use your favorite condiments or try one of my other turkey burger toppings, like my Avocado Turkey Burger Sauce or my collection of Ketchup, Mustard and Relish Recipes.
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Mexican Turkey Burger recipe with Cilantro Lime Pesto. For ingredient amounts please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Lean Ground Turkey, Fresh Jalapeños, Garlic Cloves, Smoked Paprika, Ground Cumin, Onion Powder, Salt, Chili Powder, Ground Black Pepper, Hamburger Buns, Fresh Cilantro, Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Lime Juice and Olive Oil.
Optional Ingredients include: Tomato, Lettuce, Red Onion and Cheddar Cheese slices.
How to Make Mexican Turkey Burgers
- In a food processor, add the cilantro, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, lime juice, garlic cloves, and salt.
- Process until blended, then slowly stream in the olive oil until slightly grainy but fully incorporated and unified. Transfer the pesto to a small container, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced jalapeños, garlic, and all the seasonings. Shape the meat mixture into 3 equally sized patties.
- Lightly coat a skillet with olive oil and heat over medium-high.
- Place the patties on the skillet and cook until the burgers are done, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. If adding cheese, place the cheese slices on the burgers and cook until melted, about 1 more minute.
- Spoon one to two tablespoons of the pesto onto the buns. Place the lettuce, turkey burgers, tomato, and/or red onion.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe Video
Mexican Turkey Burgers With Cilantro Lime Pesto
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Ingredients
Burgers
- 1 lb Lean Ground Turkey
- 3 Fresh Jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tsp Ground Cumin
- ½ Tsp Onion Powder
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ½ Tsp Chili Powder
- ¼ Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 3 Hamburger Buns, your choice
Cilantro Lime Pesto
- 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro
- ¼ Cup Pine Nuts
- ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- ¼ Tsp Salt
- Olive oil, as needed
Toppings (optional)
- Tomato, sliced
- Lettuce
- Red Onion, sliced
- Cheddar Cheese, slices
Instructions
Make the Cilantro Pesto
- In a food processor, add the cilantro, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, lime juice, garlic cloves, and salt.
- Process until blended then slowly stream in the olive oil until slightly grainy but fully incorporated and unified. Transfer the pesto to a small container, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Make the Burger Patties
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced jalapeños, garlic, and all the seasonings. Shape the meat mixture into 3 equally sized patties.
- Lightly coat a skillet with olive oil and heat over medium-high.
- Place the patties on the skillet and cook until the burgers are done, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. If adding cheese, place the cheese slices on the burgers and cook until melted, about 1 more minute.
- Spoon one to two tablespoons of the pesto onto the buns. Place the lettuce, turkey burgers, tomato, and/or red onion.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe Video
