Sriracha Turkey Burgers

I’ve been meaning to blog this recipe for Sriracha Turkey Burgers for a while now – I’ve made it a few times and everyone loves it. Even Joe.

Yes, you read that correctly. I just said my completely-picky-eater-of-a-son likes these turkey burgers with spicy sriracha sauce. I know. I couldn’t believe it when he first told either. In fact, I made him repeat his praise so I could videotape him. (And yes, he was horrified his mother would make him do that. Sometimes I am so evil and it’s so fun.)

Anyway, if that’s not a glowing endorsement for this recipe, I don’t know what is. 😉

Here’s the thing with ground turkey – it’s pretty bland on its own. I can’t tell you how many people have told me they don’t like turkey burgers because there is no flavor. When I ask them what they did to season the burgers, they give me a blank stare and admit, well, nothing.

Gah! That’s not how to do turkey burgers, people. Trust me on this.

Ground turkey is bland and pretty low in fat (i.e. fat = flavor), but that’s the beauty of it. Ground turkey takes on a variety of spices with ease, so you can essentially make up a zillion combinations of ground turkey, spices you love, different cheeses, and other toppings. On the flip side, it’s packed with protein and it’s low in fat, so it’s also a really healthy option. Winner, winner, turkey dinner!

Here’s the Sriracha Turkey Burgers recipe, which I adapted from Jennie-O Turkey Store. The sriracha sauce gives the burgers a nice zing but it’s not super spicy so it won’t freak people out. And if you’re wondering where to find sriracha sauce, check out the Asian food aisle in your supermarket. Target also carries it.

Sriracha Turkey Burgers

• 1 (20-ounce) package fresh ground turkey (I used JENNIE-O® Lean Ground Turkey)
• 1 egg, beaten (or 1/4 cup egg substitute)
• ½ cup fine dry breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• salt and freshly ground pepper, if desired
• 6 hamburger buns (white or wheat)
• Additional fixings as desired – i.e., lettuce, cucumbers, onion

Sriracha Mayo

• ¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce

To make patties, in large bowl, combine turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt and pepper, if desired. Cover and chill 30 minutes.

Shape mixture into 6 (½-inch thick) patties. Heat non-stick skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray. Cook 16 to 18 minutes turning 2 to 3 times. Always cook to well-done, 165°F as measured by meat thermometer. (NOTE: we grilled ours on a gas grill outside.)

To make the sriracha mayo, in small bowl, combine mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce and sweet chili sauce.

Spread mayonnaise mixture on cut sides of each bun. Add the turkey and any fixings you’d like – then enjoy!