Today I want to show you how to make an insanely delicious burger. This gluten free turkey burger recipe will show you how to transform simple ingredients into a craveable burger you’ll love. Be sure to read the notes and suggestions as they’ll show you how to make swaps as needed, and tweaks to keep your meals interesting.
Allergy Status
Free From: Wheat/Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Tree Nut (including Coconut), Peanut, Fish, Shellfish, Sesame, Top 9 Allergens, Apple, Avocado, Banana, Beans & Lentils, Berries, Buckwheat, Cane/Refined Sugar, Carrot, Celery, Cinnamon, Citrus, Cruciferous, Latex Cross Reactive Foods (H/M), Legume, Lupin, Mustard, Nightshade, Oat, Onion, Pea & Pea Protein, Potato (Nightshade Variety), Poultry*, Red Meat*, Rice, Seeds, Squash & Gourd, Stone Fruits, Strawberry, Sweet Potato & Yam, Tapioca/Cassava/Yuca/Manioc, Tomato, Yeast
Friendly To: EOE, FPIES, GAPs, Paleo, SCD
Compatible With: Corn Free, Peppercorn Free, AIP Paleo
**You can use poultry or red meat for this recipe.
Corn Free: Use a safe meat to start with. Mushrooms will most likely need to be sourced from a local farmer’s market. Also look into quality organic dried mushroom brands. You can rehydrate them, then roughly chop if needed.
Peppercorn Free: Omit the pinch of ground black pepper.
AIP Paleo: Omit the pinch of black pepper and skip the optional cheese.
FPIES Reminder: Use a safe meat you enjoy.
Tools to Make This Gluten Free Turkey Burger Recipe
These tools will ensure you have success when you make your gluten free burgers:
- Large Bowl for Mixing
- Large Fork for Mixing
- Indoor Grill Pan (I have this one)
- Instant-read Thermometer (this is the one I have)
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
Note: If you don’t want to use a grill pan, you can cook your turkey burgers on a regular grill, or even in a hot skillet. If you go with the skillet option, the real difference is that you won’t have traditional grill marks, but the flavour won’t change.
Ingredients for This Gluten Free Turkey Burger Recipe
Part 1 Ingredients (Cooked Mushrooms)
- 28g Cooking Fat/Oil of Choice (1 ounce)
- 150g Organic Shiitake Mushrooms (5 ounces), roughly chopped
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
Part 2 Ingredients (Burger Mix)
- 450g Organic Ground Turkey OR Ground Meat of Choice (16 ounces/1lb)
- 2 TBSP Oil of Choice (ONLY USE if your meat is lean, see notes)
- 2 TBSP Organic Dried Spinach
- 1 TBSP Organic Garlic, finely chopped/minced
- 2.5 tsp Organic Dried Marjoram
- 1.5 tsp Sea Salt
- pinch Organic Ground Black Pepper
- 80g Cooked Mushrooms From Part 1
Optional Burger Mix Ingredient
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese of Choice
Important Ingredient Notes
You can swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, ground rabbit, or ground pork. You could also use something like ground beef, but if you go with a dark red meat, add a little extra salt.
Ground turkey can be purchased two ways: light meat (lean) and dark meat (higher fat content). If you have lean ground turkey, or opt to use another type of lean ground meat, you’ll want to add the 2 Tablespoons of oil. Fat is flavour and this will enhance the flavour of your burgers (along with the mouthfeel) in the long run.
It’s OK to swap the shiitake mushrooms for a different type you enjoy, or use a blend of mushrooms.
You can use fresh garlic or jarred garlic in this recipe. Know that fresh garlic will have a more intense and present flavour. If you go that route, here’s the garlic press I own and love.
Here’s an example of dried spinach. I usually order mine from Mountain Rose Herbs.
You can use dairy based or dairy free Parmesan for this gluten free turkey burger recipe. I use this shredded Parm from Follow Your Heart. A lot of grocery stores carry it these days (but call ahead so you don’t waste a trip). You can swap the Parm for an alternative cheese, as long as it’s shredded, and you really enjoy it.
Gluten Free Turkey Burger Recipe Directions
Start by roughly chopping your mushrooms. It’s OK to use a different variety. Once they’re ready, heat a small nonstick pan on medium heat (7/10 for me) and add the cooking fat/oil. Allow it to melt/heat, then add the mushrooms. Add the salt and mix everything together well.
Cook your mushrooms for 10 minutes. You want the mushrooms to develop a nice golden brown sear, so stir at a minimum to allow for maximum browning on all sides.
Now, place the ground turkey (or meat of choice) into a medium bowl. Add all of the other Part 2 Ingredients to the bowl (don’t forget the cooked mushrooms). Whilst you could use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to mix the turkey burger mix, I find a large serving fork (or large regular fork) is better at evenly distributing the ingredients. Mix everything together well. If you’re adding the optional Parmesan, 4 ounces (112g) is the max recommendation of cheese to use.
