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 large egg; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Burger buns; Fresh lettuce; Sliced tomatoes; Additional green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

These Thai Sweet Chili Turkey Burgers bring a delicious fusion of flavors to your dinner table. Juicy turkey patties are seasoned with ginger and garlic, glazed with a tangy sweet chili sauce, and finished with a caramelized exterior. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.

Three burgers are shown on a wooden board with a blurred green background. Each burger has five visible layers and is stacked neatly. From bottom to top: a toasted golden brown bun base with some grill marks; green curly lettuce leaves; thin red onion slices; a thick, cooked burger patty with a slightly crisp surface; thick slices of fresh, bright green cucumber; a creamy orange sauce covering the patty and cucumber; and a shiny, toasted golden brown bun top glazed with sauce. The arrangement shows the burgers closely placed in a triangular pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 large egg
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 green onions, sliced
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, 1 clove of minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced green onions, sea salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 2: Form the mixture into evenly sized patties and set aside to rest while preparing the glaze.
Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine the Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and the remaining minced garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the turkey patties for about 4 minutes on one side.
Step 5: Flip the patties and generously brush the hot glaze onto the cooked side. Cook for another 4 minutes, brushing the other side after flipping again, allowing the glaze to caramelize for 1-2 minutes per side until shiny and slightly sticky.
Step 6: Remove the burgers from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the turkey mixture.
Swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed rice crackers for a gluten-free option.
Add fresh chopped cilantro or basil to the patties for more herbal aroma.
Serve with sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and fresh lettuce to highlight the Thai flavors.

Storage

Store leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to preserve moisture. The glaze may lose some of its shine when reheated but will remain flavorful.

How to Serve

The image shows three burgers with shiny, toasted golden brown buns on a wooden table. Each burger has four main layers starting from the bottom: a slightly charred bun base, fresh green curly lettuce leaves, thinly sliced cucumber rounds, a thick grilled meat patty covered in a smooth orange sauce, more fresh cucumber slices on top, and finally the glossy top bun with a rich glaze. The background is softly blurred with green hues, keeping attention on the burgers that look juicy and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will produce a similarly tender and flavorful burger.

How spicy are these burgers?

These burgers have a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the sweet chili sauce, which balances sweetness and heat. Adjust the amount of chili sauce or add fresh chili for extra heat.