Description
These Thai Turkey Burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic burger, incorporating fresh vegetables and aromatic spices into juicy turkey patties, served with a creamy homemade peanut sauce that adds a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a delicious and healthy meal option for any weeknight or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers
- 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
For the Peanut Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: Combine all the peanut sauce ingredients—peanut butter, rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger—in a blender and blend until smooth. If a blender is not available, finely mince the garlic and ginger then mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. Set the sauce aside.
- Mix the Burger Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground turkey breast, shredded carrot, shredded zucchini, chopped cilantro, finely chopped red onion, salt, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Form Patties: Slightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and shape the turkey mixture into 5 evenly sized patties.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the coconut oil or grapeseed oil to coat the pan.
- Cook the Patties: Add the turkey patties to the skillet, cooking them over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side. Watch carefully to avoid burning and cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Toast the Buns and Assemble: While the patties cook, optionally toast your burger buns. Assemble your burgers by layering a lettuce leaf (if using), a cooked turkey patty, and a generous drizzle of the peanut sauce on each bun.
- Storage: Store leftover cooked turkey burgers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The peanut sauce can be refrigerated and kept fresh for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Shredding the vegetables finely helps them bind better into the turkey mixture and keeps the patties juicy.
- If you prefer a spicier burger, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Peanut sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated to save prep time.
- Use lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative to burger buns.
- Ensure the turkey is cooked through with no pink remaining for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
