If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine and the comforting, hearty feel of a homemade burger, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers Recipe. Juicy ground turkey is perfectly seasoned and combined with fragrant herbs before meeting a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that ties everything together with a zing of sweetness, spice, and tang. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that make these burgers anything but ordinary. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing cookout option, this recipe brings the best of both worlds in a way that feels fresh, fun, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up these Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet powerful in delivering authentic flavor and satisfying texture. Each addition — from the zingy fresh ginger to the creamy peanut butter — plays a special part in turning ground turkey into a truly memorable burger experience.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): The lean protein base that keeps your burgers juicy and healthy.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Adds structure and keeps the patties tender without falling apart.
- Green onions (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Lends a mild oniony crunch and vibrant color.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): Infuses the patties with bright, herbaceous notes essential in Thai dishes.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers that unmistakable aromatic depth.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Adds spicy warmth characteristic of Thai cuisine.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings umami richness and salty balance.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon plus extra in sauce): Provides a fresh, zesty brightness that elevates the flavor.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a nutty aroma for that authentic touch.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Season the meat perfectly without overpowering.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/3 cup): The star ingredient in the peanut sauce, creating a rich and silky coating.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the sauce with a gentle sweetness.
- Sriracha (1 teaspoon, optional): Gives a subtle kick of heat if you love a little spice.
- Warm water (2 to 3 tablespoons): Used to thin the peanut sauce to the ideal consistency.
- Burger buns (4, toasted): Toasted to add a satisfying crunch and hold all the delicious fillings.
- Shredded carrot (1 cup): Brings crunch and a natural sweetness as a fresh topping.
- Cucumber (1 cup, thinly sliced): Adds a cool, crisp bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich peanut sauce.
- Fresh cilantro leaves (1/2 cup): For garnish, boosting the herbal freshness with every bite.
- Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Contributes a bit of sharpness and color to your burger.
How to Make Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by gathering your ground turkey and all the flavor-packed add-ins like green onions, cilantro, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. In a large mixing bowl, gently mix everything together until just combined — careful not to overwork the meat, so your burgers stay tender.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions and form them into evenly sized patties. This helps them cook evenly and fit perfectly on your burger buns.
Step 3: Prepare Your Cooking Surface
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking. This ensures your burgers sear beautifully and develop that lovely crust.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Place the turkey patties on the hot grill or skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. It’s important to cook them thoroughly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F — juicy and safe to enjoy!
Step 5: Make the Peanut Sauce
While the burgers cook, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and optional sriracha in a small bowl. Gradually add warm water until the sauce is smooth and spreadable — this sauce is the magic that turns your turkey burgers into something unforgettable.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Spread a generous layer of the peanut sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun, then add the turkey patty, drizzle with more sauce, and top with shredded carrot, cucumber slices, cilantro leaves, and thinly sliced red onion. Cap each burger with the bun top and get ready for a flavor explosion.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Present your Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers right away, offering extra peanut sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. The contrast of warm, juicy burger with fresh, crunchy veggies and creamy sauce is a total win every time.
How to Serve Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers pop visually and flavor-wise, fresh cilantro leaves are a must. You can also sprinkle crunchy chopped peanuts on top for a toasted nutty contrast that adds even more texture. Thinly sliced red onion and extra lime wedges are perfect companions to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these vibrant burgers with light and refreshing sides like a crisp cucumber salad or a simple slaw dressed with lime juice and a touch of chili flakes. Sweet potato fries or grilled corn on the cob can add heartiness if you want a more filling meal without overpowering the delicate Thai flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers lettuce-wrapped instead of on buns, making them low-carb and even fresher. Alternatively, turn the ingredients into a rice bowl for a deconstructed version that’s just as tasty. Either way, the peanut sauce will be the star that brings it all together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover burgers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the peanut sauce separate to prevent the buns from getting soggy — you can always reheat the patties and toast the buns fresh before serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked turkey patties by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before cooking and enjoy the convenience of having ready-to-cook patties on hand.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cooked patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Toast the buns separately and add fresh veggies and peanut sauce before serving to revive that freshly made feeling.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work similarly in texture and flavor. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly to the safe internal temperature.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers Recipe?
Yes! You can swap the turkey patties with grilled portobello mushrooms, chickpea patties, or tofu. The peanut sauce remains the perfect complement to these options as well.
How spicy is the peanut sauce with sriracha?
The sriracha adds a mild to moderate spicy kick, but you can adjust the amount to your liking or omit it entirely if you prefer no heat without compromising the sauce’s richness.
Can I prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken slightly after chilling.
What’s the best way to prevent turkey burgers from drying out?
Mixing in breadcrumbs helps retain moisture, and avoiding overmixing the meat keeps the texture tender. Also, cooking them to just the right internal temperature ensures juiciness without drying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers Recipe that makes it a standout meal for any day of the week. It strikes a beautiful harmony between the freshness of Thai ingredients and the comforting familiarity of a burger. Give this recipe a try and you’ll soon find it becoming a favorite in your kitchen, impressing everyone with bold flavors and effortless style.
Print
Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
These Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers are a flavorful twist on classic turkey burgers, featuring a savory and slightly spicy peanut sauce inspired by Thai cuisine. Ground turkey patties are mixed with fresh herbs and spices, grilled to juicy perfection, and served on toasted buns with crunchy vegetables and a creamy peanut sauce that adds a burst of rich flavor.
Ingredients
Turkey Patties
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Peanut Sauce
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water
Burger Assembly
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Mix the Turkey Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, green onions, cilantro, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just incorporated, taking care not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty, ensuring they are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Preheat and Oil the Cooking Surface: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking and to achieve a nice sear.
- Cook the Patties: Place patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and sriracha. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a layer of the peanut sauce on the bottom half of each toasted burger bun. Place a cooked turkey patty on top, drizzle with additional peanut sauce, then layer with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, fresh cilantro leaves, and thinly sliced red onion. Cap with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the burgers immediately, offering extra peanut sauce on the side for dipping or additional spreading.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of sriracha in the peanut sauce to taste.
- Make sure patties are cooked thoroughly to 165°F to ensure food safety.
- You can substitute ground chicken if preferred, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
- To keep the burgers moist, avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
