Burger season, made better: A little fat may help you fall in love with turkey burgers

Turkey burgers, ground turkey, Are turkey burgers really healthier?, how to flavor turkey burgers, How to make juicy turkey burgers, cooking burgers, how to cook turkey burgers, Memorial Day, cookout food, grilled burgers, theGrio.com
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Everyone needs a little fat in their lives.

At first blush, that may sound unhealthy, but context is everything, especially when it comes to making healthier choices for our beloved burgers. Think you can’t give up beef this cookout season? It may sound counterintuitive when cutting back, but if you’re trying to get into turkey burgers, it’s best to add a little fat. Fat adds flavor and keeps turkey burgers from drying out.

Though the 80/20 mix remains the standard for ground beef, with just the right amount of meat-to-fat ratio for that juicy hamburger, it can contain as much as 27% fat content. Ground turkey, a versatile ingredient, comes in blends of 93% lean meat and 7% fat, or 85% to 15%. With less saturated fat than beef, it’s a heart-healthy choice for those mindful of their cholesterol levels. (Saturated fats can lead to an increase in LDL, or bad cholesterol.)

At about $4 a pound, ground turkey is also less expensive than its beef counterpart (about $5 a pound), but that lack of fat can translate to lost appeal. First, fat means flavor. There are several scientific reasons for this, but in short, fat carries flavor that tantalizes your taste buds,

When ground turkey cooks — as in the form of a burger — it doesn’t release any of that delicious fat that bathes a beef burger. Instead, the turkey sits on the grill or in the skillet, cooking and drying out in despair.

That said, it’s not a lost cause. Cooks can use several tips to help keep their turkey burgers juicy and flavorful enough to become fast favorites. Some are seriously unexpected — and as cookout season kicks off this holiday weekend, the 10 below might be worth trying when you’re craving a burger.

1. Consider mayo more than a condiment

Turkey burgers, ground turkey, Are turkey burgers really healthier?, how to flavor turkey burgers, How to make juicy turkey burgers, cooking burgers, how to cook turkey burgers, Memorial Day, cookout food, grilled burgers, theGrio.com
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2. Go Greek for a tangier bite

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3. Butter makes it better

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4. Fight the crumble with breadcrumbs

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5. Make ’em steamy

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6. Get saucy

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7. Find a new use for avocado

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8. Sneak in some fiber

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9. Dial up the dips

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10. Veg out with mushrooms and black beans

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