These Thai Turkey Burgers are on my list of favourite homemade burgers. I hope you have a list like that.
The turkey patty has the fresh flavours of cilantro, basil and mint…all from my garden at this time of year. The topping is reminiscent of Som Tai, that favourite salad/condiment of thinly sliced, pickled cucumbers. Together with a gluten free bun you can capture the flavours of Thailand right in your own backyard.
For a gluten free diet there needs to be an acceptable bun. Fortunately companies have been working on perfecting the gluten free hamburger bun and there are now excellent options. Where I live they are readily available in the freezer section of many grocery stores.
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The Hamburger Patty
The key to making juicy hamburgers is to not over mix the meat. Be quick and gentle. To achieve this some recipes simply form the patty and coat the exterior in the seasoning. For these Thai Turkey Burgers I suggest you evenly mix the fresh herbs and spices in a large bowl. Then add the meat and gently mix it all together.
Grilling ground chicken or turkey is not as easy as grilling beef. Here are a few suggestions to make the process easier:
- Freeze the turkey patties for 10-30 minutes before grilling,
- Start with a clean grill and only turn the meat once,
- Generously oil both sides of the meat so it turns more easily,
- Cook directly on a reusable grilling sheet,
- Fry them in a frying pan if it's off season and you want a burger.
Fixins’ for Thai Turkey Burgers
Burger fixins’ are personal but if you insist on using your favourite combo of mustard, relish and ketchup every burger will pretty much taste the same. Once you are willing to try any toppings then the burger is a blank canvas only limited by your imagination.
Let me know in the comments below how you served your Thai Turkey Burgers.
A Travel Tale from Thailand
From time to time I write a travel post for my friend Sue over at Travel Tales of Life. This is the one I wrote about our trip to Thailand and a Thai Red Shrimp Curry.
Thai Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
PICKLED CUCUMBERS
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- 1½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
- 1-½ cucumber thinly sliced
BURGERS
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh mint
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoon gluten free breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon anchovy paste (or 1 anchovy filet)
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1½ lbs ground turkey
- salt and pepper
FINISHING
- 6 gluten free hamburger buns
- mayo and lettuce
Instructions
PICKLED CUCUMBERS
- In a small bowl stir together the vinegar, brown sugar, salt and red pepper flakes until sugar is dissolved. Add cucumbers and stir to coat. Set aside while making the burgers, preferably 30 minutes.
BURGERS
- Line tray with wax paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl add garlic, ginger, fresh herbs, lime juice, sugar, anchovy paste, cayenne and breadcrumbs. Mix well.
- Add ground turkey and gently mix to combine.
- Loosely form into 4-6 turkey patties and place on wax paper lined tray. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place patties in freezer for 10 minutes before grilling.
- Grill on high heat until cooked through turning once, about 8 minutes per side.
- Toast buns if desired.
- Put mayo and lettuce on one side of the bun. Top the other half of the bun with the turkey patty and pickled cucumbers. Serve remaining cucumber salad on the side.
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