Thai Chicken Burgers and Slaw

If you decide to make this recipe, you will need a zillion ingredients. You will need lots of time to chop, grate, mince, shred and zest all of the ingredients. And you will make a huge mess and dirty 82 different kitchen utensils. But it will be so, so worth it.

Ever since I started on my curry kick, I’ve been kind of obsessed with all the Thai flavors. When I saw this recipe, I was drooling. Lime? Cilantro? Chili? Curry? Ginger, garlic, sesame oil??? So many good flavors!

I’ll admit, these burgers are kind of a lot of work. But they’re worth it, I swear! Nick and I both LOVED these! I wish I had had the foresight to make a double batch– you should. The original recipe called for broccoli slaw. I think that would have been a fun twist, but of course I couldn’t find it here. Coleslaw worked just fine.

These burgers have a lot of ingredients. Luckily, I have a super-stocked fridge and pantry. I ended up only having to buy the chicken, limes, scallions and slaw. A whopping $6 for a stellar meal for two (plus leftovers for one).

After trying yet another Enid restaurant last night, and YET AGAIN leaving disappointed (and $60 poorer– in Enid, OK? Really??), I’ve made a decision. I am a way better cook than ANY restaurant chef in this town, and I refuse to go out again until we move. Unless it’s Taco Bell, of course.

Anyways, I’ll shut up now and get on to the amazing burgers:

(adapted from Pass the Sushi)

4 whole wheat burger buns, toasted

for slaw:

1 bag coleslaw mix (or broccoli slaw)
1/4 cup mayo
juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
1 tbsp chili paste
1 tsp sesame oil
salt & pepper

for burgers:

1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1 carrot, shredded
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp chili paste
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 scallions, finely chopped
juice of 1 lime
1 tsp lime zest
1 tsp curry powder
salt & pepper

In a bowl, combine all slaw ingredients. Mix well and set aside in fridge to rest at least 20 minutes.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

In another bowl, combine all burger ingredients.

With a hand, mix all ingredients until well combined.

Divide the meat into 4 equal portions and form into patties. Spray patties on each side with nonstick spray.

Grill the burgers about 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through. Serve burgers on buns, topped with slaw. I added sweet potato fries on the side!