Asian Turkey Burgers with wasabi mayo
A simple, flavorful twist on your everyday burger!
Asian Turkey Burgers with Wasabi Mayo
A juicy, flavorful burger made healthier—with a spicy kick!
Looking for a lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers without sacrificing flavor?
These turkey burger recipe is packed with umami goodness, thanks to a blend of Asian flavors; shoyu (soy sauce), togarashi spice, and panko crumbs. They stay juicy and tender, making them perfect for grilling, baking or pan-searing. You can even pop them in the air fryer too!
Watch my short tutorial here!
But the real star? A creamy, fiery wasabi mayo that takes these burgers to the next level!
Whether you serve them on a toasted brioche bun, over a bed of rice, or protein-style wrapped in crisp lettuce, this versatile recipe is a must-try. These burgers are perfect for a protein filled lunch or dinner and are super easy to meal prep for the week.
A few key ingredients that I use and the brands I typically buy are listed here:
What Makes These Turkey Burgers Special?
A Healthier Alternative to Beef
A more subtle, umami-rich flavor profile.
Ground turkey is leaner than beef yet stays juicy with the right seasoning and binding ingredients.
Panko breadcrumbs help retain moisture and create a tender texture.
Shoyu (soy sauce) deepens the umami flavor without overwhelming the delicate turkey.
The Perfect Flavor Boost: Wasabi Mayo!
The spicy, creamy wasabi mayo is what truly sets these burgers apart. Below you'll find my wasabi mayo recipe which may surprise you as it's only 3 ingredients but packs so much flavor.
It adds:
A zingy heat from wasabi that complements the mild turkey flavor.
Creamy richness to balance all of the flavors and to add some zing!
The ultimate burger sauce that also doubles as a dip for fries, tater tots or veggies.
Tip: Once you've mastered the Wasabi Mayo recipe, you can use this as a dipping sauce for steamed broccoli, asaparagus, spinach and any other veggie of your choice. A bowl of wasabi or shoyu mayo was a staple growing up in a Japanese-American household.
How do I cook the Asian Turkey Burgers?
Pan Frying
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of neutral oil to prevent sticking.
Shape the patties and carefully place them in the hot skillet.
Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart for even cooking.
Bake for ~20, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a crispy exterior, if desired.
Air Frying
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Grilling
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tip: flash freeze your patties before grilling as turkey has more moisture than regular ground beef. This will help prevent your burger from falling apart.
How to Serve Asian Turkey Burgers
Classic Burger Style – On a toasted brioche, sesame seed bun, or whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomato, thinly sliced red onions and wasabi mayo.
Over Rice – Skip the bun and serve with steamed rice (white or brown), a dollop of wasabi mayo, and a side of veggies.
Protein-Style Wrap – Wrap in butter lettuce or romaine for a low-carb, high-protein meal.
Bento Box Style – Make mini turkey patties and serve alongside Japanese pickles and a soy sauce marinated egg.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Make ahead: Shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.
Freeze: Stack patties between parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking. I recommend freezing them if you plan to grill your turkey burgers. Turkey is generally wetter than beef so this helps keep everything together.
Leftovers: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for 3-4 days and reheat in a skillet.
More questions? Check out the FAQs:
How do I keep turkey burgers from drying out?
Adding panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce and eggs helps keep the burgers moist (These are called the binders). Be careful not to overcook—remove from heat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I make these burgers spicier?
Yes! Add extra togarashi, chili flakes, or a dash of sriracha for more heat.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works as a 1:1 substitute for turkey in this recipe.
What is furikake, and where can I find it?
Growing up we called furikake rice sprinkles! Furikake is a dry Japanese condiment with a variety of flavors. It’s typically made of a mixture of dried fish, sesame seeds, dried seaweed flakes, some sugar and MSG. Different varieties may include bonito flakes, freeze-dried pieces of fish, shiso, egg, powdered miso or dried vegetables.
Can I make the wasabi mayo ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.
Asian Turkey Burgers
with Wasabi Mayo Recipe
Asian Turkey Burgers with Wasabi Mayo
These juicy, umami-packed turkey burgers are a great alternative to beef! Made with shoyu, furikake, panko crumbs and eggs, these healthy turkey burgers stay moist and flavorful. Serve on a bun, over rice, or wrapped in lettuce!
The cook time listed here will vary depending on your cooking method.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients; ground turkey, onion, eggs, panko/breadcrumbs, salt, white pepper, and soy sauce in a large bowl. If you want to taste the mixture, pan fry a spoonful in a small pan over med-high heat. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Choose your cooking method. If baking, preheat the oven.
- Form the turkey mixture into evenly shaped burgers. If baking, I recommend using a kitchen scale for even cooking. 2 lbs of meat will yield about 6-8 burgers. Sprinkle the top with some furikake or togarashi (for a little bit of heat).
- Bake, pan-fry or air-fry until fully cooked. While the burgers are baking/cooking, grab your wasabi mayo ingredients and mix in a small bowl. Make sure to taste test and adjust to your liking.
- Eat with a bun and your preferred topping, protein, style or over hot rice!
Nutritional information provided here is based on estimates and may vary depending on the brand and preparation methods used. Always check food labels for accurate nutritional details.