Description
These Thai sweet chili turkey burgers blend sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with juicy ground turkey patties for a bold and satisfying meal. Paired with a fresh Thai slaw and a creamy chili mayo sauce, they offer a unique twist on classic burgers. Perfect for grilling season or a weeknight dinner, these burgers are easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patties:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1” piece fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 tsp red curry paste
- 1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp tamarind puree (optional)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp fish sauce
- 2 Tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
- Kosher salt, to taste
For the Slaw:
- 2½ cups shredded cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 Fresno chile, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 Tbsp cilantro leaves
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 scallions, sliced
For the Slaw Dressing:
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp fish sauce
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tsp chili crisp
To Serve:
- 4 toasted brioche buns
Instructions
- Make the Slaw: In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, cucumber, Fresno chile, cilantro, basil, and scallions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup lime juice, 2 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp fish sauce. Toss half of the dressing with the slaw and reserve the rest.
- Prepare the Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, grated ginger and garlic, red curry paste, soy sauce, tamarind puree (if using), remaining 2 Tbsp lime juice, ½ tsp brown sugar, 2 tsp fish sauce, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined.
- Form the turkey mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Heat neutral oil in a skillet or grill over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and chili crisp until combined.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread sauce on toasted brioche buns. Add turkey patties and top with slaw. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the turkey to keep patties juicy.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less Fresno chile and red curry paste.
- Toasting the buns adds great texture.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and soy sauce.
- Patties and slaw can be prepped ahead and stored separately.
- For a low-carb version, serve in lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun and slaw
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: ~7g
- Sodium: ~620mg
- Fat: ~22g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~15g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~27g
- Cholesterol: ~90mg