-inch-thick patties, handling as gently as possible.Your Basic Turkey Burger
When you are trying to build a better burger, ground turkey is a great place to start because it plays so well with other flavors. Start with the basic version, then have fun with all the variations.
PREP: 10 minutes GRILL: 12 to 14 minutes
MAKES: 4 burgers
1 pound ground turkey (85% lean)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 hamburger buns, toasted
4 lettuce leaves
4 tomato slices
1. Prepare outdoor grill for direct grilling over medium heat, or lightly spray a ridged grill pan with nonstick cooking spray, then heat on medium until hot.
2. In medium bowl, combine ground turkey, salt, and pepper until blended, but do not overmix. On waxed paper, shape mixture into four -inch-thick patties, handling as gently as possible.
3. Place patties on hot grill rack or pan. If grill has widely spaced grates, place burgers on a perforated grill topper to keep them intact. Grill, turning once, until juices run clear when center of burger is pierced with tip of knife, 12 to 14 minutes. (An instant-read meat thermometer inserted horizontally into center should register 170°F.)
4. To serve, place burgers on bottom halves of buns; top with lettuce, tomato, and bun tops.
EACH BURGER: About 325 calories, 27g protein, 22g carbohydrate, 13g total fat (3g saturated), 87mg cholesterol, 625mg sodium
CHEESY CHILE TURKEY BURGERS: Prepare basic turkey burgers as above but in step 1, add 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 ounces), 1 can (4 ounces) drained, chopped mild green chiles, and 1 small seeded and chopped plum tomato to meat mixture. In step 3, in place of lettuce and tomato, top burgers with 
cup mild salsa.
EACH CHEESY CHILE TURKEY BURGER: About 440 calories, 34g protein, 25g carbohydrate, 22g total fat (9g saturated), 112mg cholesterol, 1,045mg sodium
ASIAN BARBECUE TURKEY BURGERS: Prepare basic turkey burgers as above but in step 1, add ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 finely chopped green onions, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon minced, peeled fresh ginger to meat mixture. In step 3, in place of lettuce and tomato, top burgers with ½ cup hoisin sauce.
EACH ASIAN BARBECUE TURKEY BURGER: About 370 calories, 28g protein, 31g carbohydrate, 14g total fat (4g saturated), 87mg cholesterol, 1,375mg sodium