Savory Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi Burger
Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with these scrumptious chicken banh mi burgers! This delightful twist on a classic dish features juicy chicken patties made from ground chicken, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. They're layered with crunchy pickled carrots that add a sweet and tangy crunch, fresh jalapeños for a kick, and fresh cilantro and romaine lettuce for a refreshing taste. All of this goodness is nestled within soft, toasted rolls for a sandwich that is not just a meal but an explosion of flavors that transport you to the bustling streets of Vietnam. Perfect for lunch or a satisfying snack, this recipe offers a blend of traditional Vietnamese ingredients with an American burger format, showcasing the best of both worlds.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Distilled white vinegar
1/3 cup (N/A)
Granulated sugar
1/3 cup (N/A)
Kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Carrots
1 cup (Peeled and coarsely shredded)
Fish sauce
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Scallions
2 medium (Finely chopped (white and light green parts only))
Fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (Finely chopped)
Fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon (Coarsely chopped)
Lime zest
1 teaspoon (Packed and finely grated)
Fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground chicken
1.5 lbs (Dark meat or a mixture of dark and white meat)
Vegetable oil
N/A (For oiling the grill)
Vietnamese rolls or French rolls
4 (Sliced in half horizontally and toasted)
Fresh cilantro leaves
2/3 cup (Packed)
Romaine lettuce leaves
4 (N/A)
Fresh jalapeño pepper
1 (Sliced thin)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (N/A)
Sriracha
1-2 tablespoons (To taste)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing the pickled carrots: In a small, nonreactive saucepan, combine the distilled white vinegar, granulated sugar, and kosher salt over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Remove from heat, add the coarsely shredded carrots, and stir well to coat. Let the mix cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
2
2. Next, make the chile mayonnaise: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Sriracha. Adjust the Sriracha to your preferred spice level. Cover and refrigerate this condiment until you're ready to assemble the burgers.
3
3. For the chicken patties, combine the fish sauce, scallions, ginger, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
4
4. Add the ground chicken to the mixture, using your hands to combine gently until just mixed—be careful not to overwork it.
5
5. Divide the chicken mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into an even 1/2-inch-thick patty, wetting your hands with water as needed to prevent sticking. Arrange the patties on a baking sheet and refrigerate them while you preheat the grill.
6
6. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 425°F). Just before grilling, dip several layers of paper towels in vegetable oil and use tongs to oil the grill grates.
7
7. Place the chicken patties on the grill without pressing down on them. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until grill marks form on the bottom. Using a clean spatula, flip the patties carefully and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked through and juices run clear.
8
8. Once cooked, remove the patties from the grill and let them rest on a clean plate for 5 minutes, tented loosely with foil to keep warm.
9
9. To assemble your burgers, spread about 1 tablespoon of the chile mayonnaise on each half of the toasted rolls to taste. Layer 2 chicken patties on the bottom half of each roll, then top generously with pickled carrots, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and romaine lettuce. Place the top half of the roll on each burger and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi Burger?
It is a fusion dish that combines traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi flavors, such as pickled carrots and fish sauce, with an American-style grilled chicken burger format.
What kind of meat is used for the patties?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of ground chicken, preferably dark meat or a mixture of dark and white meat for better juiciness.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
How do I prepare the pickled carrots?
Combine distilled white vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until dissolved, then stir in shredded carrots and let them cool.
How long should the carrots be refrigerated?
The carrots should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes, though overnight is recommended for the best flavor.
What are the ingredients for the chile mayonnaise?
The chile mayonnaise is made by mixing mayonnaise and Sriracha together to your preferred spice level.
What seasonings are added to the ground chicken?
The patties are seasoned with fish sauce, scallions, ginger, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper.
How many patties should I form?
The mixture should be divided into 8 equal portions to create 8 small patties.
What is the recommended thickness for the chicken patties?
Each patty should be shaped to be approximately 1/2-inch thick.
How can I prevent the chicken mixture from sticking to my hands?
Wet your hands with water as needed while shaping the patties to prevent the meat from sticking.
What is the ideal grill temperature for these burgers?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat, which is about 375 degrees F to 425 degrees F.
How do I prepare the grill grates?
Dip several layers of paper towels in vegetable oil and use tongs to wipe the grates just before grilling.
How long should the chicken patties cook on each side?
Cook the patties for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until grill marks form and they are fully cooked.
Should I press down on the patties while they are on the grill?
No, you should place them on the grill without pressing down to keep the juices inside.
How do I know when the patties are finished cooking?
The patties are done when the juices run clear and they are fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Why should I let the patties rest after grilling?
Resting the patties for 5 minutes under foil allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moister burger.
What type of bread is used for this recipe?
You can use Vietnamese rolls or French rolls, sliced in half horizontally and toasted.
How do I assemble the Banh Mi burger?
Spread chile mayo on the toasted rolls, layer two patties on the bottom, then top with pickled carrots, cilantro, jalapeños, and lettuce.
How much chile mayonnaise goes on each burger?
The recipe suggests about 1 tablespoon per roll, but you can adjust to your own taste.
Are there fresh herbs used in this recipe?
Yes, fresh cilantro leaves are used both inside the chicken patties and as a fresh topping.
Does this recipe include spicy ingredients?
Yes, the recipe uses Sriracha in the mayonnaise and fresh sliced jalapeños as a topping.
What kind of lettuce is recommended?
Romaine lettuce leaves are recommended for a refreshing crunch.
Can I use white vinegar for the pickles?
The recipe specifically calls for distilled white vinegar for the carrot pickling liquid.
What part of the scallion is used?
The recipe uses the white and light green parts of the scallions, finely chopped.
Is the ginger fresh or ground?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh ginger.
What is the purpose of the lime zest?
Lime zest adds a concentrated citrus aroma and flavor to the chicken patties.
Can I cook these burgers indoors?
Yes, you can use an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat as an alternative to an outdoor grill.
How many patties are served per sandwich?
Each burger is assembled with 2 chicken patties on the bottom half of the roll.
Is fish sauce necessary for this recipe?
Fish sauce is a key ingredient for providing the traditional savory, umami flavor characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Lunch or Snack option.