Active Time

　　40 min

　　Total Time

　　1 3/4 hr

　　Looking to jazz up a backyard barbecue? The bold flavors in this burger will definitely get guests talking. A paste of lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and serrano chile enlivens ground turkey, while also helping to keep it moist. If you don't have a mini food processor, don't be discouraged. It may take longer, but it's still worth the effort to finely chop the ingredients and mash them to a paste using a mortar and pestle. A spicy lime vinaigrette takes the place of traditional condiments.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

　　2 fresh lemongrass stalks, root ends trimmed and 1 or 2 tough outer leaves discarded from each

　　2 garlic cloves, chopped

　　3 tablespoons chopped shallot

　　1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled ginger

　　1 (3-inch) fresh serrano or jalapeño chile, finely chopped, including seeds

　　1 teaspoon water

　　4 teaspoons Asian fish sauce, divided

　　1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (dark meat only)

　　1/4 cup fresh lime juice

　　1/4 cup vegetable oil

　　1/2 teaspoon sugar

　　1/2 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes

　　4 kaiser rolls, split and grilled

　　2 cups mixed fresh mint, basil, and cilantro leaves

　　Equipment: a mini food processor

　　

Step 1

Thinly slice bottom 6 inches of lemongrass (1/4 cup), discarding remainder. Finely grind lemongrass, garlic, shallot, ginger, and chile with water and 2 teaspoons fish sauce in mini food processor, scraping down side frequently, until a paste forms.

　　

Step 2

Mix paste and turkey with your hands until just combined (do not overmix) and form into 4 (3/4-inch-thick) patties (4 inches in diameter). Chill patties, covered with plastic wrap, 1 hour (to allow flavors to develop).

　　

Step 3

Whisk together lime juice, oil, sugar, red-pepper flakes, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and remaining 2 teaspoons fish sauce until sugar is dissolved.

　　

Step 4

Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium heat for gas).

　　

Step 5

Oil grill rack, then grill patties, covered only if using a gas grill, turning over once, until just cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes total.

　　

Step 6

Whisk lime-juice sauce, then drizzle cut side of a bottom bun evenly with 1 tablespoon sauce. Top with a patty and 1/2 cup mixed herbs. Drizzle herbs with 1 tablespoon sauce and top with bun. Assemble 3 more burgers in same manner.

　　Cooks' notes:

　　· Patties can be chilled up to 8 hours. · If you aren't able to grill outdoors, patties can be cooked in an oiled large (2-burner) ridged grill pan over medium-high heat, turning over once, until just cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes.