These Curry Turkey Burgers with Grilled Pineapple truly give your standard all-beef burger a run for its money. We go with our homemade Jamaican Curry Powder, but homemade East Indian Curry Powder is wonderful, too. The dill yogurt sauce and the grilled pineapple come together to make one of the most flavorful burgers we’ve ever had or served. It’s really that good!
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🍯 The Ingredients
These burgers combine a vibrant mix of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors — warm spices, fresh herbs, and a touch of brightness that perfectly balance the juicy turkey and smoky grilled pineapple. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.
📝 Ingredients Notes and Variations
- Ground Turkey: Use 93% lean for the best balance of juiciness and texture. Leaner turkey (99%) can dry out, so if that’s what you have, add a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of milk to keep the patties moist.
- Jamaican Curry Powder: This is what gives the burgers their signature warmth and golden color. Every brand varies — some are spicier, others more earthy — so adjust to taste. For a milder option, use half curry powder and half garam masala or yellow curry powder. Homemade Jamaican curry powder is easy and has the best flavor.
- Ginger & Scallions: Fresh ginger adds brightness and depth, while scallions give a subtle onion flavor. If you don’t have fresh ginger, substitute ½ teaspoon ground ginger.
- Soy Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce: These add savory umami flavor and help balance the sweetness of the pineapple. Tamari or coconut aminos work as gluten-free alternatives.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness enhances the curry and complements the grilled pineapple. Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used instead.
- Greek Yogurt Sauce: Full-fat Greek yogurt makes the sauce rich and creamy, but low-fat works too. Add a pinch of cayenne or curry powder for a spiced-up version.
- Buns & Toppings: Buttered brioche buns add a soft, slightly sweet base — but whole wheat or gluten-free buns work well too. The grilled pineapple and crisp lettuce bring freshness and balance to the bold flavors.
See the recipe card (with video) below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Expert Tip
The Jamaican curry powder can be made weeks in advance and kept in a container with a tight-fitting lid. You can find Jamaican powder online. Just reduce the amount of salt in the meat mixture, because many brands include salt, whereas our homemade version does not. Of course, high-quality purchased curry powder will work in this recipe, as well. If making the curry powder from scratch, start a day or two before making the burgers.
🔥 Tips and Tricks for Perfect Curry Turkey Burgers
- Keep the turkey cold: Cold meat holds its shape better and sears nicely on the grill or pan. If the mixture feels too soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes before forming patties.
- Don’t overmix the meat: Gently combine the ingredients just until blended. Overmixing can make the burgers dense instead of tender and juicy.
- Oil the grill or pan well: Turkey is lean and can stick easily. Brush the grates (or your skillet) with oil before cooking for an even sear and easy flipping.
- Use a light touch when flipping: Let the patties cook undisturbed for a few minutes to form a crust before turning. This helps them stay intact and adds great texture.
- Grill the pineapple just until caramelized: A quick sear brings out its natural sugars and adds a smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced turkey.
- Toast the buns: Buttered and toasted brioche buns add flavor and keep the bread from getting soggy once the sauce and pineapple are added.
- Balance the flavors: The Dill Yogurt Dressing adds coolness and tang — don’t skip it! It’s what ties the curry spice and sweet pineapple together.
👩🏼🍳 How To Make Curry Turkey Burgers
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with scallions, ginger, honey, curry powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Form the turkey mixture into four patties.
- Step 3: Mix all of the dill yogurt sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Step 4: Place the turkey patties on an oil grill and baste with the soy and Worcestershire sauce mixture.
- Step 5: Once the turkey burgers are almost completely cooked, gently add the pineapple slices to the grill. Grill for about 1 minute and gently flip.
- Step 6: Toast the buns and then add a layer of the yogurt sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, cooked burger, grilled pineapple slice, and top with the toasted bun top.
🍍 How To Cut a Fresh Pineapple
- Cutting a fresh pineapple into rings is actually a lot easier than you might think.
- Simply turn the pineapple on its side, and use a large, sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the fruit.
- Use your knife to gradually cut away the prickly skin. Do this slowly and steadily. It usually takes a couple of trips around the upright pineapple to remove all of the little prickly spots.
- Now, simply (and carefully), begin cutting the pineapple into slices, about ¼-inch thick. Use a paring knife or a small cookie cutter to remove the core from each slice.
🍟 How to Serve
Serve with Crosshatch Sweet Potato Fries:
- These crispy, caramelized fries highlight the sweet and spicy flavors of the burger.
