Pineapple Salsa-Infused Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers

Hello, everyone! I'm thrilled to continue my collaboration with Dinogo this year. With the lovely warm weather finally arriving in DC, I wanted to share a Caribbean-inspired dish that brings back memories of our cruise in December and January.

Presenting: Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers with Pineapple Salsa!

I've always had a passion for Caribbean cuisine—it's vibrant and bursting with flavor! Jamaican jerk seasoning is among my favorite flavors. During our cruise, Dinogo treated us to some amazing jerk chicken, reminding me of my love for it! Jerk cooking involves marinating or dry-rubbing meat with a blend known as Jamaican jerk spice. While chicken is a common choice, this seasoning pairs wonderfully with various proteins, even vegetarian options like tofu! Traditional jerk seasoning features two key ingredients: allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers, also referred to as Caribbean red peppers, which are a type of chili pepper indigenous to the Caribbean. The mix usually includes cloves, cinnamon, onion powder, nutmeg, thyme, garlic, and salt, although variations exist.

You can either whip up your own jerk seasoning (check out this Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe) or conveniently purchase it pre-made from most grocery stores.

With the vibrant jerk spice and the refreshing pineapple salsa in this dish, I can almost feel the sand beneath my feet and the gentle rocking of the ship once more. Oh, how I wish to go back!

But until I can enjoy the beach again, I’ll have to make do with the delicious flavors of the islands instead. 🙂

This dish makes for a fantastic weeknight dinner, particularly enjoyed outdoors. Feel free to pair it with some vegetables or a salad for added flair—baked sweet potato fries would complement it perfectly! You can grill or pan-sear the burgers, but I suggest using coconut oil to enhance the tropical flavor even more.

The pineapple salsa is what truly elevates this dish—don’t skip it! I recommend preparing extra so you can use it in another meal later. It would taste amazing combined with brown rice, avocado, and black beans, served over salad greens for a quick vegan lunch!

Here’s the complete recipe. Enjoy your meal!

Pineapple Salsa-Infused Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers

by fANNEtastic food

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients (for 4 burgers)

• 1 and 1/2 cups diced pineapple
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Coconut oil, as needed
• For serving: whole wheat buns, sliced red onion, lettuce, and more.

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the pineapple, bell pepper, red onion, lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the ground turkey with the jerk seasoning until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meat tough. Divide the mixture into four portions and shape into patties. Season with salt and pepper.

3. To grill the burgers, place a sheet of aluminum foil greased with coconut oil over the grill grates to prevent any crumbling. Set the burgers on the foil and cook over high heat until they are golden brown on one side. Flip them over and cook until browned on the other side. Lower the heat to medium, cover the grill, and continue cooking until the meat is completely done and no longer pink inside.

4. For pan-frying the burgers, heat a thin layer of coconut oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the burgers and cook until golden brown on one side. Flip the burgers and brown the other side. Then, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, until the meat is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink.

5. Serve the burgers topped with the salsa on buns if you like. Enjoy your meal!