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Thai-Style Turkey Burgers.

Flavorful turkey burgers with a tangy-sweet Thai-inspired sauce and crunchy slaw.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound 94% lean ground turkey
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 whole wheat buns toasted
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup lite canned coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves pressed or finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated (about a teaspoon-sized knob)
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 cups napa cabbage chopped (for slaw)
  • 3/4 cup shredded carrots (for slaw)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped (for slaw)
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (for slaw)

Instructions

  • Make the Thai sauce by whisking together sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, coconut milk, brown sugar, pressed garlic, peanut butter, grated ginger, lime juice, and soy sauce until fairly smooth.
  • Spoon out 1/4 cup of the sauce and set aside for brushing and tossing; transfer the remaining sauce to a small saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened; remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, salt, pepper, sliced green onions, 1/4 cup shredded carrots, and 2–3 tablespoons of the reserved 1/4 cup sauce; mix gently until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat.
  • Form the mixture into 4 even patties, pressing gently to hold their shape (the mixture will be moist).
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook 4–5 minutes until edges brown and they release easily, then flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  • While burgers cook, make the slaw by tossing chopped napa cabbage, 3/4 cup shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, and chopped peanuts with 3–4 tablespoons of the reserved sauce; add more sauce if desired.
  • Toast the whole wheat buns if desired. Place each cooked burger on a bun, top with a heaping spoonful of slaw and additional sauce as desired, then serve.

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Small Saucepan
  • Nonstick Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mixing Spoon

Notes

  • This sauce is adapted from a Thai crunch recipe.
  • You can reserve extra sauce for dipping.
  • Do not overmix the turkey to keep patties tender.
  • Use a nonstick skillet and oil to prevent sticking.
  • Ginger amount is approximate—adjust to taste.