Spicy Mango Black Bean Turkey Burgers

I have a little confession. One you might not like. Here goes.

I’ve never had a dry turkey burger.

Apparently this is something a lot of people struggle with and I just can’t relate. Never been there, never done that. Sorry.

I hate to brag, but I make a really good turkey burger. Maybe it’s because I don’t treat my turkey burgers like beef burgers, expecting that just a little seasoning is all I need to create a tender, flavorful burger. Maybe it’s because I’ve never really loved the classic summer barbecue rendition, and much prefer “exotic” flavors like peanut, tequila, and brie. Maybe it’s because I don’t know how to do simple (never have), and so I try to cram as much as I can into every juicy bite.Most recently it was mango and black beans. If I had to tell you why that happened, I think it was because there were a good couple weeks months when all my blogging friends were making things with mangos and black beans and I really wanted in on that party. But, I really wanted a turkey burger too. And I find that just about any craving can be rolled up into a turkey burger for maximum taste and ease of delivery.

If you’re still mad at me for my confession, I’m sure you can get over it if you just give these a try. My peace offering to you. Enjoy!

P.S. Remember the roasted mango and habanero salsa? This is another way to use it up, if, say, you want to make Mango-Habanero Glazed Salmon, Tandoori Tacos, and these burgers, all in the same week. I promise, you won’t bored.

P.P.S. We’ve made these both as regular burgers, and mini sliders on lettuce wraps like I showed you with the Thai Peanut Turkey Burger Sliders. Either way is great!

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Spicy Mango Black Bean Turkey Burgers

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

Burgers
1 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed, divided
3 scallions, white and light green parts, roughly chopped
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup cilantro, lightly packed
1/2 cup roasted mango habanero salsa
1 1lb 93% lean ground turkey

Avocado-Yogurt Sauce
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup (2oz) nonfat plain Greek yogurt
juice from 1/2 lime
small handful of cilantro
salt, to taste

Hamburger buns of choice, greens, tomatoes and onions for serving (or, these make great lettuce wraps, just like my Thai Peanut Turkey Burger Sliders.)

Directions:

Combine half of the black beans, the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the remaining black beans, the cilantro, and the mango salsa. Pulse a few more times, just to combine, leaving some of the black beans whole or in small pieces. Transfer to a large bowl and add the ground turkey. Mix thoroughly and divide into six patties.

Preheat a nonstick skillet or grill coated with cooking spray over medium-low heat. Cook the burgers for about 5-7 minutes, and carefully flip. Cook for another 5 minutes or until cooked through. Serve on buns with the avocado-yogurt sauce, greens, tomato and onion.

Alternatively, prepare mini burgers and serve with bibb lettuce to make lettuce wraps.

To make the avocado yogurt-sauce, puree the avocado, yogurt, lime, cilantro, and salt in a blender until smooth.

Nutrition Facts:

Serving Size: 1 burger + sauce (does not include bun or additional toppings)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 239.0
Total Fat 10.0 g
Saturated Fat 2.3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.8 g
Cholesterol 53.3 mg
Sodium 333.4 mg
Potassium 236.4 mg
Total Carbohydrate 20.6 g
Dietary Fiber 6.3 g
Sugars 4.8 g
Protein 20.8 g

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27 Responses to “Spicy Mango Black Bean Turkey Burgers”

  1. 1

    Junia @ Mis Pensamientos — June 15, 2011 @ 3:35 am Reply

    ooo perfect for summertime grilling!! 😀

  2. 2

    beantownbaker — June 15, 2011 @ 11:51 am Reply

    These look great Cara!

  3. 3

    Matt @ The Athlete's Plate — June 15, 2011 @ 12:18 pm Reply

    These look phenomenal!

  4. 4

    d.liff @ yelleBELLYboo — June 15, 2011 @ 1:57 pm Reply

    Your mango habanero salsa is so good, thanks for another excuse to use it! Although this time I'll avoid my urge to make it spicier – it really does only need 1 habanero!!

  5. 5

    Emily — June 15, 2011 @ 2:05 pm Reply

    Mmm this is an excellent way to add flavor and "stretch" your turkey meat further. Definitely trying this!

  6. 6

    Megan — June 15, 2011 @ 3:21 pm Reply

    How could I not like the fact that you have never had a dry turkey burger?? 😉 I personally love turkey burgers, and it took me a while to realize I can do so much with it. And this looks like a wonderful burger! 

  7. 7

    Kelly — June 15, 2011 @ 4:54 pm Reply

    I think that is the biggest mistake people make – assuming that turkey burger is like a beef burger and it just needs a little salt and pepper.  That was always how they made them at my college and they were always so bland.  Conversely, the best one I had included lots of ingredients for flavor and moisture.

