Grilled Turkey Burgers with Monterey Jack and Poblano Pickle Relish

My grandpa, a man of simple pleasures, always said the best meals were the ones shared outdoors. I can still picture him, apron on, presiding over the grill, the scent of smoky char mingling with the sweet aroma of summer. While his usual fare leaned heavily towards classic beef burgers, I know he would have been intrigued by these grilled turkey burgers – a lighter, brighter take on a beloved tradition, packed with flavor and just a hint of heat. I think he would have especially loved the vibrant poblano relish.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (if served without a bun)

Ingredients

Poblano Pickle Relish:

• 1 poblano chile, grilled, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
• 2 medium dill pickles, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Avocado Mayonnaise:

• 1/2 ripe Hass avocado, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Turkey Burgers:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey, 99% lean
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese, 1/2 oz each

Equipment Needed

• Grill
• Medium bowl
• Food processor
• Plastic wrap
• Plate

Instructions

1. Prepare the Poblano Pickle Relish: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped poblano chile, dill pickles, and red onion. Add the fresh lime juice, honey, fresh cilantro, and fresh ground black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, and up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will combine.

2. Make the Avocado Mayonnaise: In a food processor, combine the chopped Hass avocado, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, chopped garlic cloves, ground cumin, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, but it’s best to use it within a few hours to prevent browning.

3. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean to prevent sticking.

4. Shape the Turkey Burgers: With your hands, gently shape the ground turkey into 4 round patties, each about 1 1/2 inches thick. Avoid overworking the meat, as this can result in tough burgers.

5. Season and Oil the Burgers: Brush each burger on both sides with canola oil. Then, season generously with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

6. Grill the Burgers: Place the seasoned turkey burgers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4 minutes per side, or until they are slightly charred and cooked completely through. A meat thermometer inserted into the center of the burger should read 165°F (74°C).

7. Melt the Cheese: During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on top of each burger. Close the lid of the grill and cook for about 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Rest the Burgers: Transfer the cooked burgers to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.

9. Assemble and Serve: Top each burger with 1 tablespoon of the avocado mayonnaise and a few tablespoons of the poblano pickle relish. Serve immediately. You can serve the remaining avocado mayonnaise on the side for dipping, if desired.

A Note on Grilling the Poblano Chiles: If you want to grill the poblano peppers yourself, you can heat the grill to high. Brush the poblano chile with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until charred on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. Place the peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them sit for 15 minutes. Then, peel, halve, stem, and seed them.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overwork the Meat: When forming the turkey patties, handle the ground turkey as little as possible. Overworking the meat can make the burgers tough.
• Add Moisture: Ground turkey can be dry. Adding a tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs or grated zucchini to the mixture can help retain moisture during grilling.
• Chill the Patties: Before grilling, chilling the formed patties in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help them hold their shape better on the grill.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the turkey burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) by using a meat thermometer.
• Toast the Buns: For an extra touch, toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster oven before assembling.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Grilled Turkey Burgers immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is melted. They are fantastic on toasted buns with lettuce and tomato, but can also be enjoyed bunless for a lighter meal. Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. The avocado mayonnaise is best used fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; note that it may brown slightly. The poblano relish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	474.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	281 g	59%
Total Fat	31.3 g	48%
Saturated Fat	9.7 g	48%
Cholesterol	142.4 mg	47%
Sodium	692.6 mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate	8.6 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	2.1 g	8%
Sugars	3.3 g	13%
Protein	41.5 g	83%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground turkey mixture for a spicier burger.
• Cheese Variations: Instead of Monterey Jack, try Pepper Jack for a spicier flavor, or provolone for a milder option.
• Bun Alternatives: Serve the burgers on lettuce wraps or portobello mushroom caps for a low-carb option.
• Poblano Substitute: If you can’t find poblano peppers, use Anaheim peppers as a substitute.
• Herb Variations: Try adding chopped fresh basil or oregano to the turkey mixture for a different flavor profile.
• Add Bacon: Crumble crispy cooked bacon into the turkey mixture before forming the patties for a smoky flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the poblano relish ahead of time?
A: Yes, the poblano relish can be made up to 4 hours in advance and stored at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Q: How do I prevent the turkey burgers from drying out on the grill?
A: Avoid overcooking the burgers and make sure to brush them with oil before grilling. Adding a little breadcrumb will also help.

Q: Can I use frozen avocado for the mayonnaise?
A: Fresh avocado is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but frozen avocado can be used in a pinch. Make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before using.

Q: Is it possible to cook these burgers indoors if I don’t have a grill?
A: Absolutely! You can cook these burgers in a skillet on the stovetop or under the broiler in your oven.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked turkey burgers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked turkey burgers for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Turkey Burgers with Monterey Jack and Poblano Pickle Relish offer a delightful twist on the classic burger, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer grilling. The combination of the lean turkey, the creamy avocado mayonnaise, and the zesty poblano relish creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it! And don’t forget to experiment with the variations and substitutions to create your own signature burger masterpiece. Bon appétit!