Clean living recipes Turkey and Lemongrass Burger a tasty and flavour full treat on my first Whole 30 journey.
So today is day 10 of my first Whole30 journey. It’s not been as gruesome as I was expecting and I’ve actually had a lot less cravings and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms than I assumed I would. That said I still haven’t broken through into the realms of clean living ecstasy, but I am living in hope ;)
Strangely the only food I’ve really missed is soy sauce as I’ve eaten a lot of stirfrys, and normally I would be splashing the stuff around liberally. After each meal I eat a dried date which staves off any sweet cravings before they even get a chance to get going, and also because in Chinese Medicine (I used to be an acupuncturist) a small amount of sweet food after a meal strengthens the digestive system and that is my main goal from this whole adventure.
Those that have seen my instagram feed over the past couple of weeks have probably been horrified at some of the meals I’ve been sharing, squid as a breakfast food is clearly reserved for the foodie freaks and the most hardcore Whole30ers out there!
Lots of people have been asking me all about Whole30 and as I’m pretty new to it myself I just feel I’m regurgitating bits that I’ve recently read, so if you’d like more info on it check out Simone’s post from last week which gives a great overview of the ideas behind it, and her seasoned experience of it.
Turkey and Lemongrass Burgers
One of my real scores on the happy tastebud front were these Turkey and Lemongrass Burgers. Obviously I ate them sans bun, but that was no hardship as they were bursting with good flavour and smelt incredible as they were cooking.
The lemongrass is accompanied by some red chilli, ginger, lime zest and fresh coriander. I would have added a splash of Thai fish sauce had the one in my fridge not had sugar in (feel free to add a little if you aren’t doing Whole30, or you have a sugar free version), otherwise add a pinch of salt.
I didn’t season mine before forming into burgers as I wanted to store two in the fridge for a couple of days and the salt can draw moisture out and make meat chewy (barf) so instead I sprinkled a little sea salt on just before cooking. As fish sauce is very salty, please don’t add both!
Turkey and Lemongrass Burger
- 1 stalk fresh lemongrass
- 400 g turkey mince
- 1 teaspoon ginger freshly grated
- 1/2 - 1 chilli depending on heat and your taste finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh coriander finely chopped
- Fine zest of half a lime
- 1 clove garlic optional, crushed
- A splash of fish sauce or a pinch of salt optional
- Cut about an inch off the thickest end of the lemongrass stalk and peel off a couple of layers of the papery outer. You need to remove the top inch or two also, but how much to remove depends on how fresh your lemongrass is. It's best to take a little bit too much off if you're not sure as you don't want tough, woody bits in your burger. Then finely chop the rest before popping into a large mixing bowl along with the other ingredients.
- Gently mix with your hands until all the ingredients are well incorporated and then separate into four portions.
- Mould each quarter into a patty shape and pop on a plate in the fridge for 30 mins to firm up. If you don't have time for this, don't worry, just get on and cook them straight away.
- Then fry or bbq over a medium high heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the centre of the burger is no longer pink.
Laura says
I’m far too week willed to do a challenge like this one but that doesn’t stop me wanting to eat these burgers. They sound lovely, especially with the corriander which I love though I’m still guilty of wanting to add bread!
Jane Sarchet says
You enjoy every single mouthful of that burger bun Laura ;)
Janie x
Sarah Brewer says
These look divine – will definitely give them a go. Interested in the whole30 approach and will find out more about it. Thanks.
Jane Sarchet says
Hey Sarah, thanks for taking the time to leave a message :) Would be interested to hear what you think of Whole30 or if you plan to give it a go.
Janie x
Glamorous Glutton says
I’m not a fan of turkey mince, not sure why. I think it can often be tasteless but these sound really good. All that chilli, coriander etc must make them particularly tasty. Keep going, I’m sure you’ll feel better for it. GG
Jane Sarchet says
Thank you GG, I do hope so :)
Janie x
Maz Gill says
Definitely trying these nom nom nom
Jane Sarchet says
Do it Maz! I know you’re gonna love them :)
Janie x
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Ooh love the flavours in these – I don’t use lemongrass enough!
Ren Behan says
Yay you’ve re-inspired me to have a third go at the Whole 30! Lovely recipe – starting on Monday!
ManjiriK says
You were an acupuncturist? How very interesting ! So many hidden talents you have my friend! I am on a low to zero sugar , low car and low salt diet so am just finding my happy place there and may try this diet u are on at some point! Love lemongrass so fragrant bet it boosted the taste of those burgers majorly!
Tortilla for tea says
These look good! I like the idea of using turkey mince (rather than pork, beef, etc) but the only place to buy the free-range variety, which I would much rather use, is at our monthly local farmers’ market. Where do you buy yours?
Penelope's Pantry says
These look lovely – I’m BBQing on the weekend and I think these would make a nice change
Jane Sarchet says
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comments Penelope, and I hope you have a lovely BBQ and enjoy your burgers :)
Janie x
purelife says
The lemongrass is accompanied by some red chili, ginger, lime zest, and fresh coriander. I would have added a splash of Thai fish sauce had the one in my fridge not had sugar in it (feel free to add a little if you aren’t doing Whole30, or if you have a sugar-free version), otherwise, add a pinch of salt.
Jane Sarchet says
Great idea PL!
Janie x