Heat a pan (or your grill) on high heat. For these burgers, I use this indoor grill pan that works on the stovetop. Use a large cookie dough scooper or ice cream scooper and scoop meat on to your hot pan. Right away, use a large spatula to smash the meat scoop into a thin patty.
Once the first burgers are on the grill, preheat your oven to 400f/205c. Additionally, have a large parchment-lined baking sheet ready and to the side of your stove. You’re going to put burgers on it. Once they’ve cooked a bit.
These turkey burgers are thin, and can burn on the outside before they’re cooked on the inside. To remedy this, you’re going to cook your burger for the outside doneness. When the burger looks the way you like (on both sides), remove it from the pan and place it on the baking tray.
Once all of the turkey burger patties have cooked and are on the baking tray, place it in your (preheated) oven. Cook the turkey burger patties in the oven for at least 5 minutes to allow them to finish cooking all the way through. Your final cook time will vary based on the height of your burgers.
Use an instant read meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is at least 165f/74c. When the burgers have reached the safe temperature, they’re ready to be enjoyed.
I can’t stress enough that one of the most important thing to know when cooking turkey burgers is that you need to hit an internal temperature of 165f/74c before serving. So, don’t skip the final step of checking the internal temperature.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
When it comes to burger storage, you have two choices. You can store your leftover turkey burgers in the fridge for five days, or in the freezer for several months. Either way, you’ll want to store leftovers in an airtight container.
To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze the whole tray. When the burger patties are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and label. Eat within 4 – 6 months for best taste and texture. If you’ve batch cooked and have a lot of turkey burger patties (or you’re using a really small tray), separate each layer with parchment paper. It’s OK if the sides are touching, but you need to separate layers to prevent them from sticking together.
To thaw, place a burger patty in the fridge overnight or reheat from frozen. Try to avoid overheating when reheating, as you don’t want to dry out the meat.
Serving Suggestions and Ideas
These burgers taste amazing with or without a burger bun (gluten free bun options and alternatives are below). You can also use leftover burgers as a quick lunch option or easy future dinner. If you opt to take these in a lunch box, don’t forget to add ice packs.
Once you’ve made your burgers, you can a wide range of sides. Your delicious burgers would pair so well with a side of sweet potato fries. I recently found this brand, and they’re seed oil free, gluten free, and very allergy friendly. For more side ideas, check out this handy article.
Here are a few ideas on how you can change up this recipe:
Cut the patties into pieces and serve a turkey burger bowl. Start with a bed of lettuce, add diced tomatoes, and crispy tater tots. Drizzle on a gluten free burger sauce you enjoy (or even a salad dressing) and enjoy.
Create a whole new flavour profile and fold in a little chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the burger mix. You can do this in addition to the mushrooms, or use the olives and tomatoes to replace the cooked mushrooms.
Make it a spicy burger by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the burger meat mix. You can also drizzle on a gluten free hot sauce you enjoy.
More Burger Recipes to Enjoy
If you need more allergy friendly, gluten free burger recipes, I’ve got you covered.
- Bacon Smash Burgers (these would be perfect for your next burger night)
- Chickpea Patties (these are kind of like veggie burgers)
- Allium Free Lamb Burgers
- Hawaiian chicken Burgers (these would taste extra special with a little hot sauce for a sweet and spicy vibe)
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Topping Ideas
When it comes to toppings for your turkey patties, there are so many delicious options to choose from. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Caramelized Red Onions
- Chopped Fresh Parsley
- Avocado Slices
- Gluten Free Onion Rings
- Pickled Carrots
- Spicy Chili/Pepper Relish
When choosing toppings for your burgers, make sure they don’t clash with the mushrooms, parmesan, and overall umami and savory flavor of this burger. For example, if your favorite burger toppings include pineapple rings or dijon mustard, I’d skip those for this particular recipe.
Gluten Free Burger Buns & Bun Alternatives
If you’re new to the gluten free life and don’t have a favorite gluten free bun yet, here are some brands to investigate. I can’t vouch for any of these gluten-free buns, as these aren’t products my kids ate growing up. I can tell you, I haven’t heard great things about the Udi’s gluten free burger buns.
- Canyon Bakehouse Burger Buns
- O’Doughs Burger Buns
- Rotella’s Gluten Free Burger Buns (this brand is more likely to be found at food service stores)
- Little Northern Bakehouse Gluten Free Burger Buns (one of my kids likes their bread slices, but never had the buns)
- Schär GF Burger Buns (I’ve heard good things about the brand in general)
- Kinnikinnick GF Burger Buns (my kids have had some of their other products and enjoy them)
Before going to your local grocery store to purchase GF buns, call ahead to make sure they have what you’re looking for.
Bun Alternatives
Generally speaking, there aren’t a tonne of gluten-free buns to choose from, and some will contain major allergens. They’re also pretty pricey, and you simply may not like the taste or texture. Here are some alternative ideas to try.
