Description
This Thai Sweet Chili Turkey Burgers recipe combines lean ground turkey patties with a glossy, sweet-spicy Thai sweet chili glaze, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables. Cooked on the stovetop to achieve a caramelized crust and topped with a tangy, vibrant sauce, these burgers offer a perfect balance of bold Southeast Asian flavors with the familiar comfort of a classic burger. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s an ideal healthy weeknight dinner with an exotic twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 4 soft burger buns, toasted
Sauce/Marinade
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Seasonings & Garnish
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup thinly sliced cucumber
- Butter lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Preparing the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced green onions, sea salt, and black pepper. Gently mix by hand until just incorporated to avoid toughness. Divide into four equal portions and shape each into a ¾-inch thick patty. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Cooking the Burgers: Heat a cast-iron or heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. When shimmering, place the patties spaced apart. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer patties to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 3 minutes.
- Making the Thai Sweet Chili Glaze: While burgers rest, combine Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and remaining minced garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Finishing & Assembling: Return rested patties to the skillet and brush generously with hot glaze. Allow to caramelize for 1-2 minutes per side until shiny and slightly sticky. Toast burger buns if not already toasted. Assemble by layering butter lettuce on the bottom bun, a glazed patty, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and chopped cilantro. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.
Notes
- Keep the ground turkey cold prior to mixing to help patties hold together and stay juicy.
- Do not over-mix the meat mixture; this prevents dense, rubbery burgers.
- Use a hot skillet for a nice caramelized crust that locks in moisture.
- Allow patties to rest before glazing to redistribute juices and improve glaze adherence.
- Pressing patties during cooking squeezes out juices, so avoid this.
- For gluten-free versions, use gluten-free panko or almond flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze patties with glaze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 10-12 minutes or pan-sear briefly with extra glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner Ideas
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Thai sweet chili, turkey burgers, healthy burgers, stovetop burgers, quick dinner, Asian-inspired burger, ground turkey recipe
