Asian Turkey Burgers with Broccoli Slaw

Craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and won’t weigh you down? Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds sing! We’re talking about the ultimate weeknight hero: Asian Turkey Burgers with Broccoli Slaw. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a vibrant symphony of savory, tangy, and fresh notes, all wrapped up in a healthy package. Forget boring dinners; prepare for a feast that’s both quick to make and ridiculously delicious. Let’s dive into why these magnificent burgers and their zesty slaw sidekick are about to become your new favorite go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. An Explosion of Asian-Inspired Flavor

Get ready for a flavor fiesta! These aren’t your average, dry turkey burgers. Infused with aromatic ginger, savory soy sauce, and fresh green onions, each bite of our Asian Turkey Burgers with Broccoli Slaw delivers a delightful blend of umami and zest. The ground ginger and garlic powder create a warm, inviting base, while the sweet bell peppers add a subtle, refreshing crunch within the patty itself. It’s a taste profile that will transport you straight to your favorite Asian eatery!

2. Super Healthy and Lean

Who says delicious can’t be nutritious? Our Asian Turkey Burgers with Broccoli Slaw are a testament to healthy eating without sacrificing an ounce of taste. Lean ground turkey provides a fantastic source of protein, keeping you feeling full and energized. The vibrant broccoli slaw, packed with nutrients and dressed in a light, zesty vinaigrette, is the perfect low-carb, high-fiber companion. At just 170.2 calories and 4.4g net carbs per serving, it’s a meal you can feel great about enjoying!

3. Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner

Got 30 minutes? Then you’ve got time for these incredible Asian Turkey Burgers with Broccoli Slaw! Designed for busy schedules, this recipe simplifies dinner prep without compromising on quality or taste. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20, you can whip up a gourmet-quality meal faster than ordering takeout. It’s the ideal solution for those evenings when you want something homemade and wholesome, but time is of the essence.

4. Versatile and Customizable

One of the best things about these Asian Turkey Burgers with Broccoli Slaw is their incredible versatility. While delicious as is, they offer a fantastic canvas for customization. Want a little heat? Add some sriracha! Prefer a different veggie? Swap it out! The burgers are fantastic on a bun, in a lettuce wrap, or even crumbled over rice. The slaw can be adjusted to your taste too. It’s a flexible recipe that caters to your preferences and pantry, making it endlessly exciting.

Ingredients with Measurements

For the Turkey Burgers:

• 🦃 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
• 🌶️ 1/3 cup sweet bell peppers, finely chopped
• 🧅 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
• 🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 🫚 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 🍶 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• 🧂 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the Broccoli Slaw:

• 🥦 12 oz bag pre-shredded broccoli slaw mix
• 🍶 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 🫚 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 🧄 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
• 🌰 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 🫒 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 🍎 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 🧂 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Creating these delicious Asian Turkey Burgers with Broccoli Slaw is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:

Step 1: Prep Your Flavorful Turkey Burgers

First things first, grab a large mixing bowl. Gently add your 1.5 lbs of lean ground turkey. Now, it’s time to infuse that amazing Asian flavor! Add the finely chopped sweet bell peppers, chopped green onions, a teaspoon of garlic powder, a teaspoon of ground ginger, a tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. With clean hands, gently combine all the ingredients until they are just mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher burgers. Once combined, divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and carefully form them into patties. They should hold their shape well.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Burgers to Perfection

Place a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and let it get nice and warm. Lightly coat the pan with a spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place your beautifully formed turkey burger patties into the hot pan. Let them sizzle and cook until they are thoroughly cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side, creating a lovely golden-brown crust and a juicy interior. Keep an eye on them to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Whip Up the Zesty Broccoli Slaw

While your burgers are happily cooking, let’s prepare the vibrant and refreshing broccoli slaw. In a separate, clean mixing bowl, empty your 12 oz bag of pre-shredded broccoli slaw mix. Now, for the dressing! Add 1 teaspoon of low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos), 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger (the fresher, the better for that zing!), 1 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Give everything a really good toss until the slaw is evenly coated with the delightful dressing. It should be glistening and ready to go!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your flavorful Asian Turkey Burgers with Broccoli Slaw are thoroughly cooked and the slaw is perfectly dressed, it’s time to plate up! Serve the hot, juicy turkey burgers alongside a generous helping of the crisp, zesty broccoli slaw. The combination of the warm, savory burger and the cool, tangy slaw is a match made in culinary heaven. Enjoy your healthy, quick, and incredibly delicious meal!

Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It

The beauty of these Asian Turkey Burgers with Broccoli Slaw lies not only in their taste but also in their incredible versatility when it comes to serving. Here are some fun and delicious ways to present your meal:

• Classic Burger Style: Serve the burger on a toasted whole-wheat bun or brioche bun for a traditional feel. Add a slice of tomato, some red onion, and a dollop of sriracha mayo for an extra kick. The broccoli slaw can be served on the side or even tucked into the bun!
• Healthy Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb, gluten-free option, ditch the bun and serve your turkey burger in large, crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or iceberg). This adds an extra layer of freshness and crunch, perfectly complementing the flavors of the burger and the slaw.
• Power Bowl Presentation: Create a vibrant and hearty power bowl! Place a base of steamed brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Top it with a sliced turkey burger and a generous portion of the broccoli slaw. Drizzle with a little extra soy-ginger dressing or a squeeze of lime.
• Mini Sliders: Form smaller patties and serve them on slider buns for appetizers or a fun party spread. Garnish with a tiny bit of slaw or a pickle spear. These are perfect for entertaining or for kids!
• Salad Topper: Crumble the cooked turkey burger over a bed of mixed greens, and toss it with the broccoli slaw for a hearty and flavorful Asian-inspired salad. Add some sliced avocado or toasted cashews for extra texture.
• Deconstructed Dinner: Serve the turkey burger patties, broccoli slaw, and perhaps some steamed edamame or a small bowl of miso soup on individual plates. This allows everyone to customize their meal exactly how they like it.

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

Prepping ahead or having leftovers of your amazing Asian Turkey Burgers with Broccoli Slaw is totally doable! Here’s how to store them to keep them fresh and delicious:

Storage for Cooked Turkey Burgers:

• Refrigeration: Once your turkey burgers are cooked and have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, a quick pan-fry, oven bake, or microwave will do the trick, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Freezing: Cooked turkey burger patties freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Storage for Broccoli Slaw:

• Refrigeration: For the best texture and flavor, it’s ideal to store the broccoli slaw dressing and the slaw mix separately if you’re making it ahead of time. Combine them just before serving. However, if the slaw is already dressed, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain crisp and flavorful for about 1-2 days. Beyond that, the vegetables may start to soften, but it will still be safe to eat for up to 3 days.

Remember, always use your best judgment. If anything smells off or looks questionable, it’s best to discard it.

FAQs Section

1. Can I use a different ground meat for the burgers?

   Absolutely! While this recipe is for turkey burgers, you can certainly substitute lean ground chicken or even lean ground pork for a similar flavor profile. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed for different meats.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

   Yes, it can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, as indicated in the ingredients list. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

3. Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

   You can definitely prep the slaw ahead! For best results, prepare the dressing and store it separately from the broccoli slaw mix in the refrigerator. Combine and toss them together just before serving to maintain maximum crispness. If you dress it ahead, it’s best eaten within 1-2 days.
4. How do I prevent turkey burgers from drying out?

   Lean ground turkey can dry out easily. The key is not to overmix the patty ingredients and to avoid overcooking. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and no more. The finely chopped sweet bell peppers also add moisture to the patties.

5. What’s the best way to cook these burgers if I don’t have a frying pan?

   You can grill them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through, or bake them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach the proper internal temperature.

6. Can I add other vegetables to the slaw?

   Yes, get creative! Shredded carrots, red cabbage, thinly sliced bell peppers, or even edamame can be fantastic additions to the broccoli slaw mix, adding more color and nutrients.
7. What can I substitute for soy sauce?

   Coconut aminos are an excellent gluten-free and soy-free alternative, as mentioned in the recipe. Tamari is another gluten-free soy sauce option. For a savory depth without soy, you could experiment with a dash of fish sauce, but use sparingly as it’s more potent.

8. How can I make the burgers spicier?

   To add some heat, finely mince a jalapeño or serrano pepper and mix it into the burger patties. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or serve the cooked burgers with a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.

9. Can I freeze the raw turkey burger patties?

   Yes, you can! Form the patties, place parchment paper between each, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
10. What other sides go well with these burgers besides the slaw?

    Beyond the amazing broccoli slaw, these burgers pair well with a side of brown rice, quinoa, a simple cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or even sweet potato fries for a balanced meal.