Thai Turkey Burgers

x 1

Lean turkey patties infused with lemongrass, ginger, lime zest and herbs. Serve with crunchy Asian slaw, cucumber ribbons and spicy aioli.

Burgers can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated; freeze up to 3 months. To keep patties moist, refrigerate before grilling. For grill use, chill patties and oil grill grates well.

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

45 min

Servings

4

grill
skillet
air fryer
mixing bowl
vegetable peeler
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
Burger
Sandwich
Main Dish
Quick
Spicy
Grilling
Dinner
Lunch
Low Carb
Healthy
Meat
Asian
Meal Prep
Freezer

Turkey Burgers

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey see notes
  • 3 tablespoons shallot very finely diced (or sub red onion)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated or finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced (or 1 teaspoon granulated garlic)
  • 1 tablespoon lemongrass finely chopped or use lemongrass paste
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro or Thai basil chopped
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest adds lime flavor without liquid
  • 1 scallion chopped
  • 1/2-1 jalapeño seeded, finely chopped (or sub 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes)
  • 1 teaspoon salt or substitute 1 tablespoon fish sauce (see notes)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper or sub black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil adds richness and helps keep patties moist

Preparation

  1. Combine all turkey burger ingredients in a medium bowl and break apart the ground turkey with a fork.
  2. Using a wet hand, knead until mixed well; the mixture will feel tender.
  3. With damp hands shape into 3 to 4 burgers, compressing and tidying edges.
  4. Place patties on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate until ready to cook.
  5. Grill on a well-greased preheated grill over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through to 160 F.
  6. Alternatively pan-sear in 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or air fry at 370 F for 9 to 12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160 F.
  7. Keep patties warm until assembling.

Crunchy Asian Slaw

Ingredients

  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 scallion thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice or rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. Toss slaw ingredients together in a medium bowl. You can make the slaw up to a day ahead.

Spicy Aioli

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or vegan mayo or tartar sauce
  • 1-2 tablespoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce

Preparation

  1. Mix aioli ingredients together in a small bowl. Can be made up to 3 days ahead.

Assembly and Serving

Ingredients

  • toasted buns optional; use sourdough buns or gluten-free buns
  • cucumber ribbons optional; make with a vegetable peeler
  • pickled red onions optional

Preparation

  1. Toast or grill buns and spread sriracha aioli on the bottom bun.
  2. Place patty on bottom bun, top with slaw and cucumber ribbons if using, add more aioli, then place top bun.
  3. Serve with sweet potato fries, dressed greens, or in a lettuce wrap as desired.