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Juicy Thai Basil Chicken Burgers: A Flavorful Twist with a Thai-Inspired Kick

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your burger game, these Thai Basil Chicken Burgers will do just that! Juicy chicken patties infused with fragrant basil, fiery chilies, and savory sauces are combined with a creamy crunchy Kewpie mayo coleslaw and topped with a runny fried egg for an unforgettable bite. Inspired by the famous Thai basil chicken stir-fry, these burgers capture all the bold flavors of the dish in a handheld, mouthwatering form. Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping up a gourmet dinner, these burgers are sure to impress.

Why No Whole Spices?

While traditional Thai recipes often use whole spices to create depth and complexity, this recipe takes a simpler approach, skipping whole spices entirely. Instead, we rely on flavorful sauces and a few ground spices, making this recipe quicker and easier while still capturing those vibrant Thai flavors. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce adds layers of umami to the juicy chicken patties, while chilies and basil bring in freshness and heat, creating a perfectly balanced dish without the need for extra steps like grinding whole spices.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Patty Mixture (Makes 3 Burgers)

• 350g Chicken Mince: Chicken mince is the ideal base for these burgers because of its ability to absorb bold flavors while remaining tender and juicy. Ground chicken has a lighter taste than beef, making it perfect for soaking up the Thai-inspired marinades of soy, oyster, and fish sauces.
• 1 Spring Onion (finely chopped): Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 3 Cloves Garlic (minced): Essential for that aromatic, savory base that works beautifully in Thai cooking.
• ¼ inch Ginger (minced): Ginger adds warmth and a subtle spicy note, balancing the overall flavor of the patty.
• ¼ cup Fresh Basil (finely chopped): While Thai basil is ideal, Italian basil also works well in this recipe. I used Italian basil since I was not able to find Thai Basil near me. It has a sweeter, milder taste, so if you’re looking to mimic the more robust, slightly spicy flavor of Thai basil, you can add a dash of lime zest or a small pinch of fennel seeds.
• 2 Spicy Chilies (finely chopped): Chilies bring heat to the dish, making the burgers punchy and vibrant. Adjust the number of chilies to your taste if you prefer a milder version.
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce: A key ingredient in Asian cuisine, soy sauce provides saltiness and umami, giving the patty depth and richness.
• ½ tbsp Oyster Sauce: Adds a mild sweetness and depth, elevating the umami flavors of the patty.
• ½ tbsp Fish Sauce: Known for its strong, salty punch, fish sauce adds a distinct umami flavor that’s essential for that Thai-inspired taste.
• ½ tbsp Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the patty.
• Salt to taste: Adjust according to your preference, but remember that the sauces already contribute saltiness.
• ½ Egg (optional, for binding): The egg helps bind the patty mixture and keeps it moist during cooking. You can skip it if you prefer a more crumbly texture.

For the Kewpie Mayo Coleslaw:

• 80g Coleslaw Mix (greens, carrots, cabbage): Adds crunch and freshness, perfectly balancing the rich, juicy patties.
• ½ cup Kewpie Mayo: This Japanese mayo is richer and slightly sweeter and richer than regular mayo, making it a fantastic complement to the spicy, savory patties.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the coleslaw, giving it a subtle kick.
• Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors in the coleslaw.

For the Burger Assembly:

• 3 Burger Buns: Toasted buns give the burger a nice crunch, complementing the tender chicken patties.
• 3 Eggs: A fried egg on top adds a luxurious richness to the burger and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
• Kewpie mayo coleslaw and chicken patties: These two elements are the heart of the burger, creating a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and bold Thai flavors.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Patties

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken mince, spring onions, garlic, ginger, basil, chilies, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, salt, and the egg (if using). Mix everything thoroughly.
2. If the mixture feels too wet, add a small amount of breadcrumbs to help bind it better.
3. Shape the mixture into 3 equal-sized patties.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken Patties

1. Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 3: Make the Kewpie Mayo Coleslaw

1. In a bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with Kewpie mayo, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss until all the vegetables are evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers

1. Toast the burger buns for added flavor and texture.
2. Spread a generous amount of Kewpie mayo coleslaw on the bottom bun.
3. Add the crispy chicken patty, then top with a fried egg for extra richness.
4. Place the top bun, press lightly, and enjoy your flavorful Thai Basil Chicken Burger!

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This recipe is part of my meal prep strategy, where I prepare a big batch of this Thai Basil chicken mince (700g) at the start of the week. From this base, you can make different dishes throughout the week like these Thai Basil Chicken Burgers, Thai Basil Chicken Puffs, or Thai Basil Rice Paper Dumplings. All these dishes use the same flavor-packed base, making meal prep easier while keeping your weeknight dinners interesting.

If you’re curious about how to scale up this recipe for meal prep, check out my detailed post on making the big batch version where I go over using it across the week. This smaller recipe (350g) makes about 3 burgers but is easily adjustable depending on how many meals you want to plan.

Versatility of the Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. The same Thai basil chicken mince can be used in a variety of dishes, from these juicy burgers to puffs, dumplings, or even lettuce wraps. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Thai-inspired cooking in multiple formats. Plus, if you’re not feeling like a burger, try adding this mince to rice or noodles for a quick stir-fry!

Serving Suggestions

These Thai Basil Chicken Burgers are best served with:

• Crispy fries or a side of fresh salad for balance
• Pair with a refreshing cucumber and lime salad to offset the spicy chilies
• For a lighter meal, consider serving the patties over steamed rice or in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option

These Thai Basil Chicken Burgers are an explosion of flavor, combining spicy, umami, and herbal notes in every bite. The crispy fried egg and creamy Kewpie mayo coleslaw add layers of richness, making each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just craving a gourmet burger, this recipe is a must-try!

Be sure to check out my meal prep version to see how you can use the same base recipe in multiple delicious ways. And don’t forget to try my Thai Basil Chicken Puffs and Thai Basil Rice Paper Dumplings for even more creative uses of this flavorful chicken mince!