Chef John’s Turkey Burger

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 1/2 tablespoons plain bread crumbs
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon chile paste
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, almonds, chili paste, garlic, ginger, salt, garam masala, lemon juice, yogurt, and cilantro; mix thoroughly with a spatula or clean hands.

Shape ground turkey mixture into a ball and divide in 4 even pieces; refrigerate for 1 hour. Form each piece into a patty with damp hands.

Preheat grill to medium heat and refrigerate turkey burger patties until the grill is hot. Grill turkey burgers until patty appears to be cooked about half way up the side and then flip, grilling each side for about 4 to 5 minutes. Burger is done when surface is cracked and juices start to rise to the top.