If you’ve been around here for a while, then you know I love a good turkey and veggie burger, and that’s exactly what we have here today! Asian turkey & butternut squash burgers loaded with lean ground turkey, steamed butternut squash spirals, green onions, panko breadcrumbs, sesame oil, and my favorite ingredient… sweet chili garlic sauce!

We load these juicy and healthy burgers up with the easiest quick pickled red onions and cucumbers, plus my favorite creamy cashew butter sauce! Don’t skip these parts… THEY ARE SO GOOD and totally take these asian turkey & butternut squash burgers to the next level!

INGREDIENTS

1 lb lean ground turkey
1 (12oz) bag frozen butternut squash noodles/spirals (I like Green Giant)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ bunch green onions, thinly sliced
⅓ cup sweet chili garlic sauce
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Healthy pinch of salt and pepper
2 tablespoons coconut oil
handful greens
6 hamburger buns

For the quick pickled red onions and cucumbers:

1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
1 ½ cups water
1 red onion, thinly sliced
¼ English cucumber, thinly sliced

For the cashew butter sauce:

3 tbsps creamy cashew butter
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp maple syrup
Healthy pinch of fine sea salt and ground ginger
1-2 tbsps warm water for thinning

How to make Asian Turkey & Butternut Squash Burgers?

Step 1:

Cook the frozen butternut squash according to the package instructions.

Step 2:

Prep the quick-pickled veggies: Combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt in an extra-large mason jar or medium bowl. Whisk until the sugar and salt dissolve. Add in the water, sliced onions, and cucumber. Mix everything up, then let sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour for pickling.

Step 3:

Combine turkey, cooked butternut squash, panko, green onions, sweet chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix together using your hands, then form into 6 patties.

Step 4:

Place patties on a plate, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5:

Meanwhile, whisk together all the cashew butter sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well combined and smooth.

Step 6:

Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Once the oil is melted, add 3 of the patties, then cook on one side for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook on side for another 4-5 minutes or until crispy and golden (and insides are no longer pink/reaches internal temperature of 165F). Repeat with the remaining coconut oil and patties.

Step 7:

Serve burgers on buns topped with the cashew butter sauce, a handful of greens, and quick pickled onions and cucumbers.

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Large mixing bowl
Medium bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Skillet or frying pan
Spatula
Knife and cutting board
Mason jar or small bowl (for pickled veggies)
Spoon or rubber spatula
Plate
Stove

WHAT TO EAT WITH THIS ASIAN TURKEY & BUTTERNUT SQUASH BURGERS?

I’m always juggling after-school chaos and dinner prep, I’m all about recipes that deliver fun to my family. The Asian Turkey & Butternut Squash Burgers were a happy surprise and perfect with homemade butternut squash “fries” we crisped up in the air fryer (my new best friend).

The kids dipped everything in ketchup like pros, and even my picky eater gave it a thumbs-up. It reminded me of my beloved Taco Pasta Skillet, another weeknight hero packed with a delicious flavor and hidden veggies.

If you’re building a meal plan, I highly recommend adding Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas and Honey Soy Glazed Meatballs, because they’re easy and always a hit at my table.

FAQ

What is the recipe name made of?

The asian turkey & butternut squash burgers are made with lean ground turkey, cooked butternut squash noodles, breadcrumbs, sweet chili garlic sauce, and herbs.

What do butternut squash burgers taste like?

These burgers taste sweet and a little tangy with hints of garlic and ginger.

Can I use fresh butternut squash?

Yes.

Are these butternut squash burgers spicy?

They’re only mildly spicy from the chili garlic sauce.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Can I freeze the patties?

Yes.

What can I use instead of cashew butter?

You can use peanut butter.

Can I cook these in the oven?

Yes.

Are they good without a bun?

Absolutely.

How long do leftovers last?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.