Description of this recipe
These Hoisin Turkey Burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. Infused with the rich, savory-sweet flavor of hoisin sauce and complemented by a refreshing cucumber-onion pickle, these burgers offer a unique culinary experience. The lean ground turkey keeps the calorie count down while delivering a satisfying protein punch. Served on whole wheat buns with a spicy chili-garlic yogurt sauce, these burgers are a perfect blend of taste and nutrition.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll fall in love with these Hoisin Turkey Burgers for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, and cilantro creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The tangy cucumber-onion pickle adds a refreshing contrast to the savory burger.
- Healthy Choice: Made with lean ground turkey and served on whole wheat buns, these burgers are a guilt-free indulgence. They are packed with protein and fiber, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious burgers in no time.
- Versatile: These burgers are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or even a packed lunch. They can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
- Unique: Forget the same old boring burgers! These Hoisin Turkey Burgers offer a unique and exciting twist on a classic dish. They are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup bulgur wheat
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced (1 cup)
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- 12 ounces lean ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro + 1/4 cup whole cilantro leaves
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Bulgur Wheat
In a medium bowl, combine the bulgur wheat and boiling water. Stir briefly to ensure all the bulgur is moistened. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Allow the bulgur to sit and absorb the water for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the bulgur is tender and fluffy. This process hydrates the bulgur, making it soft and palatable, and also helps it bind the burger mixture together.
Step 2: Make the Cucumber-Onion Pickle
While the bulgur is soaking, prepare the cucumber-onion pickle. In another bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This mixture forms the base of the pickling liquid. Add the thinly sliced cucumber and red onion to the bowl, tossing well to ensure they are evenly coated with the vinegar mixture. Let the vegetables marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful and tender they will become. The rice wine vinegar adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar, while the salt and pepper enhance the overall taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Chili-Garlic Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the plain low-fat yogurt and chili garlic sauce. Stir well until the sauce is evenly distributed throughout the yogurt. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce according to your preference for spiciness. This sauce adds a creamy, spicy kick to the burgers that complements the savory hoisin flavor. Set the sauce aside until ready to assemble the burgers.
Step 4: Combine Burger Ingredients
Once the bulgur is tender, drain any excess water. Place the drained bulgur into a large bowl. Add the lean ground turkey, hoisin sauce, chopped scallions, grated fresh ginger, grated garlic, and chopped cilantro to the bowl. Using your hands or a spatula, gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough burgers. The hoisin sauce adds a rich, savory-sweet flavor to the burgers, while the scallions, ginger, garlic, and cilantro add freshness and depth of flavor.
Step 5: Form the Patties
Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make sure the patties are uniform in size and shape to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Cook the Burgers
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, brush each patty lightly with vegetable oil. This helps prevent the burgers from sticking to the skillet and adds a touch of richness. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the temperature and result in uneven cooking. If necessary, cook the burgers in batches.
Step 7: Prepare the Pickles and Buns
While the burgers are cooking, drain the pickled cucumber and onion slices, discarding the pickling liquid. Toss the pickled vegetables with the whole cilantro leaves. This adds a fresh, aromatic element to the burgers. Toast the whole wheat hamburger buns if desired. Toasting the buns adds a bit of texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Step 8: Assemble the Burgers
Spread the chili-garlic yogurt sauce on the top and bottom of each bun. Place a cooked turkey patty on the bottom bun, followed by a generous heap of the cucumber-onion pickle and cilantro mixture. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Hoisin Turkey Burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Pair them with a crisp coleslaw for a classic burger experience with a twist.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as sliced avocado, sprouts, or sriracha mayo, to customize the burgers to your liking.
- These burgers are also delicious served open-faced on a bed of greens.
Tips:
- For best results, use lean ground turkey with a fat content of 93% or higher.
- Don’t overmix the turkey mixture, as this can result in tough burgers.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the patties to prevent sticking.
- Cook the burgers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce according to your preference for spiciness.
- The cucumber-onion pickle can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 450 per burger
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion
These Hoisin Turkey Burgers are a delightful and healthy twist on a classic dish. The combination of savory hoisin sauce, refreshing cucumber-onion pickle, and spicy chili-garlic yogurt sauce creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Easy to make and packed with protein, these burgers are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue. So, fire up the grill and give these Hoisin Turkey Burgers a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ground chicken for ground turkey in this recipe. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the overall result will still be delicious. Just make sure to use lean ground chicken to keep the calorie count down.
Q2: I don’t have rice wine vinegar. Can I use another type of vinegar for the cucumber-onion pickle?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have rice wine vinegar on hand, you can use white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly depending on the type of vinegar you use, so adjust the amount accordingly to taste.
Q3: I’m not a fan of spicy food. Can I omit the chili garlic sauce from the yogurt sauce?
A: Of course! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can simply omit the chili garlic sauce from the yogurt sauce altogether. Alternatively, you can use a smaller amount of chili garlic sauce or substitute it with a milder sauce, such as sriracha mayo or a sweet chili sauce.
Q4: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the turkey patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also make the cucumber-onion pickle and the chili-garlic yogurt sauce in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the burgers just before serving to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
Q5: Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking them in a skillet?
A: Yes, grilling these burgers is a great option, especially during the summer months. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Grilling will add a smoky flavor to the burgers that complements the hoisin sauce and other ingredients.
