Cajun Turkey Burgers

Let's continue on the vacay recap. After leaving Kuala Lampur, Malaysia we headed to Siem Reap, Cambodia. We landed at this beautiful, traditionally designed airport. From the minute I landed, I just knew I was going to LOVE Cambodia and I did.  When you arrive there is a taxi stand and you can either hire a tuk-tuk or a car to drive you to your hotel and then for the day. It is only $30.00 to have a taxi driver take you around and provide you a temple tour all day. Our first stop was the hotel- which was beyond amazing! They provided these fantastic breakfast buffet spreads. And not just doughnuts and orange juice but a whole banquet room full of food! You are probably thinking...I have an obsession with food...and for you I say  "Of course! I am a foodie and that is why I write a food blog ;)" In general, I loved the food in Siem Reap. I became addicted to fried rice and noodles. In their "fancy" restaurants, our meals would at most cost like $5.00 whereas when went to "normal" food places and stands their dishes were like $1.00. I know!

For the next two days we went to all the temples, which were so beautiful! Looking at the ruins and the designs were breathtaking. We also went to the famous Angkor-Wat Temple at sunrise and it was gorgeous. Though Cambodia was HOT, HOT, HOT. I noticed touring went something like this: you wake up at sunrise and tour the temples till around noon-1pm at which point it gets so hot, you need to head indoors. What did I do then? Well, I am glad you asked! Because at our hotel there was a luxury spa that you could enjoy! Now, remember, I am a graduate student and getting facials and full body massages is way out of my playing field! But there, I got a 90 minute deep tissue massage with a pedicure that included a foot massage for only $37! Seriously!?! The spa was beautiful and tranquil. The service, also amazing and the massage/pedicure...even more amazing!  I was so sad to leave :( Our next stop: Bangkok, Thailand!

Now- I want to wish you and your family a fun, happy and safe Fourth of July! My family immigrated to this country because of the wonderful opportunities that it offered. I was born in this country and have been blessed with a wonderful life- and life that has brought my hubby and my Ninja face. I am thankful to be an American and know that there are so many amazing people fighting for that privilege right now. And, so on this day I choose to celebrate and be thankful :) And so what do I have for your today, but burgers with a cajun twist! I mean you have to do something grill related, right?! Also, this recipe seems like a lot but it really is simple and quick to put together using ingredients you probably already have around the house. Minus, maybe the Tony Chachere's, but I did tell you when I made Red Beans and Rice that this was a seasoning to have in bulk (as it comes in handy). 

CAJUN TURKEY BURGERS

A for the Love of Dessert Original Recipe

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE BURGER PATTY

1 pound (16 oz.) ground turkey (or beef), thawed

1 egg, beaten

1-1 1/2 c. Japanese panko bread crumbs

1/2 c. green onion, diced

1 bag of 3 pepper & onion blend (sold via Kroger or PictSweet), thawed and drained

2-3 tbsp. of Tony Chacheres' Creole Seasoning (depending on spice level preference)

squirt of lemon juice (optional)

1 tbsp. oil (vegetable, canola, or olive)-- for cooking

FOR THE SAUCE

1/2 c. mayonnaise 

2 tsp. of Tony Chareres' Creole Seasoning

1 tsp. Sriracha (optional, only if you prefer spicy)

FOR THE BURGER

6-8 pack of burger buns (I tried onion buns but I also would recommend sour dough or ciabatta) 

Lettuce

1 tomato, sliced

1 onion, sliced

1 pack of pepper jack cheese slices 

AS A SIDE (optional)

Sweet Potato Fries 

DIRECTIONS

For the Patty:

In a large bowl first combine ground meat and egg. Then mix in panko bread crumbs to create a nice crunchy texture. Next, add in, green onion and the bag of 3 pepper & onion blend. Make sure the 3 pepper & onion blend is dried- as you do not want watery patties. Once all the ingredient are mixed together, incorporate your seasoning and lemon juice. Let sit for a few minutes (about 5 minutes), just so all the ingredients can marinate. Then divide meat mixture into 4-6 equal parts, depending on how large you want your patties to be. Once divided, take each chunk and, using the palms of your hands, shape into a patty. Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, so patty shape can be firm. 

Once firm, in a griddle or cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add on meat patties and cook 4-5 minutes on each side- making sure it is cooked through and forms a nice char on the outside. You can also cook this on the grill. 

For the Sauce:

While the patties are in the refrigerator, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, seasoning and if desired Sriracha sauce. Taste a small amount to make sure the seasoning is as you desire. If the mixture is too spicy or salty add in more mayonnaise, one spoonful at a time. If you desire more spice and salt--add in the creole seasoning and if you want more spice--add in the Sriracha sauce. 

For the Burger:

Take burger buns and slightly toast on each side. Then take a generous heaping of Cajun mayonnaise and spread evenly on the inside of the bun (both top and bottom buns). Then layer as follow on top of the bottom bun: meat patty, cheese (place cheese on meat patty while still hot, so cheese can melt), tomato, onion, lettuce and top bun. 

For the Side:

Service with a side of sweet potatoes for a yummy and complete meal option! The hubby loves sweet potato fries, so I knew I just had to include it! If you choose to include fries, just stick them in the oven while the patties are refrigerating and they should be done right when you are starting to assemble your burgers :) 

See...not that bad and pretty quick to make!

Enjoy,

Chika