Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers

If Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers sounds like something you’d order at a trendy spot with a long wait and tiny napkins… you’re in the right place. We’re making that same bold, sweet-salty, peanutty magic at home—without changing out of leggings or pretending we “love to meal prep” (no judgment either way).

This is the kind of dinner that saves a Tuesday: juicy turkey patties with fresh ginger, garlic, lime, and cilantro, plus a creamy peanut sauce that tastes like it should come with a warning label: highly addictive. It’s quick, it’s flavorful, and it’s picky-eater-friendly (because peanut sauce has a way of making everyone suddenly cooperative).

Why You’ll Love These Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers

• Fast but feels fancy. You’ll look like you tried harder than you did.
• Juicy turkey (no dry burger sadness). Breadcrumbs + a little fat in the turkey = tender patties.
• That peanut sauce. Creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and optionally spicy.
• Easy to customize. Mild for the kids, spicy for you, extra crunchy toppings for the texture people.

And as someone who’s made a lot of chicken recipes , I can tell you turkey is basically chicken’s cool cousin—lean, flexible, and happy to soak up big flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the turkey burgers

• Ground turkey (choose one with a little fat so it stays juicy)
• Breadcrumbs (panko or fresh both work great)
• Green onions, chopped
• Cilantro, chopped (plus extra leaves for topping)
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Soy sauce (low sodium helps control salt)
• Lime juice (fresh is best)
• Sesame oil (toasty, nutty flavor)
• Salt and black pepper

For the peanut sauce

• Creamy peanut butter (natural style blends beautifully)
• Soy sauce
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Sriracha (optional, but fun)
• Warm water (to thin it to the perfect drizzle)

For serving

• Burger buns, toasted (brioche or potato buns = super pillowy)
• Shredded carrot
• Thinly sliced cucumber
• Red onion
• Fresh cilantro leaves

How to Make Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers (Step-by-Step)

1) Mix and shape the patties

In a large bowl, add:

• ground turkey
• breadcrumbs
• green onions
• chopped cilantro
• garlic
• grated ginger
• soy sauce
• lime juice
• sesame oil
• salt and pepper

Now the key move: mix gently. Use clean hands and fold everything just until combined. If you overmix, turkey gets tough and no one wants a burger with the personality of a hockey puck.

2) Form the patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each into a round patty about ¾-inch thick. Press gently—don’t pack it down like you’re building a sandcastle.

Little pro move: make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb. It helps them cook flatter instead of puffing up.

3) Heat the grill or skillet

Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush lightly with oil (canola or avocado oil are great because they won’t fight the flavors). Let it get properly hot so the patties don’t stick.

4) Cook the turkey patties

Place patties on the hot surface and cook 5–6 minutes per side.

Try not to move them around too early. Let the browning happen—flavor lives there.

Turkey is done when the center reaches 165°F. A thermometer makes this stress-free (and prevents the “is this pink or am I imagining things?” debate).

5) Whisk up the peanut sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• peanut butter
• soy sauce
• lime juice
• honey
• sriracha (if using)

Then add warm water slowly, whisking until it’s smooth, silky, and pourable. You want it to coat the back of a spoon, but still drizzle. If it gets too thin, add a little more peanut butter. If it’s too thick, add a splash more warm water.

Don’t panic if it looks weird for a second while whisking—peanut butter is dramatic. It always comes around.

6) Toast and assemble the buns

Toast your burger buns until golden. Spread a generous spoonful of peanut sauce on the bottom bun.

7) Build each burger

Add:

• turkey patty
• extra peanut sauce (because obviously)
• shredded carrot
• sliced cucumber
• cilantro leaves
• red onion

Top with the bun and serve immediately—with extra sauce for dipping, drizzling, or “accidentally eating with a spoon.”

Quick Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Burgers

• Choose the right turkey. Extra-lean turkey can dry out fast. A little fat keeps it tender.
• Don’t overmix. Gentle hands = juicy patties.
• Use fresh lime + ginger if possible. It’s what gives that bright Thai-inspired zing.
• Sauce too thick? Warm water fixes everything. Add it slowly so you don’t overshoot.
• Make it meal-prep friendly. Mix the patties ahead and refrigerate them (covered) until you’re ready to cook.

And if your kitchen smells like garlic, ginger, and sesame… congratulations, you’ve basically created a happiness cloud.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers, I was trying to break out of a dinner rut—the kind where you stare into the fridge like it personally betrayed you. I wanted something fresh and exciting, but still easy enough for a busy night.

I made the peanut sauce “just to try,” and suddenly everyone was hovering in the kitchen like I’d opened a snack bar. One person “taste-tested” it so many times I had to whisk a second batch. That’s when I knew: this one was going into the permanent rotation.

FAQs About Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers

Bring the Magic to the Table

If dinner has been feeling a little “same old,” Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers are the reset button. They’re juicy, bright, and packed with flavor, with that creamy peanut sauce that makes everything taste like you know what you’re doing (even if you’re cooking with one eye on homework and the other on the laundry pile).

Make them once, and don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to—because these Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers are the kind of easy win we all deserve.

Keep the Flavor Party Going

If these Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers made your dinner feel like a win, here are a few more cozy, craveable recipes to try next:

• Try more peanut-sauce goodness with Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken for busy-day comfort
• Add a cool, crunchy side with Smashed Cucumber Salad that’s crisp and refreshing
• Keep the burger fun going with Greek Chicken Burgers with tzatziki (bright and juicy)
• Switch it up with an easy bowl dinner: Bang Bang Ground Turkey Rice Bowls for a spicy-sweet meal

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