Description
These Thai Turkey Burgers are a fast, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner option. Juicy ground turkey patties seasoned with ginger, garlic, and fish sauce are pan-fried and served with a creamy peanut-lime sauce, fresh vegetables, and toasted buns.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup yellow onion, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 2 tablespoons creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons water (for sauce)
- 4 burger buns (brioche or whole wheat)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned or shredded
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, honey, and 1 tablespoon of water. Add remaining water if needed to reach a drizzling consistency. Set aside.
- Slice cucumber and shred carrot. If using buns, slice them in half and toast lightly in a dry pan or under the broiler.
- In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey, grated onion, grated ginger, minced garlic, green onions, fish sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, and white pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal patties, handling gently to keep them tender.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers.
- Place patties in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them, until a golden brown crust forms.
- Flip patties and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove patties from pan and let rest for 1 minute.
- Assemble burgers by placing cilantro, cucumber, and carrots on the bottom bun half. Top with the hot turkey patty, drizzle with peanut-lime sauce, and add the top bun. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overmix the turkey to avoid tough burgers. Use grated onion instead of chopped to ensure juiciness without large chunks. For a vegetarian option, substitute turkey with plant-based meat or lentils. If using 99% lean turkey, add an extra teaspoon of oil to the pan. Patties can be frozen raw for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with toppin
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: Thai Turkey Burgers, healthy weeknight dinner, quick meals, high protein, gluten-free option, peanut sauce, ground turkey recipes