Coconut Curry Chicken Burgers with Spicy Mayo: A Tropical Twist on a Classic!
By Jason Griffith
Get ready to take your burger game to a whole new level! These Coconut Curry Chicken Burgers with Spicy Mayo are a vibrant explosion of flavors, combining tender ground chicken infused with aromatic curry, ginger, and cilantro, all topped with a zesty, creamy sriracha mayo. Nestled in a brioche bun with crisp lettuce, cool cucumber or sweet mango, and sharp red onion, it’s a gourmet burger experience that’s both exotic and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or your next backyard barbecue!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m always looking for ways to infuse familiar dishes with exciting new flavors, and this burger does exactly that. What I absolutely adore about these Coconut Curry Chicken Burgers is the way the subtle sweetness of coconut milk and the warmth of curry paste transform humble ground chicken into something truly special and incredibly juicy. The fresh ginger and cilantro add a bright, aromatic punch. Then, the spicy sriracha mayo ties everything together with a creamy, zesty kick that perfectly balances the rich burger. It’s a flavor adventure in every bite, and it’s surprisingly easy to achieve at home!
Ingredients (Makes 4 burgers)
For the Chicken Patties:
- 500g (about 1.1 lbs) ground chicken
- 2 tbsp coconut milk (full-fat or light)
- 1 tbsp red or yellow curry paste (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 garlic clove, grated (or finely minced)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (or Panko breadcrumbs)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Oil for cooking (e.g., olive oil or vegetable oil)
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1–2 tsp sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
- (Optional) a little honey (about ½-1 tsp) to sweeten
For Assembling the Burgers:
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Crisp lettuce leaves (such as green leaf or butter lettuce)
- Sliced cucumber or fresh mango slices
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh herbs for garnish (mint, cilantro, Thai basil – optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Chicken: You can use ground turkey as a substitute for ground chicken. Ensure it’s not too lean, or add a bit more coconut milk to keep the patties moist.
- Curry Paste: Red curry paste will provide more heat and a bolder flavor, while yellow curry paste is milder and slightly sweeter. Choose according to your preference.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give a slightly lighter, crispier patty. Regular breadcrumbs work fine too.
- Fresh Aromatics: Freshly grated garlic and ginger are highly recommended for the best flavor.
- Spicy Mayo Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking. For less heat, start with ½ teaspoon. For more, feel free to add a bit more or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Bun Choice: Brioche buns add a lovely richness and sweetness. Other sturdy burger buns will also work.
- Vegetable Toppings: Cucumber slices add a fresh, cool crunch. Mango slices provide a fantastic tropical sweetness that perfectly complements the curry. Feel free to use both!
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Don’t skip the fresh herbs for garnish if you can. Mint, cilantro, or Thai basil all bring different, delightful aromatic notes.
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 500g ground chicken, 2 tablespoons coconut milk, 1 tablespoon curry paste, 1 grated garlic clove, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly but gently, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, which can make the patties tough. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into 4-inch wide patties, about ¾-inch thick. Cover the formed patties and let them rest in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to firm up. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
2. Cook the Patties: Heat a drizzle of oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken patties in the pan (working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook the patties for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). (Optional: Cooking on the Grill or Plancha) If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
3. Prepare the Spicy Mayo: While the chicken patties are cooking, prepare the vibrant spicy mayo. In a small bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons mayonnaise with 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (or your preferred hot sauce), and 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice. If desired, add a little honey (about ½-1 teaspoon) to balance the flavors. Stir until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference.
4. Assemble the Burgers: Lightly toast the brioche burger buns in a dry skillet, toaster, or on the grill for about 1 minute per side until lightly golden. Spread a generous amount of the prepared spicy mayo on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted burger bun. Begin assembling your burgers: Place a crisp lettuce leaf on the bottom bun. Top with a cooked chicken patty. Layer with a few slices of cool cucumber or sweet mango (or both!). Add some thinly sliced red onion. Finish with a few fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, or Thai basil if desired. Place the top bun on, and if needed, pierce with a toothpick to secure.
5. Serve and Enjoy! Serve your mouthwatering Coconut Curry Chicken Burgers immediately.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Coconut Curry Chicken Burgers are a flavor adventure on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few complementary sides:
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes (fries or wedges) makes an excellent pairing.
- Asian Sesame Slaw: A light, crunchy Asian-inspired coleslaw with a sesame dressing would provide a refreshing contrast.
- Ginger-Lime Lemonade: A homemade ginger-lime lemonade (like This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days with a ginger twist) would be a perfect cooling beverage.
- Spicy Relish: A side of Spicy Jalapeño Pineapple Relish Is the Perfect Blend of Heat and Sweetness could add an extra zesty kick.
- For other comforting and easy chicken-based meals, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
Storage and Leftover Tips
While best enjoyed fresh, components of these burgers can be prepped ahead of time.
- Chicken Patties: Cooked chicken patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for best results (microwave can make them rubbery).
- Spicy Mayo: The spicy mayo can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prepared Veggies: Slice lettuce, cucumber/mango, and red onion, and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Assembly: It’s highly recommended to assemble the burgers just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy and the vegetables fresh.
- Not Recommended for Freezing: Fully assembled burgers do not freeze well. Cooked chicken patties can be frozen for up to 1 month, but the texture might change slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Coconut Curry Chicken Burgers with Spicy Mayo are a game-changer, bringing bold, exotic flavors to your burger repertoire. They’re juicy, aromatic, and topped with a creamy kick, creating a truly memorable meal that’s perfect for shaking up your weeknight routine or impressing guests. Get ready to embark on a delicious tropical journey with every bite!
What are your favorite international flavors to infuse into classic dishes, or do you have a go-to gourmet burger idea? Share your culinary adventures and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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