Spicy Turkey Burgers with Pickled Vegetables and Cabbage Slaw
Juicy, spicy turkey patties topped with pickled vegetables and zesty cabbage slaw, served on toasted brioche buns.
Ingredients
Pickled Vegetables
- 1 piece Persian cucumber, thinly sliced For a crisp, refreshing bite.
- 1 piece Fresno chile, thinly sliced Adds a touch of heat.
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice For brightness and zest.
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice For the slaw dressing.
- 2 1/2 tsp brown sugar Balances the flavors.
- Kosher salt to taste Kosher salt Enhances natural flavors.
Cabbage Slaw
- 2 1/2 cups shredded green or purple cabbage Offers a beautiful crunch.
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated For sweetness and color.
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves Adds herbal freshness.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil Contributes aroma.
Turkey Patties
- 1 lb ground turkey Keeps it lean and filling.
- 1 tbsp fish sauce Provides a deep umami flavor.
- 2 tsp red curry paste Brings complexity and heat.
- 1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce For added flavor.
- 1 tsp tamarind puree (optional) Enhances sweetness with tang.
- 2 scallions finely chopped Adds a mild onion flavor.
- 1 inch piece ginger, peeled and grated For a warm, spicy kick.
- 3 cloves garlic, grated Adds depth to the patties.
- 2 tbsp neutral oil For cooking.
Chili Mayo
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise Creamy spread.
- 3 tbsp sweet Thai chili sauce Adds a sweet and spicy kick.
- 2 tsp chili crisp For an extra layer of crunch and spice.
Buns
- 4 pieces brioche buns Toasted for serving.
Instructions
Pickling the Vegetables
- Combine the sliced cucumber and Fresno chile in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup lime juice, 1 1/2 tsp brown sugar, and 1 1/2 tsp salt.
- Microwave this mixture until it’s simmering, then pour it over the vegetables.
- Allow them to sit for at least 20-30 minutes to soak up the tangy flavors.
Preparing the Slaw
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, the remaining lime juice, and the remaining brown sugar.
- Toss in the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, cilantro, and chopped basil, mixing gently until everything is well combined.
Forming the Patties
- In another bowl, combine the finely chopped scallions, grated ginger, grated garlic, red curry paste, soy sauce, and optional tamarind with the ground turkey.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the mixture into burger patties, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Cooking the Patties
- Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, carefully add the patties and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Making the Chili Mayo
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and chili crisp.
Assembling the Burgers
- Spread a generous amount of chili mayo on the toasted brioche buns.
- Place a turkey patty on each bun, topped with the pickled vegetables and a handful of the cabbage slaw.
- Close the burger with the top half of the bun, and enjoy!
Notes
Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of Fresno chile. Ensure ground turkey is well seasoned and avoid overcooking the patties.