Asian Turkey Reuben Burger with Spicy Slaw

My inspiration for this burger was to create a leaner, alternative burger without compromising on flavor and moistness.I decided to combine the tastes found in my favorite sandwich, a turkey reuben, with the distinct flavors of Asian cuisine. It was love at first bite.

Ingredients:

Spicy Slaw:
1-14oz. bag cole slaw mix
1/4 cup thinly slices scallions
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
Russian dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 clove garlic, minced fine
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp dill relish
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp dry mustard
Patties:
1-1/2 lbs ground turkey
1-8oz. can crushed pineapple, well drained
1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
1 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/2 of a 10 oz block of Swiss cheese, cut into 6 equal pieces
6 sesame seed buns, toasted

Instructions:

To make the Spicy Slaw, in a medium bowl combine the bag cole slaw mix, 1/4 cup thinly slices scallions, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar, 2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper. Stir well to combine and refrigerate for several hours to marry flavors.
To make the Russian dressing, in a small bowl combine the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/2 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp dill relish, 1/2 tsp ground ginger and 1/2 tsp dry mustard. Refrigerate until ready to use.
To make the patties, in a medium size bowl place the ground turkey, the drained, crushed pineapple, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 tsp, kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper. Stir together lightly until combined being very careful not to over mix. Chill for 1 hour. Divide meat into 6 equal size portions. Shape each portion into 2 thin patties. Place a piece of the Swiss cheese on the center of one patty and top with another patty. Seal edges well. Preheat grill to medium high. Just before putting the patties on grill, lightly oil the grates. Place the patties on the grill, turn the heat down to medium and cover grill. Cook without disturbing for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes or until cooked through. Remove patties from grill, tent with foil and let rest while toasting rolls.
Place split sesame buns, cut side down, on grill for 1-2 minutes or until nicely toasted.
To assemble burgers place 1 tbsp Russian dressing on bottom of bun, top with a patty and then with 1/4 cup of the Spicy slaw.
Makes 6 burgers.