Turkey Hoisin Burgers and Lessons Learned
Summer is an ultimate creative season in my kitchen. This smokey and flavorful recipe for Turkey Hoisin Burgers is proof. Meshed with all the bounty of the garden, it is a time for simple celebration. A celebration of all things that matter.
My Turkey Hoisin Burger Story
We have totally fallen in love with this seductive, rich tasting, turkey hoisin burger. I serve this with lightly pickled cucumbers, cilantro, red onions and sriracha mayo. It takes all of 15 to 20 minutes to assemble. May another 10 minutes to cook. Voila! you have these swoon worthy burger that the whole family will drool over. And if you want to do this with ground pork instead of turkey, well… you will add even more richness to this gorgeous and beautiful creation.
As I had alluded, my general mood has been more somber than usual, but what it has allowed for is to let me focus more on my cooking. I have been perfecting and reworking recipes, before sharing them with you or for than matter anywhere. In general, my overall feeling has been that reflections are good in the kitchen.
Peaceful Creations
It is true, over the last month, I have not experienced the heady joy of when a dish turns out right. There has definitely been that feeling of comforting happiness, in knowing that everyone around the table was happy and satisfied. Everyone was well fed and generally at peace.
We have tried these burgers with a couple things, an Asian inspired slaw, and then these pickled cucumbers. The young ones liked the cucumbers so, I am saving the cucumbers for posterity. I am sure we will find a time and place for the Asian Slaw, because there is always cabbage in the refrigerator.
If you enjoy the flavors of Hoisin Sauce, check out this recipe for Chili Pork and Hoisin Rice Noodles and for another Summer burger consider these salmon burgers with garam masala.
A beautiful rich tasting turkey burger that can be put together in about 45 minutes, in time for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 large organic English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Sriracha Mayo
- 4 tablespoons regular mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ cup finely chopped garlic scapes
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 11/2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon flax meal
- Burger Buns
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Sliced Red Onions
- Sprigs of Cilantro
Instructions
- Toss the cucumbers with the lime juice, the red wine vinegar, sugar and salt and set aside for up to an hour.
- Mix the sriracha sauce with the mayo and set aside.
- Mix the ground turkey, ginger, garlic scapes, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, soy sauce and the flax meal.
- Shape into 4 patties and set aside for 30 minutes in the freezer.
- Turn on the grill, and carefully place the patties on the grill. Brush with olive oil and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, turn and repeat 4.
- While the hoisin burgers are cooking, place the buns on the top of the grill so that they get warm and toasty.
- To assemble, smear with sriracha mayo, add tomatoes, onions and top with a burger. Drizzle more mayo and add pickled cucumbers and cilantro and enjoy!
PS: I have been gone for a while, recovering and coping from the blow dealt by life. Unexpectedly, I was let go at work, and I have been trying to shake the bruises off and deal with the unexpected craziness of an unplanned job search in summer.
Pamela
Sorry to hear that you were let off from your job. Don’t look at it as a loss. Take command and look on the positive side. This is a chance to move forward. Look up and towards the sky! I know that sounds like a platitude. But looking on the positive side as if benefits!
rinkub@aol.com
Thanks Pamela, for your kind words. I have been going through ups and downs, trying to stay brave and hopefully things will be fine.