Description
These Mediterranean Turkey Smash Burger Tacos combine lean ground turkey with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, melted feta cheese, and a tangy yogurt feta sauce. Cooked on a skillet for crispy edges and juicy centers, these tacos are topped with fresh vegetables and pickled onions, making a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Turkey Smash Burgers and Tacos
- 1 pound ground turkey (94% lean)
- 6 fajita-sized flour tortillas
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dill weed
- 1 to 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta (plus 2 tablespoons more for topping per burger)
- Pickled onions (for topping)
- Shredded lettuce (for topping)
- Chopped tomatoes (for topping)
- Chopped roasted red peppers (for topping)
Yogurt Feta Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 lemon (juice freshly squeezed and zest freshly grated)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Heat a large nonstick griddle, flattop grill, or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Choose a flat, nonstick surface depending on how many burger tacos you want to cook simultaneously.
- Prepare the Turkey Patties: Divide the ground turkey into six equal portions. Press each portion onto a flour tortilla, flattening it to nearly the edges. Season all over with kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dill weed for a burst of Mediterranean seasoning.
- Cook the Turkey Side: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over the hot nonstick surface. Place the turkey-covered tortilla meat side down on the skillet; it should sizzle. Using a spatula or a small pan, firmly press down to smash the turkey into the pan repeatedly. Cook until the turkey is deeply browned and golden, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Flip and Add Feta: Flip the tortilla so the tortilla side is now down on the skillet. If desired, add a bit more butter to aid browning. Immediately sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta over the turkey. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the tortilla is golden and crisp and the feta cheese is warmed through (it won’t fully melt).
- Top and Serve: Remove the taco from the skillet. While hot, top with chopped tomatoes, roasted red peppers, shredded lettuce, and pickled onions. Drizzle generously with the prepared yogurt feta sauce. Fold the tortilla like a taco and serve immediately.
- Make the Yogurt Feta Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice and zest, fresh dill, crumbled feta, and salt and pepper to taste until combined. Refrigerate up to two days; stir before serving.
Notes
- Use 94% lean ground turkey for the best texture and flavor balance.
- If you prefer gluten-free, substitute the flour tortillas with corn or gluten-free tortillas.
- Pressing the turkey firmly into the pan is key to creating a crispy, caramelized crust.
- Feta cheese doesn’t melt like typical cheese but warms nicely and adds a tangy richness.
- Pickled onions add acidity and crunch, complementing the savory turkey and creamy sauce.
- The yogurt feta sauce can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning and toppings to your taste, making this taco your own.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
