Turkey Zucchini Burgers

or, Embracing  the  21st  Century.

It might seem odd to admit this, being that I’ve been cooking for about 40 years, but I’ve never owned a Kitchen Aid stand mixer.

Why? Well for one thing, I’m more a cook than a baker. For another reason, I have a really old house. My countertop surface area is limited, as well as the vertical space from countertop to the above cupboards. So I haven’t been interested in a giant appliance that would monopolize my kitchen work space.

Well, here we are in 2017. I just received my first Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Artisanal Series. I purchased it at an incredible post-Christmas sale price of $278.00.

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What prompted me to finally give in was that my sister-in-law sent me a Kitchen Aid spiralizer attachment for Christmas. She, of course, assumed I already owned a stand mixer, like most people do.

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I called her to say “thank you” but “no thank you.” But that’s when I got chided into embracing the 21st Century kitchen. I thought long and hard, but finally gave in. So now I own a Kitchen Aid stand mixer, and a spiralizer attachment.

When considering how to christen my spiralizer, I immediately thought of zoodles, which are zucchini noodles. And then I saw this photo online.

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I’d love to give somebody credit, but the photo was on Pinterest with no information associated with it. I just knew I had to test out my new spiralizer in order to make these burgers!

I opened the spiralizer box and it looked like something that an assassin would have. I took a big breath and read the directions.

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Here’s how I created my electric-powered zoodles, in order to make turkey zoodle burgers.

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Turkey  Zoodle  Burgers

1 pound lean ground turkey
2 eggs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped orange bell pepper
Garlic pepper
Salt
Bread crumbs, about 1/2 cup
Zoodles, made from 1 medium zucchini
Olive oil

Place the turkey, eggs, onion, bell pepper, and seasonings in a medium bowl. Stir until combined.

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Stir in the bread crumbs. Use enough to stiffen the burger mixture but not so much as to dry it up.

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Chill the burger mixture in the refrigerator and proceed with the zoodles.

To make the raw zoodles for these burgers I used the extra-fine spiralizer blade. The spiralizer plus the two other parts were easy to put together. Relief!

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Simply turn on the mixer and watch the noodles form!

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I placed the zoodles on paper towels to release some of their water for about 45 minutes.

When you’re ready to make the burgers, remove the burger mixture from the refrigerator.

Place the zoodles on a jelly-roll pan drizzled with olive oil.

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Using some of the oil on your hands, form four even-sized burgers. Then press them gently into the zoodles on both sides.

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Pour some olive oil in a flat skillet over high heat. Add the burgers and cook them for about 4-5 minutes.

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Turn them over gently and reduce the heat to medium. Continue to lower the heat as you cook the burgers through, without having to flip them over any more. Total time varies on the burger thickness; you can always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness.

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I served these burgers with a mayonnaise mixed with some paprika creme. It was a wonderful combination.

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You could also make a Sriracha mayonnaise, or use Dijonnaise as a condiment.

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I wasn’t tempted in the least to wrap burger buns around these burgers. They are just too tender, delicious, and pretty as is!

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So, first off, I learned that with half a brain one can easily use the spiralizer attachment on a Kitchen Aid stand mixer. And now I’m intrigued and excited about other attachments….

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The burgers came out great, by the way.

By Published On: February 17th, 201748 Comments on Turkey Zucchini Burgers

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

48 Comments

  1. Cocoa & Lavender February 17, 2017 at 7:22 AM - Reply

    Welcome to the 21st century, Mimi! I got my first mixer just after the new millennium, so I wasn’t too far ahead of you! I use it much more than I ever thought I would. However, I do not have the spiralizer attachment. Do I need it? I do have the meat grinder, which I love! Your turkey zoodle burgers look wonderful.

    • chef mimi February 17, 2017 at 10:19 AM - Reply

      Good to know about the meat grinder attachment, and how much you use the mixer. The spiralizer thing is iffy. It’s more of a fun thing I think. Especially if you own a mandoline or food processor for the slicing.

  2. Linda Duffin February 17, 2017 at 7:26 AM - Reply

    I absolutely love the idea of you as an assassin. Am now picturing you cooking zoodle burgers dressed in head-to-foot black with a gimlet look in your eye and armed with a filleting knife. :D

    • chef mimi February 17, 2017 at 10:21 AM - Reply

      Ha! Fortunately it wasn’t challenging at all. I’ve gotten really lazy when it comes to that kind of thing. Takes me forever to put my meat grinder together!!!

