Thai Inspired Burger
If you’re craving something bold, juicy, and just a little unexpected, this Thai burger is your next must-try. It’s everything you love about a classic burger—reimagined with the vibrant, layered flavors of Thai cuisine. Seasoned with a Thai dry rub, slathered in a sweet chili peanut butter sauce, and topped with tangy pickled shallots. This burger delivers a punch of heat, sweetness, crunch, and umami in every bite.
Thai Cuisine & the Role of Peanuts and Shallots
Thai cuisine is all about balance—spicy, sweet, sour, salty—and this burger captures that harmony perfectly. The Thai inspired seasoning blends Thai chili powder and garlic along with other spice for a deep, savory kick. Peanuts, a staple in Thai cooking, especially in sauces like satay, bring richness and texture.
The sweet chili sauce is the star of the show. It combines smooth peanut butter with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce and rice vinegar for a creamy, spicy-sweet finish. It’s bold yet comforting—perfect on a grilled burger patty.
Add quick-pickled shallots (with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt) for a zippy crunch that cuts through the richness and completes the Thai flavor profile.
Pro Tips: Thai Burger
Like many of my “simple” recipes, these tips will help make the most of your efforts.
- Make sauce and shallots ahead of time – The sweet chili sauce and pickled shallots can be made days ahead of time to make this a quick weeknight meal if you choose.
- Season the Patty: Mix up the Thai seasoning onto the ground beef patty before cooking. You can also use salt and pepper if you’re not feeling the seasoning but you will be missing out.
- High Heat: The burgers will cook quickly so use high heat to get that nice sear!
- Substitute the beef: You could use ground chicken, pork or even tofu if your heart desires in this recipe.
- Top It Right: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil and crushed peanuts for the full flavor experience.
Thai Burger with Sweet Chili Peanut Sauce and Pickled Shallots
Ingredients
For the burgers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 buns
- 2 tablespoons Thai Inspired Seasoning or just salt and pepper
- crushed peanuts, cilantro for garnish
For the sweet chili peanut sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter creamy or chunky
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
For the pickled shallots
- 1 large shallots sliced thin
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
For the sweet chili peanut sauce
- Combine the sweet chili sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce and rice vinegar in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Can be used immediately or refrigerated for 4 days.
For the pickled shallots
- Combine the rice vinegar, water, sugar and salt in a small pot and bring to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes
- Place the sliced shallots in a glass or plastic container. Pour the pickling liquid over the shallots and let cool to room temperature. Can be used after thirty minutes or stored in the fridge for up to a week.
For the burger
- Set up grill for medium high direct heat at around 450℉.
- Form the 1/4 pound burger patties and season. Place over direct heat and cook until desired internal temperature.
- Assemble the burger with the patties, buns and sweet chili sauce. Garnish with cilantro and crushed peanuts if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!