If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with unique flavors, you’re going to absolutely adore this Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe. These burgers bring together juicy ground turkey with shredded veggies and just the right amount of red pepper heat, all crowned with a luscious, zesty peanut sauce that’s both creamy and tangy. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe hits the perfect balance of comfort and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is easier than it sounds, and each one plays an important role in making these burgers irresistible. From the lean turkey that forms the base to the fresh herbs and spices that elevate flavor, each element works together to create a colorful, delicious meal.
- 1 lb ground turkey breast: The lean protein star that keeps these burgers juicy and healthy.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot: Adds subtle sweetness and lovely texture.
- 1/2 cup shredded zucchini: Keeps the patties moist and adds a fresh green hue.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Brings a fresh, aromatic punch essential in Thai cooking.
- 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion: Adds sharpness and crunch.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Draws out flavors and seasons perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives the burgers their gentle heat kick.
- Pinch of pepper: Balances the seasoning.
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or grapeseed oil: For cooking the burgers to a perfect golden brown.
- 5 burger buns: Choose your favorite kind to sandwich these flavorful patties.
- Optional – 5 large lettuce leaves: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to your burger.
- For Peanut Sauce:
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter: The creamy, nutty base of the luscious sauce.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds brightness and balances richness.
- 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce: Brings savory depth and umami.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Provides an irresistible toasted aroma.
- 1 small garlic clove: Infuses a subtle kick throughout the sauce.
- 1/2 inch fresh ginger knob: Adds a fresh, zesty warmth that complements the peanut butter.
How to Make Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
Start by blending all the peanut sauce ingredients together—smooth peanut butter, rice vinegar, tamari, sesame oil, fresh garlic, and ginger. If you don’t have a blender, just mince the garlic and ginger super finely and whisk everything together in a bowl. This sauce really sets the tone for the dish, combining creaminess with a kick of freshness that’s impossible to resist.
Step 2: Mix the Burger Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together your ground turkey, shredded carrot, shredded zucchini, chopped cilantro, red onion, salt, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Give everything a good mix so all those flavors marry beautifully. This mixture will form the juicy, veggie-packed patties that are the heart of this recipe.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Wet your hands slightly to make shaping easier, then form the mixture into 5 even patties. You want them to be thick enough to stay juicy but not so thick they won’t cook through evenly. This step is part of the fun—making sure each burger is perfectly formed and ready to sizzle.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your cooking oil of choice. Place the patties in the pan, leaving space between each so they cook evenly and get a nice sear. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side on medium-low heat. Keep a close eye to avoid burning and don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. You want golden edges with a moist center.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Toast your burger buns lightly if you like for added texture and warmth. Then layer lettuce if using, the turkey patties, and finish with a generous drizzle of that incredible peanut sauce. Each bite is a beautiful combination of savory, sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors—pure delight!
How to Serve Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make a big difference here. Think crisp lettuce leaves for crunch, extra cilantro sprigs for herbal brightness, or even thin cucumber slices for a cooling contrast. A wedge of lime on the side also adds a perfect zing that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
These burgers pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides that complement their Southeast Asian flair. Consider a crunchy Asian slaw, jasmine rice salad, or simple steamed veggies with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Sweet potato fries can add a comforting, slightly sweet sidekick as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your crowd? Serve these burgers on large lettuce leaves as wraps for a low-carb option or even mini slider buns for parties. You can also let everyone build their own Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe bar, setting out bowls of chopped peanuts, lime wedges, and spicy chili flakes to customize the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any turkey burger patties or peanut sauce left over, store the burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The peanut sauce can last up to a week refrigerated, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it beyond your first meal.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked turkey patties individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. While the peanut sauce isn’t ideal for freezing, it’s quick to make fresh any time you want to whip up these burgers again.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm cooked burgers in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly to retain juiciness. You can also warm the peanut sauce slightly to bring back its creamy texture before adding it back to your burgers.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute, offering a similar mild flavor and lean protein content. Just keep an eye on cooking times as it may vary slightly.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, this Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe can easily be gluten free. Just be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce and opt for gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
Can I make these burgers vegetarian?
While the recipe is designed for turkey, you could swap in mashed chickpeas or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian twist, though the texture and flavor will differ.
How spicy are these burgers?
The red pepper flakes add noticeable but moderate heat that can be adjusted easily. Feel free to reduce or omit them if you prefer milder flavors.
Can the peanut sauce be used for other dishes?
Definitely! This versatile peanut sauce is fantastic over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for fresh spring rolls. It’s a great recipe to keep on hand.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe enough. It brings together bold Thai-inspired flavors in such a fresh, healthy, and downright delicious way. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just craving something new for dinner, give it a try—you might find it becomes a beloved favorite in your meal rotation too!
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Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Thai Turkey Burgers feature freshly ground turkey mixed with shredded veggies and a hint of red pepper flakes, served with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and healthy family dinner, these burgers bring a delicious Thai twist to your regular burger night.
Ingredients
Burgers
- 1 lb ground turkey breast
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot (approx 1 medium carrot)
- 1/2 cup shredded zucchini (approx 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (or a neutral oil like grapeseed oil)
- 5 burger buns, for serving
- Optional: 5 large lettuce leaves, for serving
Peanut Sauce
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/2 inch knob fresh ginger (roughly size of your thumbnail)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: Combine all peanut sauce ingredients—peanut butter, rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger—in a blender and blend until smooth. If you don’t have a blender, finely mince the garlic and ginger, then mix all peanut sauce ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. Set aside.
- Mix the Burger Ingredients: In a large bowl, add ground turkey, shredded carrot, shredded zucchini, chopped cilantro, finely chopped red onion, salt, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
- Form the Patties: Slightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then shape the turkey mixture into 5 evenly sized patties using your hands.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coconut or grapeseed oil and let it warm. Place the patties in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook on medium-low heat for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, flipping carefully to cook evenly. Watch closely to prevent burning. If necessary, cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Toast the Buns and Assemble: If desired, lightly toast the burger buns. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by the turkey patty. Drizzle generously with peanut sauce and top with the bun lid.
Notes
- Burgers can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Peanut sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in a sealed jar or container.
- To make these burgers gluten free, use gluten-free buns or serve wrapped in lettuce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste to control spiciness.
- If preferred, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter for a different flavor.
- Ground turkey breast tends to be lean; adding a bit of oil helps retain juiciness while cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
