Are you hungry?
This time of year it can be hard to pull together healthy dinners when you’re running on holiday sugar and trying to get a meal on the table at a hectic hour. That’s when simple, flavor-packed recipes like these come in handy.
I’m a burger person through and through, and I used to believe a burger without a bun just wasn’t a burger at all. Cheese, bread, bacon—those are the essentials in my mind. If I wanted to skip carbs I’d normally pick a seafood or chicken salad…with fries and cheese, of course.
Turkey burgers used to be a no-go for me—dry, flavorless patties left me scarred from an early phase when they seemed to be the only thing available. But these ginger-soy turkey burgers changed my mind. They’re juicy and full of flavor, so much so that I happily ate one on a salad without missing the bun.
I first tried them thanks to family recipes and immediately loved the mix of sesame oil, soy, garlic, and ginger. The flavors are bright and savory, and if you want to skip the bun you can pile the burger over butter lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of lime and rice vinegar for a fresh, satisfying bowl.
One weekend I did put mine on whole wheat buns but skipped the cheese because I wasn’t sure which cheese would pair best with the Asian flavors. If you have a favorite pairing—something mild or slightly tangy that complements sesame and soy—give it a try. I ended up using a zesty spicy lime mayo instead, which was perfect with tomato and butter lettuce.
These burgers are quick to make, ideal for busy weeknights, and versatile—serve them on buns, tucked into lettuce wraps, or over a salad. The spicy lime mayo brightens everything and adds a creamy heat that balances the savory patties.
Ginger Soy Turkey Burgers
Makes 4 burgers
- 1 pound ground turkey breast
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 3 green onions, thinly chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 4 whole wheat buns (optional)
Combine all ingredients except the buns in a large bowl and gently mix with your hands until just combined—do not overmix. Form into 4 patties about 1/2 inch thick. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat (or preheat your grill). Once hot, add the burgers and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
Toast buns if desired, top the burgers with spicy lime mayo, and serve. These also work great on a bed of lettuce with sliced tomato and a squeeze of lime.
Spicy Lime Mayo
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more to taste)
- Zest of half a lime
- Juice of half a lime
Combine all mayo ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Adjust sriracha and lime to taste.
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner tonight, these ginger soy turkey burgers with spicy lime mayo are a great pick. Juicy, simple, and satisfying—give them a try.