      • Linda Duffin February 17, 2017 at 11:05 AM

        Me too, and I always get the blade the wrong way round. Still, it gives my husband the opportunity to be slightly superior. :)

      • chef mimi February 17, 2017 at 7:20 PM

        Well, every few months or so it’s fine for them to feel superior for a little bit…

  3. chezlerevefrancais February 17, 2017 at 7:54 AM - Reply

    These look beautiful Mimi. My spiralizer came free with the mixture so I know it’s great fun, even if you are armed and dangerous!

    • chef mimi February 17, 2017 at 8:42 AM - Reply

      Nice. I’m excited for what the future holds…

  4. love in the kitchen February 17, 2017 at 8:13 AM - Reply

    I don’t have a stand mixer either Mimi and I LOVE baking. But, ditto on the no room situation. Sometimes my eldest daughter and I share appliances. She currently has my waffle iron and other things go back and forth too. I want her to get a spiralizer so that I can use it!
    WOW that assassin’s toolkit is daunting. But you did it and the result looks fantastic.

    • chef mimi February 17, 2017 at 8:42 AM - Reply

      It was way easier than I thought it might be. I was a bit behind getting a smart phone, too…

  5. apuginthekitchen February 17, 2017 at 8:17 AM - Reply

    Congratulations Mimi. I love my Kitchen Aid and you will have so much fun with yours. I want one that tilts back mine doesn’t. I also love the different attachments especially the spiralizer. Have fun!!

    • chef mimi February 17, 2017 at 8:41 AM - Reply

      That is an important feature I think. This is a fun new venture for me!

  6. Debbie Spivey February 17, 2017 at 8:23 AM - Reply

    Congratulations! I’ve had my KitchenAid stand mixer for many years now. I love it and every attachment I have purchased works beautifully. I’m going to have to purchase that spiralizer, though… Love how you turned zucchini into a garnish! Awesome!

    • chef mimi February 17, 2017 at 8:40 AM - Reply

      That’s good to hear! I’m excited!

  7. Gerlinde @ Sunnycovechef February 17, 2017 at 9:02 AM - Reply

    Welcome to the 21st century Mimi and congratulations. I’ve had my KitchenAid stand up mixer forever. However, I have no attachments, the spiralizer looks great. I also have a smallish kitchen. Some of my extra appliances end up in the garage . Have fun with your new toy.

    • chef mimi February 17, 2017 at 9:21 AM - Reply

      Most all of my kitchen stuff is in the basement, so I understand.

  8. Nadia February 17, 2017 at 9:04 AM - Reply

    I am beginning to think I must be one of the last cooks on the planet without a spiralizer!

  9. emmabarrett1508 February 17, 2017 at 10:26 AM - Reply

    What a fantastic recipe for toddlers. I am going to make mini versions of these burgers for Alice. I haven’t got a spiralizer yet but my sister has convinced me because my nephew who is three loves the healthy noodles it makes. How is your granddaughter? Emma xx

    • chef mimi February 17, 2017 at 10:29 AM - Reply

      She’s a nut! She and I actually shared one of these burgers.

  10. the drunken cyclist February 17, 2017 at 10:50 AM - Reply

    21st Century? Those were around last century as well, I believe… ;-) Now I am going to have to run out and get the spiralizer!

    • chef mimi February 17, 2017 at 2:13 PM - Reply

      I know! You should see my cell phone!!!

  11. anotherfoodieblogger February 17, 2017 at 6:50 PM - Reply

    I have yet to embrace the 21st century myself, but I abhor baking for the most part. I think if I want to make zoodles I’ll buy a spiralizer, which I’ve been threatening to do for at least two years now. But I did break down last week and bought an immersion blender stick! The zoodle turkey burgers look fantastic, and a perfect way to break in your new Kitchen Aid stand mixer. :)

    • chef mimi February 17, 2017 at 7:20 PM - Reply

      I Love my immersion blender. Sometimes it’s just really handy, more handy than a blender! The spiralizer is a gimmick, but it’s a fun gimmick!

