Name: Thai Turkey Burgers with Almond Butter Sauce and Coleslaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; ½ cup shredded carrots; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro; 1 green onion, chopped; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil; 2 tablespoons almond butter; 1 tablespoon coconut aminos; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons almond butter; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons coconut aminos; 1 tablespoon water; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; 10 oz bag of coleslaw mix; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro; 1 head of cabbage (for wrapping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 44 reviews

If you’re craving a burst of bold flavors wrapped in a healthy, satisfying package, the Thai Turkey Burgers with Almond Butter Sauce and Coleslaw Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish strikes the perfect balance between juicy turkey patties infused with fragrant herbs and spices, a creamy and nutty almond butter sauce, and a refreshing, tangy coleslaw that adds crunch and brightness. It’s a vibrant medley of textures and tastes that feels indulgent yet nourishing, bringing a fresh twist to your usual burger night. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl contains a base layer of very light pink ground meat with a soft texture. On top of the meat, there are small piles of bright orange finely grated carrots on the right, fresh green chopped scallions and herbs on the bottom left, and three small mounds of light yellow, pale beige, and fine pink powders or seasonings placed near the center and upper right sections. Behind the bowl, a wooden cutting board holds some long green scallions bundled with a blue rubber band and a small pile of chopped green herbs. A silver knife is partially visible on the right side of the cutting board. The setting is a clean white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, fresh, and thoughtfully chosen ingredients are the heart of this recipe. Each item plays a vital role in bringing the flavors and textures together to create those irresistible Thai Turkey Burgers with Almond Butter Sauce and Coleslaw Recipe.

Ground turkey (1 pound): A lean protein base that’s mild in flavor, allowing the spices and sauces to shine.
Shredded carrots (½ cup): Adds natural sweetness and a little crunch to the patties.
Chopped cilantro (1 tablespoon): Provides fresh, citrusy notes essential to Thai-inspired dishes.
Green onion (1, chopped): Offers a mild onion flavor and a splash of color.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the other flavors in the burger.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Gives subtle warmth and depth.
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Adds that classic zingy, spicy-sweet flavor that’s signature in Thai cuisine.
Olive or avocado oil (1 tablespoon): For cooking the patties to juicy perfection without sticking.
Almond butter (several tablespoons): The star of the sauce and coleslaw dressing, bringing creamy richness and a nutty undertone.
Coconut aminos (3 tablespoons total): A tasty, soy-free umami ingredient that’s slightly sweet and salty.
Rice vinegar (4 tablespoons total): Gives the coleslaw and sauce their necessary tang and brightness.
Water (1 tablespoon): Helps balance the dressing textures.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle, toasty aroma into the coleslaw.
Coleslaw mix (10 oz bag): A ready blend of cabbage and carrots for crunch and freshness.
Cabbage (1 head): Used as a natural, low-carb bun alternative for serving.

How to Make Thai Turkey Burgers with Almond Butter Sauce and Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Patties

First, combine your ground turkey with shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, green onion, salt, garlic powder, and ground ginger in a bowl. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything evenly, making sure the spices and veggies are fully incorporated. This mix creates patties that are juicy on the inside with flavorful bursts in every bite.

Step 2: Cook the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about the size of your palm. Heat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive or avocado oil. Once hot, carefully place the patties on the pan and cook for about 4 minutes per side. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165ºF so they’re perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe. When done, set them aside to rest.

Step 3: Make the Almond Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons almond butter, 1 tablespoon coconut aminos, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Stir until smooth. This sauce will bring a luscious, creamy element with a hint of sweetness and tang that complements the savory turkey beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Coleslaw

For the coleslaw, whisk together 2 tablespoons almond butter, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, 1 tablespoon water, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger in a medium bowl until well combined. Then, toss in the coleslaw mix and chopped cilantro, coating the vegetables evenly with this bright, flavorful dressing that adds crunch and zestiness.

Step 5: Assemble Your Burgers

Gently peel off large leaves from your cabbage head to serve as natural burger buns. Layer a turkey patty on each leaf, drizzle generously with almond butter sauce, and pile on the fresh coleslaw. These vibrant bites bring together all those amazing flavors and textures in a fun, low-carb way that makes every mouthful exciting.

How to Serve Thai Turkey Burgers with Almond Butter Sauce and Coleslaw Recipe

The image shows a lettuce wrap with three clear layers. The bottom layer is light green, leafy lettuce forming a cup shape. On top of the lettuce, there is a thick, round, browned patty with visible bits of green and orange inside, showing a cooked texture. The final layer is a colorful slaw made of thin, long strips of vegetables like orange carrots, pale green, and purple cabbage mixed with a light sauce. The wrap is set on a white marbled surface with blurred similar wraps in the background, and a woman's hand is holding one in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness can take your dish to the next level. Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro or thinly sliced green onions on top for visual appeal and a burst of herbal brightness. A few toasted sesame seeds also add subtle nuttiness and a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with both the sauce and coleslaw.

Side Dishes

This Thai Turkey Burgers with Almond Butter Sauce and Coleslaw Recipe shines on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with light sides. Think steamed jasmine rice or a simple cucumber salad dressed with lime juice and chili flakes. These choices complement the bold burger flavors without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the patties on skewers alongside mini cabbage leaf “wraps” filled with slaw and sauce. You could also turn the elements into a deconstructed plate for a dinner party, letting everyone build their own combinations. Whichever way you choose, this dish never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this Thai Turkey Burgers with Almond Butter Sauce and Coleslaw Recipe, store the patties separately from the slaw and sauce in airtight containers. Keeping them separate will preserve the coleslaw’s crispness and the patty’s juiciness for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked turkey patties for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. It’s best to freeze the sauce and coleslaw fresh to maintain their flavor and texture, so prepare those freshly when you’re ready to eat again.

Reheating

To reheat the turkey patties, warm them gently on a skillet or in the oven at 300ºF until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat. Add fresh coleslaw and sauce after reheating to keep the dish vibrant and delicious.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground chicken for the turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and offers a similar mild flavor and texture. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly to the recommended internal temperature.

Is almond butter essential, or can I use peanut butter instead?

While almond butter gives a unique, subtle nutty flavor that complements the Thai spices perfectly, peanut butter can be a good substitute if you prefer. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

How spicy is this Thai Turkey Burgers with Almond Butter Sauce and Coleslaw Recipe?

This recipe leans toward mild to medium flavor, focusing on herbal and nutty notes rather than heat. Feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you love a spicy kick!

Can I make the coleslaw without cilantro?

Yes, if cilantro isn’t your favorite, you can omit it or replace it with fresh parsley or basil for a different but still fresh twist.

What’s the best way to check if the turkey patties are cooked?

The safest and most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 165ºF. This ensures the patties are fully cooked and juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Turkey Burgers with Almond Butter Sauce and Coleslaw Recipe offers a spectacular fusion of flavors and textures that will brighten up your meal routine. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and bursting with vibrant Thai-inspired tastes that make every bite memorable. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite. Enjoy the delicious journey!