Burger of the East

This Asian-inspired turkey burger has become an all-time favorite of mine. It’s a light and refreshing way to treat ground turkey, whether fried or barbecued.

My kids delight in making miniature burgers, which also happen to be the perfect size for an appetizer (this recipe will yield eight minis). I frequently make a double batch and freeze the extras for another quick meal. Steamed rice is a good accompaniment.

A delicious addition to the meal would be a salad of chopped cucumbers, diced red onions and toasted cashews, tossed with your favorite Asian dressing and garnished with bean sprouts and cilantro. Serve ice cream with toasted coconut and fresh berries for dessert.

MENU

Thai Turkey Burgers

Chopped Cucumber Salad

Steamed Basmati Rice

Vanilla Ice Cream With Toasted Coconut and Sliced Strawberries

Thai Turkey Burgers

Active Work Time and Total Preparation Time: 30 minutes

You can also cook these burgers on the grill. Spray grill with nonstick spray before heating. Cook burgers over medium-high heat and brush with extra teriyaki sauce while grilling.

1 pound ground turkey

1 egg white

1/4 cup unseasoned dry bread crumbs

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint

2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons minced green onion

1/2 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon minced ginger root

Juice of 1 lime

1/4 cup teriyaki sauce, plus more for glazing

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Nonstick cooking spray

Sesame seeds, toasted, optional

* Combine turkey, egg white, bread crumbs, mint, cilantro, onion, garlic, ginger, lime juice, teriyaki sauce and salt. Mix thoroughly. Using wet hands, shape mixture into 4 equal patties, then flatten each. Set aside on wax paper.

* Coat large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Sear turkey burgers, cooking in batches, until browned and cooked, about 6 to 7 minutes per side depending on their size. Press lightly with spatula while cooking to flatten slightly. Spoon additional teriyaki sauce to glaze while cooking. Top with toasted sesame seeds before serving, if desired.

4 servings. Each serving: 150 calories; 733 mg sodium; 56 mg cholesterol; 3 grams fat; 9 grams carbohydrates; 20 grams protein; 0.08 gram fiber.

INGREDIENTS

Staples

Bread crumbs

Toasted coconut

Eggs

Garlic

Salad dressing

Shopping List

Bean sprouts

Toasted cashews

Cilantro

Cucumbers

Ginger root

Green onions

Ice cream

1 Lime

Fresh mint

Red onions

Sesame seeds

Strawberries

Teriyaki sauce

1 pound ground turkey

GAME PLAN

30 minutes before: Rinse rice and start cooking in rice cooker or steam on stove.

25 minutes before: Clean mint, cilantro and green onion. Peel garlic and ginger; mince and set aside.

20 minutes before: Peel and dice cucumber, toss with dressing, nuts and sprouts.

15 minutes before: Begin cooking burgers.

Just before serving: Garnish burgers with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.