The Seasoning Mistake That's Ruining Your Ground Turkey

Out of all the ground meats you might see at the supermarket, ground turkey is an ultra-lean option. Since this poultry contains less fat than beef or pork, you may need to work a bit harder to ensure that it turns out flavorful. One crucial tip is to use additional spices beyond the usual salt and pepper, and be generous with the amounts.

Whether you're making turkey burgers with fresh mushrooms, turkey meatloaf, or ground turkey tacos, mix your raw turkey with salt and pepper at the very least before cooking it. Without these additions, the taste might be more bland or mild than expected, so give your turkey an initial jolt of flavor from the start. Better yet, use a combination of garlic and onion powder, or even an Italian seasoning blend that includes herbs like basil and oregano. 

For meals that can handle bolder flavors, like burgers, chili, or tacos, use chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. To determine if any seasoning adjustments are necessary, always taste your cooked turkey before serving or proceeding with your recipe. An easy way check the flavor of burgers or meatloaf is to pre-cook a small scoop of the meat mixture in a pan over your stove. 

Before you even get to seasoning, avoid flavorless and dry ground turkey from the grocery store and select meat with a higher fat content. Choose a ground turkey mix that has both light and dark meat. The additional fat adds both moisture and extra flavor. If you opt for a leaner mix, add a tablespoon or two of butter for an extra rich taste. Next to butter, there are other ingredients you can use to make sure your turkey tastes delicious.

If you're cooking your meat over the stove, start by simmering some aromatics in butter or olive oil. Saute minced garlic, scallions, or onions over medium heat and then add in the turkey and seasonings. Come mealtime, if your meat is properly seasoned yet tastes unsatisfying, you might have made the simple mistake that's ruining your ground turkey: overcooking it.

If you're not keen on butter in any way, there are more tricks for adding moisture to the meat. Keep your meat soft and juicy by pouring some chicken or vegetable stock into your dish. For meatloaf and meatballs, consider adding an egg, or mix ground turkey with a panade, or milk-soaked bread crumbs. This mixture adds both tenderness and juiciness to your ground turkey creations.