- Pair them with extra Dill Yogurt Dressing or Cajun Remoulade.
Add a classic side:
- Try tangy cabbage slaw, slow-cooker Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob, or a crisp cucumber salad for freshness.
- For something heartier, serve with seasoned potato wedges or watermelon and spinach salad.
Include a refreshing drink:
- Sparkling lime water, ginger beer, or a light tropical cocktail complement the island-inspired flavors perfectly.
For a fun presentation:
- Create a build-your-own burger bar with extra toppings like pineapple slices, fresh herbs, and assorted sauces.
- It’s a great way to serve a crowd and let everyone customize their burger.
🙋🏽♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can form the patties up to a day in advance and refrigerate them, covered. The Dill Yogurt Dressing can also be made ahead — just stir before serving.
Use Jamaican curry powder for its warm, earthy flavor and golden color. If using a store-bought blend, reduce the salt in the burger mixture since many brands already contain it.
Absolutely. Use a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make sure the mixture is well-chilled before forming patties, and avoid overmixing. Let the burgers cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping to help them hold together.
Fresh pineapple is best for grilling, but canned rings work in a pinch. Just pat them dry before grilling to prevent excess moisture.
They’re mildly spiced — the Jamaican curry adds warmth without too much heat. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the burger mixture.
Ready to make the juiciest and most delicious turkey burger in town? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Curry Turkey Burgers with Grilled Pineapple
Video
Equipment
- Gas or charcoal grill
Ingredients
For the Curry Turkey Burgers
- 1½ lbs ground turkey 93% lean
- ¼ cup scallions finely chopped, about 3 scallions
- 1 tablespoon ginger fresh, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican curry powder Or regular curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ground
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce optional
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional
For the Dill Yogurt Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt plain, preferably whole milk
- 1 tablespoon dill fresh, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 1 clove garlic pressed, or minced
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
For the Serving Burgers
- 1 pineapple fresh – cut into slices, or canned – drained
- 4 brioche buns
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter optional
- green leaf lettuce cut into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
Prep the Burgers
- In a large glass bowl, mix together the turkey, scallions, ginger, honey, curry powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and ingredients are evenly distributed.1½ lbs ground turkey, ¼ cup scallions, 1 tablespoon ginger, ¼ cup honey, 1 tablespoon Jamaican curry powder, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Form into 4 patties. Cover and place in the fridge while you make the dill yogurt sauce, or let them stay in the fridge for 2 to 12 hours.
- Before grilling, add the soy and Worcestershire sauces together in a small bowl. Set aside.2 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Put Together the Dill Yogurt Sauce
- Add all of the yogurt sauce ingredients into a small bowl and mix together with a whisk or fork. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve the burgers.½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon dill, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt, 1 pinch black pepper
Grilling And Serving
- Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
- If desired, butter the buns, and bring them out to the grill.
- Spray the grate of the grill with cooking spray. Place the turkey patties on the grill over direct heat. Brush the soy/Worcestershire mixture over the tops of the patties. Cook for 7 minutes and then use a spatula to carefully flip them. Brush again with the soy/Worcestershire mixture.
- After flipping the burgers, place the pineapple slices on the grill over direct heat. Carefully flip the pineapple slices after about 3½ minutes. After a total of 7 to 8 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through (160 to 165°F), remove them from the grill along with the pineapple slices1 pineapple
- Place the buns, cut-side down, on the grill. Keep an eye on them, brioche buns don't take long to get browned and toasty. Usually only a couple of minutes at the most.4 brioche buns, 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Build the burgers by smearing a tablespoon of the dill yogurt onto the toasted bottom bun. Add a piece of the green leaf lettuce, and then the burger, and then a grilled pineapple slice on top. Add the top bun and serve at once.green leaf lettuce
Luke says
My family loved these burgers. So flavorful and the young kiddos who usually just eat a hot dog couldn’t get enough.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Luke! So sorry for the delayed response! We are THRILLED that you made the curry turkey burgers and even more thrilled that the kiddos loved them, too! Major WIN!! Thank you so much for sharing and for the GREAT review. That means the world to us! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Cj says
How key is the honey? My husband is pre-diabetic and not allowed to have it.
Kris Longwell says
Hi there! We would recommend going with Agave nectar. We have used that in place of honey numerous times. Instead of 2 tsps, reduce the amount to 1 tsp, and you should be good! The hint of sweetness (without the sugar) plays well against the warmth of the curry. Let us know if you try the burgers and what you think!! Best, Kris & Wesley