Zucchini Turkey Burgers with Spicy Harissa Mayonnaise and Feta Recipe
These Zucchini Turkey Burgers are a flavorful, healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. Blended with shredded zucchini and seasoned with shawarma spices, these juicy patties are pan-fried to perfection and complemented by a spicy harissa mayonnaise, fresh cucumber slices, tangy pickled onions, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal served on a bun or wrapped in lettuce leaves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (5 burgers)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 1 ½ Tablespoons shawarma seasoning
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 small)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup avocado oil, for pan frying
For the Spicy Mayonnaise
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon harissa, sriracha, or another type of spicy condiment
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of sea salt
To Serve
- Buns (or lettuce leaves for wraps)
- Feta cheese (preferably a block of feta)
- Cucumber slices
- Pickled Red Onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, shawarma seasoning, and onion powder with the ground turkey. Gently mix with your hands, taking care not to overwork the meat to avoid a tough, mealy texture.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 5 evenly sized patties, ensuring they are compact but not overly dense for tender results after cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook, flipping once or twice, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and juices run clear. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Make Spicy Mayonnaise: While the patties cook, whisk together the mayonnaise, harissa (or preferred spicy condiment), lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. Adjust the heat by adding more harissa or mayonnaise to your taste.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the buns lightly if desired. Spread a generous layer of the spicy mayonnaise on the bottom bun, then top with a cooked patty. Add feta cheese, cucumber slices, and pickled red onions before placing the top bun. Alternatively, wrap the patties and toppings in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Notes
- To prevent watery burgers, squeeze excess moisture from the shredded zucchini before mixing.
- The patties can also be grilled instead of pan-fried for a smoky flavor.
- Use chicken breast or thigh meat as alternatives to ground turkey depending on preference.
- Pickled red onions can be purchased pre-made or prepared ahead of time by soaking thinly sliced red onions in vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Adjust the spice level in the mayonnaise according to your taste buds.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 160°F to guarantee safety while keeping them juicy.
