Name: Banh Mi Turkey Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; ½ cup green onions, chopped; 1 tbsp fish sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; ½ tbsp garlic, minced; 1 tbsp sugar; ½ - 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to desired spiciness); Cilantro, for garnish; 4 brioche buns; 1 cup matchstick carrots; 1 cup Persian cucumbers, sliced into matchsticks; 1 jalapeno, sliced (seeds removed for less spice); 1 cup white vinegar; 1 cup water; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp sugar; Kewpie mayo; Sriracha (to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a burger that bursts with bold, fresh flavors and a perfect balance of spice and tang. The Banh Mi Turkey Burgers Recipe takes the classic Vietnamese sandwich experience and transforms it into a juicy, wholesome turkey burger cooked effortlessly in the air fryer. Crisp pickled veggies, fragrant cilantro, and a lively spicy mayo all come together on a soft brioche bun to create a meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for friends, this recipe delivers all the excitement of a banh mi with the comfort of a burger.

Ingredients You'll Need

A round sandwich sits in the center of a white plate with a smooth matte finish, showing three layers inside: bright green leafy cilantro at the bottom, thin orange carrot strips in the middle, and light yellowish cucumber strips on top, all enclosed in a shiny, soft golden-brown bun. On the right side, a white tray with blue speckles holds three more of the same golden buns stacked to the back, three cooked meat patties with a slightly crispy surface full of green herbs in the front, and green stalks of spring onion between the buns and patties. On the top left, a tall clear glass jar contains long, thin julienned carrots, cucumbers, and white strips in a pickling liquid with black chopsticks sticking out. Just below the jar is a small white bowl with blue speckles filled halfway with a creamy pale pink sauce and a golden spoon resting inside. A bunch of fresh cilantro in a clear glass jar stands behind the sauce, all set on a wrinkled light beige cloth spread over a white marbled surface. A loose cilantro leaf lies on the cloth near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Banh Mi Turkey Burgers Recipe relies on simple yet vibrant ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating those unforgettable layered flavors. From the savory turkey patties infused with garlic and fish sauce to the fresh crunch of pickled veggies and the creamy kick of spicy mayo, every component adds texture, color, and deliciousness.

1 lb ground turkey: The lean protein base that stays juicy and light.
½ cup green onions, chopped: Adds fresh oniony flavor and a bit of crunch within the patties.
1 tablespoon fish sauce: Brings umami depth and authentic Vietnamese flavor.
2 tablespoon soy sauce: For a savory backbone and subtle saltiness.
½ tablespoon garlic, minced: Enhances aroma and bold flavor throughout the burger.
1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the savory and spicy notes in the patties.
½ - 1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds preferred level of heat, kick it up or tone it down.
Cilantro: Fresh and fragrant herb that brightens every bite.
4 brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that complement the bold flavors.
1 cup matchstick carrots or carrots sliced: Crisp and slightly sweet, perfect for pickling.
1 cup Persian cucumbers, sliced into matchsticks: Adds cooling crunch to balance heat.
1 jalapeno, sliced: Optional spicy element in the pickled veggies; remove seeds if preferred less heat.
1 cup white vinegar: Essential to create tangy pickling liquid.
1 cup water: Dilutes vinegar for balanced acidity in pickles.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors in the pickling brine.
½ teaspoon sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the pickling liquid.
Kewpie mayo: Creamy, rich Japanese mayo that elevates the spicy mayo.
Sriracha: Mixed into mayo to create a creamy, spicy sauce that ties everything together.

How to Make Banh Mi Turkey Burgers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Patties

Start by combining the ground turkey with chopped green onions, fish sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and sriracha in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures the patties are bursting with flavor. Once combined, divide the mixture evenly into four patties that are perfectly sized to fit your brioche buns.

Step 2: Cook the Patties in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes for even cooking. Place the turkey patties in the basket and air fry for 10 to 13 minutes, flipping halfway through. The goal is a juicy patty cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, sealing in all those fantastic flavors while keeping the texture tender.