  12. Liz @ spades, spatulas, and spoons February 17, 2017 at 11:16 PM - Reply

    Today the spiralizer, tomorrow sous vide! The burgers sound delicious and healthy as well. The spiralizer attachment looks like it belongs on a contractor belt.

    • chef mimi February 18, 2017 at 7:50 AM - Reply

      Yes, it does!!! I have actually had a sous vide Demi for a few years. I asked Santa for one for a long time until he finally believed I would use it.

  13. bitsandbreadcrumbs February 18, 2017 at 10:19 AM - Reply

    I know what you mean about the various parts looking like something an assassin would have. I have a fancy spiralizer (freestanding) that I got a year ago and it intimidates me so much, I haven’t taken it out of the box yet! I do also have a stand mixer that I got for Christmas about 10 years ago and it sits covered on the counter top in a crowded corner for the most part unless I am baking a cake…my kitchen is tiny and I have to dig out the heavy thing to use it, but it’s good to know it’s there when I need it. Your burgers look so tasty and pretty!

    • chef mimi February 18, 2017 at 12:26 PM - Reply

      Thank you! I’ve certainly gone a long time without a giant stand mixer, so we’ll see. Some things are so redundant, but it’s still fun to have gadgets!

  14. Vinny Grette February 18, 2017 at 5:42 PM - Reply

    I don’t own a stand mixer either, and for the same reasons. I was never much of a baker, enjoying cooking more. After seeing this recipe I’m feeling a little left out! Maybe next year…

    • chef mimi February 18, 2017 at 7:04 PM - Reply

      Nah, you can just buy a simple spiralizer. YOur kiddos would enjoy the spirals!

  15. Melissa Gillan February 18, 2017 at 7:42 PM - Reply

    Those burgers look like a work of art! Just think of the creative possibilities, as well as eating and blogging, that will open up to you now! Such a fun new toy; enjoy!!

  16. Lisa @ cheergerm February 19, 2017 at 5:14 AM - Reply

    They do look deadly, welcome to the world of the Kitchen Aid, my mixer is now 16 years or so old and has had one service and is still hanging in there.

    • chef mimi February 19, 2017 at 8:22 PM - Reply

      Wow. Wel you were ahead of your time!!!

  17. eliotthecat February 19, 2017 at 11:38 AM - Reply

    I’ve had mine going on 23 years and I am ruing the day it quits working….Those gadgets!!!!!! I might just trade my old model in for a new one just because of that spiral cutter!

  18. dishinwithdidi February 20, 2017 at 5:01 AM - Reply

    Welcome to the 21st century! ♥ These burgers look divine Mimi, I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for us!

  19. Elena Bourke February 20, 2017 at 9:27 AM - Reply

    All your photos are beautiful and they encourage me to make these! Congratulations on your new mixer. It’s a lovely thing to just keep adding ingredients into the bowl as the beaters do their job. :) Have fun!

    Elena

    • chef mimi February 20, 2017 at 12:00 PM - Reply

      Thanks Elena! I guess I’ll have to bake a cake soon!

  20. Liz @ spades, spatulas, and spoons February 20, 2017 at 11:11 AM - Reply

    Those attachments look like they belong in a torture chamber! But the resulting burgers sound and look delicious.

  21. kmroehl February 20, 2017 at 11:47 AM - Reply

    Welcome to the wonder that is owning a stand mixer! And holy cow, the attachments on that spiralizer! I love this post :).

  22. sippitysup February 20, 2017 at 5:44 PM - Reply

    Your zoodles are oodles of fun, sorry I couldn’t resist. Speaking of resisting, I, like you resisted a stand mixer forEVER! Then I remodeled my kitchen and designed a dedicated space for one. Now I love it. GREG

  23. A Cookbook Collection March 14, 2017 at 10:01 AM - Reply

    I think I must be the only person left on the planet who doesn’t own a spiralizer of some sort! I do have a kitchen aid mixer though and I love it. I’m not big into baking either but I love it for making pizza dough. I’m too lazy to knead :-)

    • chef mimi March 14, 2017 at 11:56 AM - Reply

      I love kneading! But I’m old and a traditionalist, I guess! I did order a pasta roller and cutter, though….

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