- Against the Grain Gluten Free Bread Rolls
- Bread SRSLY Sourdough Rolls
- Kim & Jakes Gluten Free Rolls
- Lettuce Wraps (my kids LOVE burgers with romaine as the “bun”.
- Regular GF Bread Slices (if you have a bread you LOVE)
- Gluten Free Tortillas
- Gluten Free English Muffins
Finally, and this one is a little out there, but also pretty awesome: pancakes and waffles. Both can be made on the thin side and totally used as a burger bun alternative.
Answering Your Gluten Free Turkey Burger Recipe Questions
Will this recipe taste just as good as beef burgers?
Know that these turkey burger patties are packed with flavour, and as long as you enjoy turkey and mushrooms, I’d say yes, they can stand up to beef burgers. Obviously there are a lot of difference, and personal preference.
These burgers won’t have the same meaty flavour as a beef burger but, if you’re open to trying new flavours and food experiences, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
Would this burger taste good with Worcestershire sauce?
Honestly, I couldn’t say. This isn’t a sauce that I work with due to the ingredients. Should you want to try it, make sure you have a gluten free Worcestershire sauce to start with. From there, make the recipe as is, then remove a small portion of burger mix and put it into a small bowl. Add a little of the Worcestershire sauce, shape, and cook the burger as a tester and see if you enjoy it before fully committing.
Should I add bread crumbs to this burger for better results?
The great news is that these juicy turkey burgers don’t need gluten free breadcrumbs. This isn’t something I’ve personally tested, but know that I design recipes to avoid additional cost where possible, and filler ingredients that don’t do too much.
A lot of regular burgers call for eggs and breadcrumbs as a way to control binding and moisture. However, I’ve never had an issue like that with the gluten free and allergy friendly recipes I share.
Is this considered a low carb burger?
Yes, this would be considered a low carb burger. It’s also something you could eat if you follow the Keto diet, or Paleo diet as well.
Would this be considered healthy turkey burgers?
It’s important to remember that the word healthy means something different to each person, so it’s going to come down to what it means to you. Personally, I think these burgers are very healthy. There’s the added mushroom for health benefits, and organic ingredients you can pronounce.
Will this burger taste good paired with coconut aminos?
Given the umami and savory flavor of this recipe, I’d say yes, coconut aminos would probably compliment these burgers nicely. This isn’t something I’ve personally tested since one of my kids is allergic to coconut. If you want to mix the coconut aminos into the ground turkey mixture, I’d suggest using no more than a Tablespoon into the meat.
You could also make the recipe as is, then remove a small portion of burger mix and put it into a small bowl. Add a little of the coconut aminos, shape, and cook the burger as a tester and see if you enjoy it before fully committing.
Could I swap the Parmesan for cheddar cheese?
As long as you like the taste of cheddar cheese, yes, you can make that swap. You can use a dairy free cheddar cheese if needed. Either way, the cheese will still need to be shredded.
Can I cook these gluten-free turkey burgers in the air fryer?
I don’t suggest cooking these homemade turkey burgers in the air fryer, and that’s because they’ll be more prone to becoming dry turkey burgers with that cooking method. However, that’s if you stick to the thin smash burger style presented.
If you were to make thick turkey patties (more like a traditional burger) or even roll portions into meatballs, I think it would be OK to cook in the air fryer. Personally, I’d do a test cook and see how it turns out before fully committing.
Just be sure your burgers or meatballs hit the internal temperature of 165f/74c before consuming.
Will the mushrooms taste good cooked in coconut oil?
I wouldn’t suggest coconut oil, only because you may still be able to taste it once you mix the cooked mushrooms into the ground turkey meat. However, if you love the taste of coconut oil, I don’t think you’ll mind.
When I make this gluten free turkey burger recipe, I usually use organic extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil and they turn out great each time.
Could I swap the ground turkey for a lean red meat?
Yes, you can swap the turkey for a lean red meat such as ground beef or ground venison. If you need to skip the oil for dietary needs, be sure to manage your expectations, as its plays an important role in this recipe.
I’ll also add: rotating through proteins is a great way to vary your nutritional intake, as well as create different flavour profiles so you feel like you have lots of options (even though you manage a restricted diet).
Can I use 1 teaspoon garlic powder instead of the chopped garlic?
Yes, you can use garlic powder, or even garlic granules, in place of the chopped garlic. You’ll loose a teeny tiny bit of texture, and I’m sure you won’t notice the difference.
Can I make these burgers with extra lean ground turkey?
Yes, you can make this healthy turkey burger recipe with an extra lean meat. When doing so, really keep an eye on the internal temperature, as you don’t want to overcook the meat. Extra lean ground turkey (and super lean meats in general) can dry out quickly when overcooked.
If you’re using extra lean meat for dietary reasons and need to skip the oil, be sure to adjust your expectations, as the oil plays an important role. If you’re using extra lean meat because it’s all you have access to, use 3 Tablespoons of oil, rather than 2.
