Dishes like bun cha are compelling because they deliver contrast in every bite—savory protein, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and bright citrus. This version uses turkey for a lighter, weeknight-friendly take. It’s the kind of meal you can prep ahead and look forward to at the end of the day.
Vietnamese Turkey Bun Cha
4
Prep time:
30 min
Cook time:
20 min
Ingredients for Patties
- 1 pound pasture-raised ground turkey
- 1 lemongrass stalk, outer layer removed, bulb and light green part minced
- 1 small zucchini, grated and gently squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Ingredients for Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 red Thai chile, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Ingredients for Salad
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
- ½ English cucumber, julienned
- ¼ large daikon radish, peeled and julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted cashews, plus more for garnish
- 2 limes, cut into wedges, for serving
Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
For the patties: In a large bowl, combine all the patty ingredients except the avocado oil with your hands, being careful not to overwork. Divide into twelve portions and shape into patties. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of the avocado oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Working in batches, add half the patties and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Allow the pan to cool slightly. Heat the remaining table spoon oil and continue cooking the rest of the patties. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4
For the salad dressing: In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients together.
Step 5
For the salad: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the lime wedges.
Step 6
To serve, toss the salad with most of the dressing and place in shallow bowls. Top with a couple turkey patties and an extra drizzle of dressing. Sprinkle with additional cilantro, mint leaves, and chopped cashews and serve with lime wedges.
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (3 patties):
Calories: 420 Total Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 95mg, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 33g, Carbohydrates: 22g, Sodium: 1050mg, Sugars: 10g, Net Carbs: 18g
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