30-Minute Caribbean Jerk Turkey Burgers

Prep: 15 minCook: 15 min4 servingsmediumCaribbean
Caribbean Jerk Turkey Burgers with Mango Slaw

Bold Caribbean flavors meet classic American comfort in these juicy jerk-spiced turkey burgers topped with refreshing mango slaw and charred vegetables. The tropical mango adds sweetness that balances the heat from traditional jerk seasoning, while grilled bell peppers and green onions provide smoky depth. Perfect for summer barbecues or when you want to bring island vibes to weeknight dinner. The lean turkey stays moist thanks to the flavorful seasoning blend, making this a lighter yet satisfying alternative to beef burgers.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 cup prepared coleslaw
  • ½ cup mango, julienned
    pineapple1:1tropical

    sweet tropical fruit with similar acidity

    Full guide →
  • 2 tsps lime juice
  • 1 pound ground turkey
    ground chicken1:1poultry

    similar lean protein with mild flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 tbsp caribbean jerk seasoning
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, quartered
  • 1 bunch green onions
  • 4 hamburger rolls
    brioche buns1:1bread

    richer option that holds up well to toppings

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix coleslaw, mango and lime juice in small bowl until well blended

  2. 2

    Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve

  3. 3

    Mix ground turkey and jerk seasoning until well blended

  4. 4

    Shape into 4 patties

  5. 5

    Grill over medium heat 4 to 6 minutes per side or until burgers are cooked through

  6. 6

    Grill bell pepper and green onions 2 to 3 minutes or until tender and lightly charred, turning occasionally

  7. 7

    Coarsely chop green onions

  8. 8

    Serve burgers on rolls topped with grilled bell pepper, green onions and mango slaw

Tips

Tip 1

Let the mango slaw sit for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and mango juices to blend with the lime

Tip 2

Make extra jerk seasoning blend to keep on hand for quick weeknight proteins

Tip 3

Toast the burger buns on the grill for added texture and to prevent sogginess from the slaw

Good to Know

Storage

Assembled burgers best eaten immediately. Store cooked patties up to 3 days refrigerated. Mango slaw keeps 2 days covered.

Make Ahead

Make mango slaw up to 4 hours ahead. Form patties up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate covered.

Serve With

Serve immediately while burgers are hot and vegetables are warm from the grill.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overmix the turkey to avoid dense, tough patties

Watch

Don't press down on patties while cooking to avoid squeezing out juices

Watch

Don't skip preheating the grill to avoid sticking and uneven cooking

Substitutions

ground turkey
ground chicken1:1poultry

similar lean protein with mild flavor

Full guide →
mango
pineapple1:1tropical

sweet tropical fruit with similar acidity

Full guide →
hamburger rolls
brioche buns1:1bread

richer option that holds up well to toppings

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these burgers in a pan instead of grilling?

Yes, cook patties in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for the same timing. You can char the vegetables in the same pan after cooking the burgers.

What if I can't find jerk seasoning?

Mix 1 tsp each paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 tsp each thyme, allspice, brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper as a substitute.

How long will the mango slaw keep?

The slaw stays fresh for up to 2 days refrigerated, though it's best within the first day when the mango is at peak texture and flavor.