Name: Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey breast; 1/2 cup shredded carrot (approx 1 medium carrot); 1/2 cup shredded zucchini (approx 1 medium zucchini); 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Pinch of pepper; 1 tbsp coconut oil (or grapeseed oil); 5 burger buns, for serving; Optional: 5 large lettuce leaves, for serving; 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 small garlic clove; 1/2 inch knob fresh ginger (roughly size of your thumbnail)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 14 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and packed with a surprising twist, these Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe are the perfect way to brighten up your dinner table. Combining lean ground turkey with vibrant shredded veggies and a luscious, creamy peanut sauce, this dish brings together the best of Thai-inspired tastes in an easy-to-make burger form. It’s a delicious balance of savory, tangy, and gently spicy notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds five separate piles of ingredients, arranged in a circle. One pile consists of finely chopped light purple onions at the upper back. To its right, there is a pile of grated green vegetable with a leafy texture. Below that, to the lower right, is a heap of bright orange grated carrot. On the lower left, there is a pile of pink minced meat. To its left and slightly above, there is a bunch of fresh green herbs with flat leaves. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering some simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to create these flavorful burgers. Each one plays a crucial role in giving the dish its authentic texture, vibrant colors, and distinct taste that makes this recipe unforgettable.

1 lb ground turkey breast: A lean protein base that keeps the burgers juicy yet healthy.
1/2 cup shredded carrot: Adds natural sweetness, color, and moisture to the patties.
1/2 cup shredded zucchini: Provides a fresh, tender bite and balances the texture.
1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Infuses the burger with a burst of herbal brightness.
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion: Brings a subtle sharpness and crunch.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers a gentle heat perfect for a Thai-inspired dish.
Pinch of pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice and depth.
1 tbsp coconut oil (or neutral oil): Ideal for cooking the burgers evenly without sticking.
5 burger buns: The soft, warm canvas to hold all that deliciousness.
Optional: 5 large lettuce leaves: A crisp, refreshing alternative or addition to buns.
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter: The star ingredient for a creamy, nutty sauce.
1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to the peanut sauce.
1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce: Gives the sauce that essential umami kick.
1 tsp sesame oil: Brings a fragrant, toasty note to the sauce.
1 small garlic clove: Provides a pungent, aromatic edge.
1/2 inch knob fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing to the sauce.

How to Make Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

Start by combining the smooth peanut butter, rice vinegar, tamari, sesame oil, garlic, and fresh ginger in a blender until silky smooth. If you don’t have a blender handy, no worries—simply finely mince the garlic and ginger, then whisk everything together in a bowl until fully incorporated. This sauce is the magic touch that transforms your turkey burgers into a memorable Thai-inspired feast.

Step 2: Mix the Burger Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the ground turkey, shredded carrot and zucchini, chopped cilantro, red onion, salt, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of pepper. Using your hands or a spoon, mix just until combined—over-mixing can toughen the patties, so be gentle while ensuring all the flavors mingle evenly.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into five even patties. Making them uniform in size helps them cook consistently and gives you beautiful burger-shaped results every time.

Step 4: Cook the Burgers

Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the patties without overcrowding—cook in batches if needed. Let each patty cook on medium-low heat for about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Keep a close eye so they develop a nice golden crust without burning. The key is slow and steady heat to keep them moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Toast and Assemble

While the burgers cook, toast your buns lightly to add texture and warmth. For a fresher taking, use large lettuce leaves to hold your burgers instead. Once cooked, stack the patties on the buns or lettuce, and don’t forget to drizzle plenty of that luscious peanut sauce over the top. It’s what truly makes this Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe sing!

How to Serve Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe

A white plate with a black geometric pattern holds a sandwich and carrot sticks on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has a bottom bun, followed by a large green lettuce leaf, then a thick, browned patty mixed with herbs. On top of the patty is a light orange creamy sauce, and a sprig of green cilantro leaves. To the right of the sandwich, there are several bright orange carrot sticks. The background is softly blurred with hints of a second sandwich and a small glass jar of sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes takes these burgers to the next level of deliciousness. Sprinkle chopped peanuts or sliced green onions on top for crunch and extra flavor bursts. Fresh cilantro leaves, thinly sliced red chili, or a wedge of lime also pair beautifully, adding brightness and texture that perfectly complement the rich peanut sauce.

Side Dishes

Keep your meal balanced and exciting by pairing these burgers with crispy sweet potato fries, a refreshing cucumber salad, or light jasmine rice on the side. Each option complements the bold flavors of the burgers, rounding out your meal with freshness and satisfying variety.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or want to impress, turn this classic burger into sliders for an easy finger-food option. Wrapping the patties in crisp lettuce leaves and serving them with small dipping bowls of peanut sauce invites guests to customize each bite, making for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, these Thai Turkey Burgers stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. Keep the peanut sauce separate in a sealed jar, where it can last for about a week, so you can enjoy the perfect balance of flavors each time you serve.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked patties for longer storage. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you’ll have ready-to-go burgers for up to two months. Just remember to keep the peanut sauce refrigerated, as freezing can change its texture.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen patties overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the patties from drying out. Add the fresh peanut sauce right before serving to enjoy that creamy, vibrant finish every time.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey with chicken?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and will yield a similarly light, tender burger. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as chicken patties may cook a bit faster and require careful attention to avoid drying out.

Is the peanut sauce spicy?

The peanut sauce in this Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe is mildly spicy thanks to the fresh ginger and a hint of red pepper flakes in the patties. It’s balanced with creamy peanut butter and tangy rice vinegar, so it never overwhelms but adds a zingy flavor dimension.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute tamari for soy sauce or opt for a certified gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free. Also, choose gluten-free burger buns to make the entire meal safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

What if I don’t have coconut oil?

No problem. You can use any neutral oil such as grapeseed, avocado, or light olive oil for cooking the burgers. The important part is using a fat that can sustain medium heat without burning to get that perfect sear on your patties.

Can I prepare the burger mixture in advance?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients and form the patties up to a day before cooking. Store them covered in the refrigerator and cook when ready. This makes for an easy dinner prep especially on busy days while still enjoying fresh, tasty burgers.

Final Thoughts

Sharing the Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe feels like opening the door to a world of fresh, exciting flavors that come together simply and quickly. Whether you’re a burger lover or eager to try something new, this recipe delivers a bright, satisfying meal with every bite. I truly hope you give it a whirl soon—it’s a delicious way to bring a touch of Thailand straight into your home kitchen.