Bánh Mì Turkey Burgers
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If you’re tired of dry turkey burgers that taste like compromise, these Bánh Mì Turkey Burgers Turkey Burgers will change your mind. These bánh mì-style turkey burgers bring serious flavor: juicy, well-seasoned patties, quick pickled veggies for crunch, and a spicy sriracha mayo that ties everything together. They cook fast on the grill, and the pickles can be made ahead of time, making this a solid option for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend cookout. You’re getting big flavor without a ton of effort, and the layers of texture, make each bite feel like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Bánh Mì Turkey Burgers
- Flavor With Layers: Between the tangy pickled veggies, savory turkey patties, and creamy sriracha mayo, each bite hits sweet, salty, spicy, and sour.
- Weeknight Friendly: The patties come together in one bowl and cook fast, making this doable even on a busy schedule.
- Great for Make-Ahead: You can pickle the veggies in advance and store them in the fridge for days.
- Lighter but Still Satisfying: Using ground turkey keeps things lean, but the bold toppings make it feel like a splurge.
- Elevated Without Being Fussy: This takes your average burger up a notch with zero fancy techniques or tools required.
Ingredients Needed To Make Bánh Mì Turkey Burgers
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Ground turkey
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Chopped chives or scallions
- Garlic powder
- Sesame oil
- Olive or vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro
- Teriyaki sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha
- Water
- Sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Jalapeño
- English cucumbers
- Matchstick carrots
- Burger buns
Substitutions & Variations
- Ground Turkey: Ground chicken or lean ground pork also work well.
- Chives: Can be replaced with scallions or finely chopped parsley.
- Sriracha: Use any hot sauce you prefer, or omit for a milder mayo.
- Mayonnaise: Swap with Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo as needed.
- Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used in the pickling liquid.
- Cilantro: Try fresh basil or mint if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
- Buns: Baguettes give it a more traditional bánh mì feel; lettuce wraps work for a low-carb option.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Hoisin sauce or sweet soy glaze can be used instead.
How To Make Bánh Mì Turkey Burgers
- Pickle the veggies: Make a quick pickling liquid and pour it over sliced cucumbers, carrots, and jalapeño. Let them sit in the fridge to soak up flavor.
- Make the turkey patties: Mix the ground turkey with seasonings and form into burger patties.
- Grill the burgers: Cook the patties on a hot grill or grill pan until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through.
- Mix the sauce: Stir together mayo and sriracha for a creamy, spicy burger spread.
- Assemble the burgers: Layer the sauce, cooked burger, pickled veggies, a drizzle of teriyaki, and fresh herbs on your bun of choice.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make the pickled veggies ahead of time?
Yes, and you should. The veggies taste even better after sitting overnight in the fridge. Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container and fully submerged in the brine.
What’s the best way to cook the turkey burgers without a grill?
A grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stove works just as well. Just make sure the pan is hot before adding the patties to get a good sear. You can also broil them in the oven if you’re short on stovetop space.
How do I know when the turkey burgers are done?
Use a meat thermometer if you have one—you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the middle.
Can I use store-bought pickled veggies instead?
Definitely. If you’re in a pinch, grab some pickled carrots, daikon, or cucumber from the store. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still work great.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the burger patties, pickled veggies, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
How do I reheat the patties?
Reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking or they’ll dry out.
What kind of buns should I use?
Any soft, sturdy bun works, but brioche or potato buns are great for soaking up all the flavors. Want a more classic bánh mì feel? Try a mini baguette instead.
Bánh Mì Turkey Burgers
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- Airtight container or large mason jar
- Grill or grill pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped chives or scallions
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- Olive or vegetable oil for grilling
- Fresh cilantro for topping
- Teriyaki sauce for drizzling
For the Creamy Sriracha Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha sweet or spicy
- Pinch of salt
For the Quick Pickled Veggies:
- 1½ cups water
- 1½ tbsp sugar
- 1 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 jalapeño thinly sliced
- 2 cups English cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1½ cups matchstick carrots
Instructions
Pickle the Veggies
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, vinegar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Place sliced cucumbers, carrots, and jalapeño in a large airtight container. Pour the cooled liquid over the vegetables. Seal and let marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Make the Turkey Patties
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, salt, pepper, chives, garlic powder, and sesame oil. Form into 4 burger patties.
Grill the Burgers
- Preheat your grill to 450°F. Lightly rub the outside of each patty with olive or vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Assemble the Burgers
- Spread creamy sriracha mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Place a turkey burger on top. Add pickled veggies, a drizzle of teriyaki sauce, and fresh cilantro. Finish with the top bun and serve.
Notes
Substitutions & Variations
- Ground Turkey: Ground chicken or lean ground pork also work well.
- Chives: Can be replaced with scallions or finely chopped parsley.
- Sriracha: Use any hot sauce you prefer, or omit for a milder mayo.
- Mayonnaise: Swap with Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo as needed.
- Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used in the pickling liquid.
- Cilantro: Try fresh basil or mint if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
- Buns: Baguettes give it a more traditional bánh mì feel; lettuce wraps work for a low-carb option.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Hoisin sauce or sweet soy glaze can be used instead.
Nutrition
These bánh mì turkey burgers are one of those meals that hit every craving in one bite. You’ve got savory, crunchy, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Honestly, once you try that quick-pickled veggie and sriracha mayo combo, you might start putting it on everything.