BBQ Bacon Turkey Burger
Deliciousness has arrived.
Burgers are my absolute favorite thing to create with any game meat from venison to ducks and everything in-between. But, by far my favorite wild meat to use is wild turkey. I love using the breast and thigh meat, which adds a deep rich flavor. I grind both meats using a No. 32 grind plate, season and then let rest. The BBQ version is my all-time favorite burger version.
Ingredients:
Patties:
• 1-2 pounds ground wild turkey meat (breast and thighs)
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ¼ white onion, chopped fine
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• ½ tablespoon cracked pepper
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
Onion Straws:
• 1 onion, sliced thin and cut in half
• 1 cup milk or half-n-half
• ½ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• ½ tablespoon cracked pepper
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Mix all patty ingredients and combine with hands. Form into baseball size meatballs and flatten out. Push down and form with your other palm to create smooth round edges.
2. Place patties on squares of butcher paper. When finished, put patties back in fridge and allow to rest at least one hour before cooking. This will help hold together while cooking.
3. While patties are resting, place onion slices in the milk and let rest in fridge one hour also.
4. Preheat grill to 325 degrees.
5. Take patties out and place on pre-heated grill; the key to a perfect burger is to only flip once, so close the lid and walk away for eight minutes.
6. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
7. Remove onions from milk and sprinkle with remaining ingredients. Stir to coat and let sit one minute until tacky to the touch.
8. Separate and place in oil – be careful not to crowd and cook until crispy. Repeat until all onions have been fried. Drain and set aside.
9. Flip your burger patties and allow to cook until internal temp reaches 165. Place cheese on to melt if desired.
10. Assemble with your favorite ingredients or build like I do: bottom bun, mayonnaise, leaf lettuce, bacon, patty, more bacon, onion straws and BBQ sauce, mayo and top bun.