America's Test Kitchen Season 13 Episode 23 Ultimate Grilled Turkey Burgers

In season 13 episode 23 of America's Test Kitchen, titled "Ultimate Grilled Turkey Burgers," the chefs set out to perfect the recipe for a juicy and flavorful turkey burger that can stand up to its beef counterpart. The episode begins with the chefs explaining why turkey burgers often turn out dry and flavorless, citing issues with the lean meat and tricky cooking methods. But with their tested techniques and unique ingredients, they promise to create the ultimate turkey burger that will satisfy any burger lover.

The chefs start by choosing the right blend of ground turkey, combining both dark and light meat to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. They also add a unique ingredient to the mix: pancetta. This Italian cured meat adds a rich, smoky flavor to the burger and helps keep it moist during grilling. Additionally, the chefs experiment with various binders, such as bread crumbs and egg yolks, to keep the burger together without adding too much bulk.

After creating the perfect burger mix, the chefs move on to the grilling process. One of the biggest challenges with turkey burgers is ensuring they are fully cooked without drying out. To combat this, the chefs recommend using a two-zone grill setup, where the burgers are seared over direct heat and then moved to indirect heat to finish cooking through. They also suggest covering the grill with a lid to create a "grill oven" effect, trapping in the heat and moisture.

While the burgers are sizzling on the grill, the chefs prepare a variety of toppings and sauces to complement the turkey flavor. They demonstrate how to make a tangy and sweet cranberry mayo, a crisp and refreshing cucumber-pickle relish, and a smoky and spicy chipotle ketchup. These sauces not only enhance the burger's taste but also add a burst of color and texture.

In addition to the turkey burger recipe, the episode also features a segment on making homemade potato chips. The chefs explain the best type of potato to use, how to thinly slice them, and the proper temperature to fry them in order to achieve the perfect crunch. They also offer creative seasoning ideas such as garlic-herb and curry powder.

Throughout the episode, the chefs provide helpful tips and informative commentary on the ingredients and cooking techniques, making it easy for viewers to follow along and replicate the recipes at home. By the end of the episode, they have successfully created the ultimate grilled turkey burger, packed with flavor and juicy goodness.

Overall, "Ultimate Grilled Turkey Burgers" is a must-watch for anyone looking to elevate their burger game and explore new flavor combinations. The chefs' tested techniques and creative ingredients make for a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for any backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner.