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; ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 green onions, finely sliced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; ½ tsp sea salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten‑free); 1 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed; Remaining minced garlic from above (approximately 1 clove minced); ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup shredded carrots; ½ cup thinly sliced cucumber; Butter lettuce leaves; 4 soft burger buns, toasted; 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

These Thai Sweet Chili Turkey Burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic burger. Juicy turkey patties glazed with a tangy, spicy sauce and topped with fresh veggies make for a delicious and fresh meal perfect for any occasion.

A close-up image shows four thick, round patties cooking in a black pan on a stove. Each patty has a golden-brown, crispy crust with slight grill marks and some visible texture from the meat. The oil in the pan bubbles gently around the patties, which are arranged in a loose circle with some steam rising from them. The background is softly blurred with warm light highlighting the patties and pan edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 large egg
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 green onions, finely sliced
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
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
4 soft burger buns, toasted
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced green onions, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, avoiding over-mixing.
Step 2: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a ¾-inch thick patty. Place patties on a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes while preparing the glaze.
Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add patties and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Transfer to plate, cover loosely, and let rest 3 minutes.
Step 4: Meanwhile, combine Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and remaining minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, reducing for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Step 5: Return rested patties to hot skillet and brush each generously with the hot glaze. Cook an additional 1–2 minutes per side, allowing glaze to caramelize and become sticky.
Step 6: To assemble, split toasted buns. On each bottom bun, layer butter lettuce, a glazed turkey patty, shredded carrots, cucumber ribbons, and chopped cilantro. Top with bun crown, press lightly, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the patty mixture or glaze.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
Swap out butter lettuce for crisp romaine or iceberg for a different texture.
Make cucumber ribbons using a vegetable peeler for an elegant presentation.

Storage

Store any leftover turkey patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain glaze texture. Avoid microwaving to keep patties juicy and the glaze sticky.

How to Serve

Three burgers are shown on a white marbled surface. Each burger has a glossy golden-brown top bun with a shiny orange sauce dripping slightly. Below the top bun, there are thick slices of fresh green cucumber. Under the cucumber is a juicy, grilled chicken patty covered with the same orange sauce. Beneath the patty, more cucumber slices are placed on fresh green lettuce with wavy edges. Thin purple onion slices sit between the lettuce and the white bottom bun, which has a toasted, slightly browned texture. 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 and shape the patties a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Cook them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of ground turkey?

Ground chicken or lean ground pork work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking times slightly if using different meats to ensure they cook through properly.