Name: Paleo Thai Turkey Burgers with Sriracha Mayo and Cilantro Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1/3 cup homemade paleo mayo or store bought paleo mayo, like Primal Kitchen or Sir Kensington’s; 2-3 teaspoons Paleo friendly sriracha sauce (Yellowbird recommended); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 lb ground turkey (not too lean); 1/2 small red onion, diced; 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon paleo friendly sriracha sauce; 2 teaspoons coconut aminos; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; Avocado oil or nonstick cooking spray (for cooking); 2 cups slaw mix; 1 scallion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 80 reviews

If you are craving a burger that bursts with vibrant flavors but still fits perfectly into your clean eating lifestyle, look no further than this Paleo Thai Turkey Burgers with Sriracha Mayo and Cilantro Slaw Recipe. This dish brilliantly balances zesty Thai-inspired spices, creamy sriracha mayo, and a fresh, crunchy slaw while staying Whole30 and Keto friendly. It’s a perfect way to indulge without guilt, offering juicy, tender turkey patties teamed with a lively cilantro slaw that elevates every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several cooked patties with a browned and slightly charred texture on top, each placed on a light green lettuce leaf that acts as a small bed or cup for the patty. These lettuce cups are arranged on a wooden board that rests partly on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are halved limes adding a fresh, vibrant touch with their bright green color. The focus is sharp on the patty in the front center, highlighting the crispy outside and the fresh, crinkled lettuce leaves beneath it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully picked to create layers of flavor and texture that make these Paleo Thai Turkey Burgers truly unforgettable. You’ll find that each component, from the spices in the patties to the bright notes in the slaw, plays a vital role in crafting an exciting meal that’s accessible and delicious.

Ground turkey: Choose turkey that isn’t too lean to ensure juicy, tender burgers with great flavor.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, subtle sweetness and crunch to the patties for extra depth.
Cilantro: Fresh and fragrant, cilantro brings a true Thai essence to the burgers and slaw.
Ground ginger and garlic powder: These spices pack a fragrant punch, making every bite memorable.
Paleo friendly sriracha sauce: Provides the perfect balance of heat and tang, essential for both the burgers and the mayo.
Coconut aminos: A paleo substitute for soy sauce, these add a rich umami flavor without gluten.
Avocado oil or olive oil: Healthy fats that keep the slaw and mayo creamy while enhancing flavors.
Slaw mix and scallions: Combine for vibrant color, refreshing crunch, and brightness from lime juice.
Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that ties all elements together without overpowering.
Homemade or store-bought paleo mayo: The creamy base for the sriracha mayo, lending richness and smoothness.

How to Make Paleo Thai Turkey Burgers with Sriracha Mayo and Cilantro Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Sriracha Mayo

First, let’s bring together those spirited flavors that make this recipe stand out. In a medium bowl, whisk the paleo mayo, paleo friendly sriracha, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and a drizzle of sesame oil until silky and vibrant. This sriracha mayo can be made ahead of time, which actually helps the flavors mingle and intensify. Set it aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Mixture

Next, in a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced red onion, minced cilantro, ground ginger, garlic powder, more sriracha sauce, coconut aminos, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix gently but thoroughly. Depending on your turkey’s leanness, the mixture may feel sticky—wetting your hands slightly before shaping the patties will help avoid any fuss.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey Patties

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and coat it lightly with avocado oil or nonstick cooking spray. Form the turkey mixture into 5 or 6 evenly sized patties, then cook each side for about 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F. When cooked through, transfer the patties to a plate while you whip up the slaw.

Step 4: Toss Together the Cilantro Slaw

Grab a bowl and combine the slaw mix with thinly sliced scallions, fresh lime juice, and a light drizzle of avocado or olive oil. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This slaw is crisp, refreshingly tangy, and perfectly complements the rich turkey burgers.

How to Serve Paleo Thai Turkey Burgers with Sriracha Mayo and Cilantro Slaw Recipe

The image shows two lettuce cups on a white marbled surface, each holding a single dark brown grilled patty with a slightly crispy texture. On top of each patty is a smooth, light pink sauce, spread evenly and slightly dripping at the edges. The lettuce cups are light green with a crinkled texture, forming natural bowls for the patties. In the background, a white bowl with slices of lime and parts of more lettuce cups with patties are slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Paleo Thai Turkey Burgers further, topping them with additional fresh cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime adds vibrant color and fresh citrus brightness. A few extra dollops of that sriracha mayo on top bring an irresistible creaminess and heat kick.

Side Dishes

Since these burgers are packed with flavor and nutrition, pairing them with simple sides keeps the meal balanced. Consider a crisp cucumber salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or even cauliflower rice tossed with lime and herbs to keep things Paleo and wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your burgers wrapped in iceberg lettuce leaves for a fun, keto-friendly option, or place them on paleo-approved hamburger buns for a more traditional feel. You can even turn these into sliders for casual get-togethers by making smaller patties and stacking them with thinner slaw portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sriracha mayo and cilantro slaw in separate containers to maintain their freshness and texture.

Freezing

Turkey patties freeze beautifully! After shaping them, lay the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your turkey burgers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to retain juiciness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the patties. Warm the sriracha mayo and slaw separately just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well in this recipe, but keep in mind it may be a bit leaner, so slightly wetting your hands or adding a touch more fat like avocado oil while cooking can prevent dryness.

Is this recipe suitable for Whole30?

Yes, as long as you use compliant ingredients like paleo mayo and paleo-friendly sriracha sauce, this Paleo Thai Turkey Burgers with Sriracha Mayo and Cilantro Slaw Recipe fits perfectly into a Whole30 program.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, but I recommend preparing the slaw just a few hours before serving to keep it crisp and fresh. If you must make it earlier, store it refrigerated and toss again with a little extra lime juice or oil before serving.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?

If sesame oil is not on hand, you can skip it or substitute with a small amount of toasted olive oil or avocado oil to add mild nuttiness.

Are there any paleo-friendly bun alternatives?

Definitely! You can find great paleo or gluten-free buns at many health food stores, or easily make your own cloud bread or almond flour-based buns to keep the meal both delicious and compliant.

Final Thoughts

This Paleo Thai Turkey Burgers with Sriracha Mayo and Cilantro Slaw Recipe is a delightful celebration of fresh, bold flavors that don’t compromise on health or taste. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, these burgers are sure to impress. Give them a try—you’ll fall in love with how simple ingredients transform into a meal bursting with vibrant Thai goodness!