Name: Thai Sweet Chili Turkey Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option); 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 whole wheat burger buns; Lettuce leaves; Sliced cucumber; Sliced red onion; Extra sweet chili sauce, for drizzling

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Introduction

These Thai Sweet Chili Turkey Burgers offer a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Infused with fresh herbs and a tangy sweet chili sauce, they make a delicious and healthy meal perfect for any day of the week.

The image shows a wooden board with white parchment paper holding three small open burgers and two grilled burger buns. Two burgers have a bottom bun topped with a patty, slices of cucumber, green leaves, and a mix of shredded purple cabbage and orange carrot on top. The third burger has a patty with green leaves and layered thin cucumber ribbons on top but no top bun. On the left side of the board are three lime halves and some scattered green leaves, with a knife placed nearby. A small white bowl with orange sauce and a wooden spoon rests above the burgers. A white bowl holding more shredded purple cabbage and carrot salad is partially visible in the top left corner. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 whole wheat burger buns
Lettuce leaves, for serving
Sliced cucumber and red onion, for serving
Extra sweet chili sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, chopped shallot, fish sauce (or soy sauce), lime juice, cilantro, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 2: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Make a slight depression in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
Step 3: Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or the skillet with non-stick spray.
Step 4: Place the patties on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the patties are golden brown.
Step 5: Toast the whole wheat burger buns lightly on the grill or in the skillet. Place a lettuce leaf on each bun bottom, followed by the turkey patty. Top with sliced cucumber and red onion.
Step 6: Drizzle additional sweet chili sauce over the patties and cap the burgers with the top bun. Serve hot with your favorite side.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with firm mashed chickpeas or a plant-based meat alternative and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Adding a small amount of chopped fresh mint or basil can enhance the Thai flavors.
If you prefer a spicier kick, mix in some chopped fresh chili or a splash of sriracha.
Cook patties in batches if your grill or skillet is small to ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Patties can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Two fish sandwiches sit on a round wooden board on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has a shiny, golden-brown top bun with a leafy green cilantro piece on top. Below the bun are thin cucumber slices layered over a mix of shredded purple cabbage and orange carrots, all topped with a light orange creamy sauce. Beneath the veggies is a thick, grilled fish fillet with herbs, resting on a soft white bottom bun. Crispy sweet potato fries with some green cilantro leaves are scattered around the board and in a grey bowl behind the sandwiches. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of fish sauce?

For a vegetarian or milder option, soy sauce works well as a substitute, providing a similar salty, umami flavor.