Ground turkey is a lean and versatile meat that can be used in many dishes. However, some people are unsure about whether or not to season ground turkey before cooking. There are good reasons to season ground turkey, and doing so can enhance the flavor and texture of your dishes. In this article, we’ll look at why you should season ground turkey, when to season it, and tips for the best way to season it.
Should You Season Ground Turkey?
Yes, you should absolutely season ground turkey before cooking. Here’s why:
It’s flavorless on its own
Ground turkey has a very mild flavor on its own. If you cook it plain, you’ll likely find the dish to be bland and uninteresting. Adding seasoning is key to making ground turkey taste great. The seasoning will give it the boost of flavor it needs.
It can easily dry out
Ground turkey is a lean meat, meaning it doesn’t have much fat. Without fat, ground turkey can easily become dry as it cooks. Properly seasoning ground turkey helps keep it moist and tender. The salt in the seasoning helps retain moisture, while spices add back some of the flavor that the fat would normally provide.
It takes on the flavor of what you season it with
While ground turkey doesn’t have much flavor on its own, it excels at absorbing other flavors. No matter what seasonings and spices you add to ground turkey, they will come through and provide tons of flavor. You can customize ground turkey to match any cuisine.
It improves texture
In addition to boosting moisture, seasoning also improves the texture of ground turkey. Salt helps the proteins in the meat retain water, creating a juicier, more tender texture. Spices and herbs add complexity.
When to Season Ground Turkey
For the best results, you’ll want to season ground turkey at two key points:
Before mixing/forming patties
If making patties or meatballs, it’s important to season the meat before mixing and forming patties or meatballs. This evenly distributes the seasoning throughout the meat. Follow these steps:
- Place ground turkey in a mixing bowl
- Add desired seasonings like salt, pepper, herbs, spices, etc.
- Mix together well, until seasonings are evenly distributed
- Form patties or meatballs
Seasoning at this stage flavors the entire patty or meatball, not just the outside. It also helps the patties hold together better when cooked.
Right before cooking
You’ll also want to season the turkey right before placing it in the pan or on the grill. This adds another layer of flavor and ensures the outside gets nicely browned and crisp. Just before cooking, sprinkle a bit more salt, pepper, and any other seasonings over the formed patties or on the ground turkey crumbles.
Seasoning twice is the best way to flavor ground turkey fully.
Tips for Seasoning Ground Turkey
Here are some tips to season ground turkey perfectly every time:
Go beyond just salt and pepper
While salt and pepper are a must, don’t stop there. Ground turkey can handle all kinds of herbs, spices, savory seasonings, etc. Get creative! Some good options include:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Sage
Match the seasonings to the dish you are making, whether a taco meat, meatballs, or turkey burgers.
Use an acid
An acid like lemon juice or vinegar brightens up ground turkey and enhances browning. Stir in a teaspoon or two when mixing the ground turkey and seasonings.
Don’t overdo the salt
It’s easy to over-salt ground turkey, so use a light hand. Start with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/4 teaspoon table salt per pound of meat. Taste and add more salt as needed after cooking.
For burgers, bind with egg
When making turkey burgers, binding the meat with an egg helps hold the patties together and keeps them moist. Just beat 1 egg per pound of ground turkey and mix it in.
Pan sear before simmering
If making a dish like turkey chili or sloppy joes with crumbles, pan sear the seasoned ground turkey first. This adds nice browning and texture before simmering it in the sauce.
Blot away excess moisture
Ground turkey releases liquid as it cooks. To prevent steaming instead of browning, blot turkey crumbles with a paper towel before cooking. This removes excess moisture for better browning.
Seasoning Recommendations
Here are some specific seasoning mixes that work great with different ground turkey dishes:
Turkey Burgers:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taco Meat:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Meatballs:
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to adjust these seasonings to suit your tastes – add more or different herbs and spices until you love the flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about seasoning ground turkey:
Should I rinse ground turkey before seasoning and cooking it?
No, do not rinse or wash ground turkey before cooking. This can actually spread bacteria instead of removing it. Season and cook it as is.
Can I cook ground turkey from frozen?
You can cook frozen ground turkey without thawing first. Just increase the cook time by 50%. Make sure to season it well before cooking.
What’s the best oil for cooking ground turkey?
An oil with a high smoke point like avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil works best. Olive oil can also be used.
What temperature should I cook ground turkey to?
Cook ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat.
How long does ground turkey last in the fridge?
Raw ground turkey lasts 1-2 days in the fridge. Cooked ground turkey lasts 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze for longer storage.
5 Simple Seasoned Ground Turkey Recipes
To get you started, here are 5 fantastic recipes using seasoned ground turkey:
Greek Turkey Burgers
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together all ingredients until well combined.
- Form into 4 patties.
- Cook burgers on the stove or grill to 165°F internal temperature.
- Serve on buns with desired toppings.
Taco Turkey Lettuce Wraps
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 lettuce leaves
- Toppings like cheese, salsa, etc.
Directions:
- In a pan over medium heat, cook ground turkey in oil for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning and 2-3 tbsp water. Cook 2 more minutes.
- Scoop turkey into lettuce leaves and add desired toppings.
Turkey Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp each salt, pepper, paprika
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until just combined.
- Form into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Turkey-Stuffed Peppers
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 bell peppers, tops removed and seeded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground turkey, onion, and garlic 5-7 minutes until turkey is browned. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, stuff each pepper with turkey mixture, rice, and mozzarella. Bake 20 minutes until peppers are tender.
Zucchini Turkey Boats
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 zucchini, halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the insides of the zucchini, leaving about 1/4 inch thickness.
- In a skillet, cook ground turkey and garlic until browned, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- In a bowl, mix ground turkey, tomato sauce, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
- Divide mixture between zucchini halves. Bake 20 minutes until zucchini is tender.
Conclusion
Seasoning is absolutely vital when cooking with ground turkey. Take the time to add plenty of spices, herbs, and other seasonings to boost the flavor and texture of your ground turkey dishes. The meat will take on the delicious flavors of whatever you add to it. Season twice – once before forming patties or cooking the meat, and again just before putting it in the pan. With the right seasonings, you can transform mild ground turkey into incredibly delicious meals your whole family will love. Give ground turkey a flavor makeover with seasoning!