Kelly's Thai Chicken Burgers

1 large carrot, grated and chopped

1 large bunch cilantro, save a few sprigs for on top of the burgers, then chop (stems and all)

2 large shallots, minced

3 cloves garlic, grated or minced

1/3 cup finely minced fresh ginger

1½-inch piece of lemongrass stalk, minced fine

Zest of 1 lime

Juice of 1 lime

¼ cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1½ teaspoons hot chili sesame oil

1/3 cup honey

½ teaspoon salt and pepper (to taste)

2 large eggs

2 pounds ground chicken

¾ cup panko bread crumbs

2/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup Sriracha sauce

8 hamburger buns

For garnish: cilantro, chopped basil and/or mint, sweet pickles, jalapenos, pickled onions, chopped peanuts

In a large bowl, combine the carrots, cilantro, shallots, garlic, ginger, lemon grass, along with the lime zest and juice; stir to combine and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, honey, eggs, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine.

Place ground chicken in large bowl and add liquid mixture, stir to combine. Add vegetables and panko. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least an hour, but overnight is OK, too.

Combine mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce in small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Divide poultry mixture in bowl into eight sections. With wet hands, form into patties and place on greased baking sheet. Mixture will seem very wet, but will hold its shape when baked. Place in preheated oven for 15 minutes, flip burgers, and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the center of the burger registers 165 degrees. (These are very moist, so they are forgiving in case you leave them in the oven a little too long.)

Building your burger: Spread Sriracha mayonnaise on inside of bun, top with burger and other toppings of choice. Be sure to use something crunchy as the burger is soft.

Quick sweet pickled cucumbers or onions: Combine ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1½ teaspoons salt and 1 cup warm water; stir to dissolve sugar and salt. Add 1 large sliced red onion or seedless cucumber (recipe works for either) and allow to sit an hour.

Serves 8