These Gluten Free Thai Turkey Burgers start with a patty filled with the freshness of cilantro, basil and mint. The essential topping is reminiscent of Som Tai, that favourite salad/condiment of thinly sliced, pickled cucumbers. Served in a decent gluten free bun you can capture the flavours of Thailand right in your own backyard.
Ingredients
Companies have been working on perfecting the gluten free hamburger bun and there are now many good options. I hope you have a supply near you.
- white vinegar
- brown sugar
- dried red pepper flakes
- cucumber
- garlic
- ginger
- fresh cilantro
- fresh mint
- fresh basil
- gluten free breadcrumbs (optional)
- lime juice
- anchovy paste
- cayenne pepper
- ground turkey
- gluten free hamburger buns
- mayo and lettuce
See recipe card for exact amounts.
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 when you insist on using mustard, relish and ketchup every burger will pretty much taste the same. Be willing to try wild and crazy toppings and you've just opened up a new world of burgers.
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.
From time to time I write a travel post for my friend Sue over at Travel Tales of Life. To read about my adventures in Thailand check out, Thai Red Shrimp Curry - A Travel Tale.
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