Thai Turkey Burgers with Crispy Kale

Flavorful Thai-inspired turkey burgers made with aromatic lemongrass, ginger, and fresh herbs, served on whole wheat buns with a side of crispy, lemon-zested kale chips.

4 servings

50 min

Published October 4, 2025

Ingredients

•1 lb ground turkey thigh meat
•4 whole scallions
•½ inch fresh ginger root
•1 clove garlic
•1 stalk lemongrass
•½ whole red chile
•2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
•1 whole egg
•4 whole whole-wheat buns
•to taste sea salt and black pepper
•4½ cups kale
•1 lemon lemon zest
•1 tablespoon olive oil
•1 tablespoon sesame seeds
•for sprinkling

Cooking Instructions

1.
To make the crispy kale, put the kale into a large bowl and toss with the lemon zest, olive oil, and a little sea salt. Arrange in a single layer on 1 or 2 baking sheets.
5 min
2.
Place in a preheated oven, at 400°F, for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time, until crunchy and crisp. Sprinkle with a little more salt or some sesame seeds, if desired.
20 min
3.
Meanwhile, put the turkey into a large bowl with the onions, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, chile, and cilantro. Mix well, then season to taste and stir in the egg.
10 min
4.
Use your hands to shape the mixture into 4 large balls, then press them firmly into patty shapes. Place under a preheated hot broiler and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Serve in warm whole-wheat buns with crispy kale on the side.
15 min

Ingredients

•1 lb ground turkey thigh meat

•4 whole scallions

•½ inch fresh ginger root

•1 clove garlic

•1 stalk lemongrass

•½ whole red chile

•2 tablespoons fresh cilantro

•1 whole egg

•4 whole whole-wheat buns

•to taste sea salt and black pepper

•4½ cups kale

•1 lemon lemon zest

•1 tablespoon olive oil

•1 tablespoon sesame seeds

•for sprinkling

Cooking Instructions

To make the crispy kale, put the kale into a large bowl and toss with the lemon zest, olive oil, and a little sea salt. Arrange in a single layer on 1 or 2 baking sheets.

5 min

Place in a preheated oven, at 400°F, for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time, until crunchy and crisp. Sprinkle with a little more salt or some sesame seeds, if desired.

20 min

Meanwhile, put the turkey into a large bowl with the onions, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, chile, and cilantro. Mix well, then season to taste and stir in the egg.

10 min

Use your hands to shape the mixture into 4 large balls, then press them firmly into patty shapes. Place under a preheated hot broiler and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Serve in warm whole-wheat buns with crispy kale on the side.

15 min