This Sweet and Spicy Turkey Burger balances the sweetness of brown sugar with a little heat from cayenne pepper sauce.
A great burger recipe to get out of the same old same burger rut!
Disclaimer: This recipe was originally created as a paid partnership. All paid links have since been removed.
You know by now, I love a good burger. I don't discriminate, I love chicken burgers, turkey burgers and beef burgers equally.
Burgers can be a fun blank canvas type of recipe. I love to play around with spices and sauces that go beyond ketchup, mayo and mustard. Those aren't my jam.
This particular turkey burger has some ingredients you might not immediately think of with a burger like brown sugar, soy sauce, cayenne pepper sauce, egg white and green onion.
The spicy brown sugar sauce is optional but very much suggested!
TIP: When it comes to using ground turkey for burgers, I typically by the 93% lean over the 99% lean. I find the 93% to yield a more moist burger than the 99%.
Assembly
Combine everything in a bowl. Much like beef, try not to overwork the burger.
The mixture will be a little wetter than you are used to but it's okay.
Cooking the turkey burger.
You can cook this turkey burger in a skillet, grill pan, air fryer or grill. Whichever method you choose, make sure you use a little oil or non-stick spray or the burger will stick!
Burger should be cooked to internal temperature of 165 F.
While the burger is cooking prepare the sauce / glaze.
Serving suggestions
Burgers are great but you need a side dish, right! Here are a few of my fave sides for turkey burgers.
Printable Recipe Card
Sweet and Spicy Turkey Burger
Ingredients
- 20 ounces ground turkey lean 93% fat-free
- 1 egg white
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 scallions chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste or minced fresh
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper sauce
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices cheese I used asiago slices
Glaze - optional but very much recommended
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper sauce
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat.
- In a bowl combine all ingredients except turkey. Stir to combine. Add turkey and mix well with hands. Form into 4 patties.
- Place patties on grill and cook about 5-6 minutes. Flip. Cook another 5 minutes or so, until cooked through. Top with cheese just before removing from grill. If desired place buns on grill to toast.
- Assemble burger with desired toppings and/or glaze and enjoy.
Glaze
- Place brown sugar, soy sauce and pepper sauce in pan over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook 4-5 minutes until reduced and beginning to thicken. Set aside.
Nutrition
Sweet and Spicy Turkey Burger Notes:
- pairs well with sweet potato fries, simple salad or chips
- turkey patties in general are more fragile than beef patties to handle gently
- sweet Hawaiian rolls are a great roll option for these flavors
Kallee says
I use turkey a lot in cooking, but I haven't made many turkey burgers. These look delicous!
Rachel Teodoro says
This is the only soy sauce we use. I love finding new ways to use it. Thanks for the recipe!
foodyschmoody says
I know, it's so versatile.
Heather Johnson says
I love that your recipe has the perfect balance of sweet and heat. I will start using turkey more once fall comes along!
Brandy says
This looks like a delicious option for a turkey burger. I will have to make it up, we love sweet and spicy 😉 Great recipe idea for sure!
gingermommy says
I have never thought to add this to recipes. Looks amazing
Maria closetohome says
I love serving Turkey instead of beef but it's often bland. Look forward to trying this one
foodyschmoody says
Yup, this for sure isn't bland!
Jen says
This soy sauce is a pantry staple in our house but I have never thought to use it in a turkey burger....genius!
Juli Purcell says
Burgers really are the perfect blank canvas! that picture with the knife in it makes me so super happy! Haha! This looks and sounds delicious!!!
Catherine says
What a drool worthy shot!!! This burger looks fantastic!
Kim says
Yummy! Looks delicious