Thai Style Turkey Burgers

Burgers can be the perfect thing to play around with when it comes to seasonings, toppings and other additions. Here's a version of a burger involving better-for-you lean turkey paired with some classic Southeast Asian flavorings. You can make it as spicy as you wish, but do exert caution if cooking for a tamer crowd. Serve with a variety of toppings and feel free to add more things to the burgers, like sliced scallions or top it with an Asian-themed slaw. The burgers themselves can be made gluten-free as long as you use reduced sodium tamari instead of regular soy sauce; serve on your favorite GF rolls or serve plain along with sides of your choice plus a dipping sauce.

Thai Style Turkey Burgers

1 onion, cut in ¼" dice

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1½ lb. lean ground turkey (93/7 blend)

1/8 cup reduced sodium soy sauce (or GF reduced sodium tamari)

1 tbsp. sambal oelek (optional) (can sub with Sriracha)

1" piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated

8 oz. can water chestnuts, drained, rinsed and chopped

½ bunch cilantro leaves, finely chopped

Kosher salt

Extra virgin olive oil

Optional Garnishes:

4 slices Cheddar cheese

4 seeded burger buns

4 slices beefsteak tomato

4 slices red onion

Butter lettuce

Sambal oelek mayo (¼ cup mayo mixed with 2 tsp. sambal oelek)

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees to keep the first batch of burgers warm.

Heat 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, season with a little salt and cook them for 7 - 8 minutes, until they are fragrant and tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1 - 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the onions cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey, soy sauce, sambal oelek, ginger, water chestnuts, cilantro and the onion mixture. Use your hands to blend everything together until it is well-combined.

Form the turkey mixture into 4 patties. Place the burgers in the pan and do not overcrowd them (they will end up steaming instead of cooking). Cook the burgers for 5 - 6 minutes on each side. If using cheese, place a slice on the burgers and cook for 1 more minute.

Toast the buns in a broiler or toaster (optional). Spread some of the sambal mayo (if using) on each side of the bun. Place a burger on the bottom bun and top with tomato, onion and lettuce. Press slightly to close, then eat immediately.

Serves 4