  8. 8

    Kaytorade — June 15, 2011 @ 5:09 pm Reply

    I'm not surprised you've never had a dry turkey burger because you're always so much more than just the meat!

  9. 9

    Bree — June 15, 2011 @ 5:40 pm Reply

    These look awesome! I always have either turkey or black bean burgers…not both! Great idea.

  10. 10

    Janet Turley — June 15, 2011 @ 5:51 pm Reply

    These burgers look fantastic! I'm with you, I've never made a dry turkey burger either because I am always packing them full of goodness. 🙂 I am definitely going to make these soon!

  11. 11

    Joanne — June 15, 2011 @ 6:04 pm Reply

    To be honest, I've never had a dry turkey burger either! I think it's cause I've always cooked them on a George Foreman. And because I've never had them plain…you and I are just too alike!  I bet these would make for an awesome mango/black bean burger sans turkey! I'm on it.

  12. 12

    Cara — June 15, 2011 @ 6:06 pm Reply

    I'd love to see some bean burgers on your site! I never know what to bindthem with besides, er, more carbs.

  13. 13

    Cara — June 15, 2011 @ 6:06 pm Reply

    Thanks Janet, I hope you like them!

  14. 14

    Cara — June 15, 2011 @ 6:06 pm Reply

    Thanks! Combining the two is also a great way to stretch the meat out andsave calories AND cost 🙂

  15. 15

    Cara — June 15, 2011 @ 6:07 pm Reply

    yes! adding the beans definitely stretches them out so you save calorie andcost per serving 🙂

  16. 16

    Victoria F — June 15, 2011 @ 6:55 pm Reply

    These sound wonderful, and I will be adding them to my meal plan! Tell me, how do you form the pattys? I always have turkey meat stuck to my fingers.

  17. 17

    Cara — June 15, 2011 @ 6:57 pm Reply

    I'm kind of a geek and like to weigh them out so they're all equal, so I'llweigh into a small bowl and then form into a ball and flatten it out a bit.Sure, some sticks to my hands, but that's what soap is for! You can also trywetting your hands first, that will help. Hope you like these burgers!

  18. 18

    Lizzy — June 16, 2011 @ 2:03 am Reply

    Another gem- I will be making this next week! I just made your thai turkey mini burgers only I added a peanut sauce on top.  It was SO GOOD!  I love that I have you as my cooking mentor.

  19. 19

    branny — June 16, 2011 @ 10:04 am Reply

    I love black beans and mango together.  Looks delicious.

  20. 20

    Carolyn — June 16, 2011 @ 12:45 pm Reply

    Okay, so loving this recipe!  Thre are a lot of blah turkery burgers out there…even if they aren't dry, they don't have a lot of flavour.  But I am pretty certain that can't be said about these!

  21. 21

    Elina (Healthy and Sane) — June 16, 2011 @ 6:08 pm Reply

    I've had the turkey patties that are sold in super markets. I guess they're dry. I never really had a problem with them. Of course it's been years since I've had one because well, now I cook… and just like you, I like to make things more complicated ;)Black bean burgers are my favorite vegetarian burgers. The additional of mango sounds fantastic!

  22. 22

    Joelen — June 17, 2011 @ 2:49 am Reply

    Lucky for you for never having a dry turkey burger! 🙂 These burgers looks amazing and the combination of flavors are something I plan to try soon. You've managed to inspire me to add ground turkey to my upcoming grocery list so I can try this recipe out!

  23. 23

    Joelen — June 17, 2011 @ 8:43 pm Reply

    Lucky for you for never having a dry turkey burger! 🙂 These burgers looks amazing and the combination of flavors are something I plan to try soon. You've managed to inspire me to add ground turkey to my upcoming grocery list so I can try this recipe out!

  24. 24

    Elina (Healthy and Sane) — June 17, 2011 @ 8:43 pm Reply

    I've had the turkey patties that are sold in super markets. I guess they're dry. I never really had a problem with them. Of course it's been years since I've had one because well, now I cook… and just like you, I like to make things more complicated ;)Black bean burgers are my favorite vegetarian burgers. The additional of mango sounds fantastic!

  25. 25

    grace — June 23, 2011 @ 6:41 am Reply

    i feel sorry for those who think all turkey burgers are dry and gross–that's just not the case!  these in particular are fantastic–those black beans really draw me in, and the spiciness keeps me around! 🙂

  26. Pingback: Spicy Black Bean Turkey Burger with Roasted Mango Salsa « heatherscreativeconcoctions

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