These spicy turkey burgers are anything but ordinary. Finely chopped portobello mushrooms are worked into the patties to add moisture and deep, savory flavor, while a bold harissa carrot slaw and creamy tahini sauce take every bite to the next level. Served on toasted whole-grain naan, this is a burger worth making on repeat — weeknight dinner or weekend cookout, it delivers every time.
Active time: 25 minutes | Total time: 1 hour
Spicy Turkey Burgers With Carrot Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 medium portobello mushrooms, dark underside scraped out and discarded, cap finely chopped
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 large egg yolk
- 4 tsp ground flaxseeds
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder, divided
- 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp harissa
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp tahini
- 1/2 tsp maple syrup
- 4 small whole-grain naan, lightly toasted
- 4 green lettuce leaves
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a medium nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté, stirring frequently, until they begin to brown, about 4–5 minutes. Add a few tbsp water and simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the water evaporates, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool completely.
Add the ground turkey, egg yolk, flaxseeds, cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. With lightly oiled hands, form the mixture into four 4 1/2-inch (11cm) patties about 3/4 inch thick, pressing a slight dimple into the center of each. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the slaw. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp lemon juice and the harissa. Add the carrots, cilantro, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper and toss to combine. Set aside.
For the sauce, whisk together the tahini, remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice, maple syrup, and remaining 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl. Add 1–2 tsp hot water and whisk until smooth.
Preheat a grill or nonstick grill pan over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Cook the burgers for 5–6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Do not press down on the patties while cooking.
Place each burger on a toasted naan and top with a lettuce leaf, tahini sauce, and carrot slaw. Serve immediately.
Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 flatbread, 1 burger patty, 1/2 cup (50g) slaw, 1 tbsp sauce
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 417; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 131mg; Sodium: 788mg; Carbohydrate: 32g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 30g
Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 474mg; Iron: 23%; Vitamin A: 403%; Vitamin C: 10%; Calcium: 11%
Originally published June 2026
The post Spicy Turkey Burgers With Carrot Slaw appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.