Step 3: Make the Pickled Veggies

While the patties are cooking, prepare your pickled veggies. Heat white vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour this hot pickling liquid over matchstick carrots, Persian cucumbers, and sliced jalapenos in a large bowl or jar. Let everything cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. The quick-pickled veggies add the essential bright crunch and tang that makes this Banh Mi Turkey Burgers Recipe so irresistible.

Step 4: Mix the Spicy Mayo

Combine Kewpie mayo with sriracha to create a creamy and spicy mayo that adds a smooth heat contrast to the fresh and acidic toppings. Adjust the sriracha amount to suit your preferred spice level. This quick sauce is key to bringing the whole burger together wonderfully.

Step 5: Assemble Your Banh Mi Turkey Burgers

Place the cooked turkey patties on split brioche buns, layer on the pickled veggies generously, add a handful of fresh cilantro, and drizzle with your spicy mayo. This final assembly celebrates the harmony of flavors and textures that define the Banh Mi Turkey Burgers Recipe, inviting you to dive straight in and savor each bite.

How to Serve Banh Mi Turkey Burgers Recipe

A sandwich with a shiny golden brown bun top sits on a white plate with a few pieces of green cilantro on the plate. Inside the sandwich, there is a layer of mixed shredded orange and pale yellow vegetables along with a thick meat patty, and a large amount of fresh green cilantro leaves on top. Behind the sandwich, there is a clear jar filled with sliced vegetables, placed on a white marbled surface, and some more buns lined up in the background on a white plate with blue floral patterns. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A handful of fresh cilantro leaves is the classic garnish here, adding a fresh herbaceous note that lifts the entire burger. You can also add extra sliced jalapenos for more heat, or sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch. These tiny touches personalize your experience and make each burger exactly how you like it.

Side Dishes

Serve your Banh Mi Turkey Burgers Recipe with crispy sweet potato fries or a light, refreshing cucumber salad to complement the crisp pickled vegetables without overwhelming the palate. A simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice with a squeeze of lime can also be a great side that carries the flavor notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just switch things up, try serving these turkey burgers open-faced with the bun bottoms topped with all your ingredients and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for crunch. Or use lettuce cups instead of buns for a low-carb, fresh twist. Either way, the vibrant colors and fresh tastes will shine and steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover turkey patties and pickled veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the buns and spicy mayo covered well to prevent them from drying out. This way, the next day’s meal is just as tasty and fresh.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, the cooked turkey patties freeze beautifully. Freeze them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Pickled veggies do not freeze well due to their water content but can be made fresh quickly.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover patties in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture. The pickled veggies should be served cold or at room temperature for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well in this recipe and offers a similar light texture. Just be sure to cook thoroughly and adjust seasoning if needed since chicken can be a bit milder.

Is the fish sauce flavor very strong?

The fish sauce adds a subtle umami and depth without overpowering the burger. If you’re sensitive to it, start with less and adjust next time. It really makes the flavors authentically Vietnamese but won't dominate the overall taste.

Can I make the pickled veggies ahead of time?

Yes, the pickled veggies actually benefit from sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight as it enhances their tang and crunch. Just prepare them a day before and store in a sealed container for best results.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can cook the turkey patties on a grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat. Cook about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. The flavor will be just as amazing, though the air fryer makes it a bit easier and cleaner.

How spicy is this Banh Mi Turkey Burgers Recipe?

The spice level is totally adjustable thanks to the sriracha in both the patties and the mayo, plus optional jalapenos in the pickled veggies. You can easily make it mild or turn up the heat depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Banh Mi Turkey Burgers Recipe is one of those rare finds that’s quick to make, bursting with vibrant flavors, and perfectly balanced in every bite. It’s a fresh take on a beloved sandwich that’s just begging to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be excited to make them for friends and family again and again — so don’t hesitate to get cooking and experience that irresistible combo of spicy, tangy, and savory for yourself!