Asian Turkey Burger
Asian Turkey Burgers (Juicy, Flavor-Packed & Weeknight-Friendly)
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to beef burgers without sacrificing bold flavor, these Asian Turkey Burgers are the answer. They’re juicy, savory, slightly sweet, and layered with umami thanks to classic Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple pantry staples.
Ground turkey is often underestimated, but when seasoned correctly and handled gently, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. The key here is moisture and balance. A touch of soy sauce seasons the meat deeply, fresh ginger and garlic bring warmth, and a hint of sweetness rounds everything out. These burgers are delicious on their own, but they truly shine when paired with a crisp slaw and a creamy, tangy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean works best)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or honey
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Black pepper to taste
For serving (optional but recommended):
- Brioche or sesame buns
- Asian slaw (shredded cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar, sesame oil)
- Sriracha mayo or spicy mayo
- Pickled cucumbers or quick-pickled red onions
Instructions
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin, green onions, breadcrumbs, egg, and black pepper. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the burgers dense. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties, pressing a slight indentation in the center to help them cook evenly.
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil it. Cook the patties for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let them rest for a couple of minutes to retain their juices.
Toast the buns lightly, then assemble your burgers. Add the turkey patty, a generous scoop of crunchy slaw, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Finish with pickled vegetables for brightness and contrast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Asian Turkey Burgers are flavorful yet light, customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Serve them with sweet potato fries, a cucumber salad, or even wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation—comforting, fresh, and full of flavor in every bite.
Asian Turkey Burger
Ingredients
- 2 frozen turkey burgers
- 2 hamburger buns
- vegetable oil
- salt and pepper
- cilantro
Sriracha Mayo
- 4 Tbsp Kewpie mayo
- 4 tsp Sriracha
Hoisin ketchup
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/2 Tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp lime juice
Asian Slaw
- 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage or angel hair coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Make the hoisin ketchup in a small bowl and set aside. If making it well in advance put in the fridge until ready to use.
- Mix all of the slaw ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside. If not using right away put in the fridge until ready to use. Toss before using as the liquid settles to the bottom.
- While cooking your burgers according to package directions toast your buns. I cooked my burgers in a non-stick skillet with vegetable oil. sprinkle your burger patty with a pinch of salt and pepper on each side. Don't skip this step!
- Top each bun with the Sriracha mayo sauce. Add the burger to the bottom bun then a layer of hoisin ketchup, don't be afraid to slather it on. top with the slaw, cilantro and the other bun.
- SERVE!!!!!