Easy Asian Turkey Burgers (30 Minute Recipe)

Name: Easy Asian Turkey Burgers (30-Minute Recipe)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1” piece of ginger, grated; 1 clove garlic, minced or grated; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped; 1/4 cup scallions, coarsely chopped, 3 scallions; 1 Tablespoon gluten free tamari; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 1 pound ground turkey, keep cold until ready to mix; 2 Tablespoons avocado oil or other neutral flavor

These healthy turkey burgers are juicy and savory with lots of fresh ginger, garlic and sesame flavor. Best of all, they come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for an easy weeknight dinner but delicious enough for entertaining. Serve them with the 5-minute Asian Tahini Sauce—creamy, nutty, tangy and slightly sweet—for an irresistible finishing touch.

Table of Contents

I love turkey burgers for a quick, protein-rich dinner, but ground turkey is mild and needs plenty of seasoning to make it really delicious. In this recipe fresh ginger, garlic, scallions, cilantro and toasted sesame oil are mixed in for a deeply savory umami flavor.

All you you have to do is mix the turkey with the seasonings, shape it into patties and cook for 8-10 minutes. The burgers can be pan-seared on the stovetop, cooked on the grill, or made in your air fryer!

While the burgers cook, stir together the tahini sauce. Dinner is on the table in 30 minutes with very little fuss.

Why You’ll Love These Asian Turkey Burgers

Easy 30-minute dinner – A flavorful meal you can make without much fuss.
Simple preparation – Mix, shape and cook. No complicated steps or special equipment.
Versatile cooking options – Pan-sear them on the stovetop, cook them on the grill, or make them in the air fryer. (Directions are in the recipe card)
Juicy and flavorful – Ginger, garlic, scallions, cilantro and sesame make the mild ground turkey taste moist and delicious.
Protein-rich – A satisfying main dish with plenty of protein.
Healthy and nourishing – Made with lean ground turkey mixed with gut supporting fresh herbs, ginger and garlic.
Gluten-free – No breadcrumbs
Creamy tahini sauce – Tangy, savory and slightly sweet, it makes the whole dish come together.

Ingredients That Make The Burgers Taste Great

Ground turkey – Keep it cold until you’re ready to mix. Cold meat is easier to shape and helps the burgers maintain a nice texture.
Fresh ginger and garlic – Give the burgers their bright, aromatic flavor.
Cilantro and scallions – Freshen up the turkey and add lots of flavor without making the burgers heavy.
Gluten-free tamari – Adds salty, savory, umami flavor.
Fish sauce – Just a teaspoon adds incredible depth without making the burgers taste fishy. If you don’t have it leave add a bit more tamari.
Toasted sesame oil – A little goes a long way, giving the burgers a warm, nutty sesame flavor.
Avocado oil – A neutral flavored oil for cooking the burgers.

Asian Tahini Sauce Ingredients

Tahini – Creates the rich, creamy base for the sauce with a slightly nutty flavor.
Gluten-free tamari – Adds salty, savory umami flavor.
Rice vinegar – Adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the tahini.
Maple syrup – A touch of natural sweetness balances the salty and tangy flavors.
Toasted sesame oil – Adds a warm, nutty sesame flavor.
Garlic – Gives the sauce a fresh, savory bite.
Fresh ginger – Adds a little zing and complements the Asian flavors in the burgers.
Water – Thins the sauce to your desired consistency for drizzling or spreading.

How to Make Asian Turkey Burgers

Mix the seasonings. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ginger, garlic, cilantro, scallions, tamari, fish sauce and sesame oil. Stir until evenly combined.

Add the turkey. Add the ground turkey and gently mix with clean hands or gloves until everything is evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing, which can make the burgers tough.

Shape the burgers. Shape the mixture into 6 burgers, gently compressing them so they hold together. For larger burgers, divide the mixture into 4 patties.

Pan-sear until golden. Heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the burgers, leaving a little space between each one. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes, until nicely golden on the bottom. Don’t fiddle with them—letting them cook undisturbed helps develop a beautiful golden crust.

Flip and finish cooking. Flip the burgers with a spatula and cook for another 5 minutes, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes; the temperature will continue to rise to the recommended 165°F.

Make Asian Tahini Sauce. While the burgers add all of the ingredients (except for the water) to a bowl or glass jar and stir until combined. Add water to thin until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Serve. Enjoy on a bed of greens, alongside vegetables, or on your favorite gluten-free bun with the Asian Tahini Sauce.

3 Delicious Ways to Serve Asian Turkey Burgers

You can enjoy these Asian Turkey Burgers in a few different ways depending on what you’re in the mood for:

Over a salad – I usually skip the bun and serve the burgers on a bed of greens, with sprouts, sauerkraut, and chili crisp using the tahini sauce as a dressing. Roasted sweet potatoes are delicious with these burgers too!
With vegetables – You can also serve it along side sautéed or roasted vegetables for a simple, veggie-packed meal topped with the Asian Tahini Dressing.
On a bun – Serve on your favorite gluten-free bun with lettuce, cucumber, onion and plenty of creamy Asian Tahini Sauce.

Tips for the Best Turkey Burgers

Keep the turkey cold. Leave it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to mix the burgers.
Don’t overmix. Gently combine the meat and seasonings just until everything comes together.
Don’t press down while cooking. Pressing the burgers with a spatula pushes out their flavorful juices.
Use a thermometer. Turkey is lean, so it’s easy to overcook. Remove the burgers once the center reaches 160°F. They will continue to cook off the heat to get to 165°F.
Make the sauce ahead. The Asian Tahini Sauce keeps in the refrigerator for up to a week, making dinner even easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grill or air fry these turkey burgers?

Yes, they both work great. See recipe card for instructions.

Can I make them without cilantro?

Absolutely. If you’re not a cilantro fan, simply leave it out or replace it with a little fresh parsley.

Can I freeze the burgers?

Yes. Freeze the uncooked patties separated with parchment paper, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. You can also freeze the cooked burgers.

Are these Asian Turkey Burgers gluten-free?

Yes, they hold together fine without and breadcrumbs. Be sure touse certified gluten-free tamari and check the labels of your fish sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

The burger mixture can be prepared and shaped up to 2 days ahead of time. Keep the patties covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Cooked turkey burgers will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat them gently so they stay juicy.

The tahini sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated in a covered jar for up to a week. It will thicken when chilled, so simply stir in a splash of water before serving.

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