Description
These Ahi Tuna Burgers are made with fresh (or frozen) tuna steaks, coarsely chopped and mixed with ginger, garlic, scallions, soy sauce and sesame oil. They're juicy, bursting with flavor and easy to cook on the grill or in a skillet. The patties can be made up to 6 hours ahead, which is great for entertaining.
Adapted from a recipe in a 2010 Hannaford magazine
Ingredients
Units
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Slaw
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoons finely minced or grated fresh ginger
- 2 carrots (about 1/3 pound), shredded
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1 sliced scallion, optional
Tuna Burgers
- 1 pound Ahi Tuna steaks, fresh or frozen and thawed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 3 scallions (white and light green parts), finely chopped
- 2 medium garlic cloves, finely minced (1 tablespoon minced garlic)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Kewpie mayo, for spreading on the toasted buns, optional
- Arugula or other lettuce leaves for serving, optional
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Instructions
Prepare the Slaw
- In a medium bowl, large enough to hold the slaw, whisk the rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey and ginger.
- Add the shredded carrots and sesame seeds and toss to combine. Set aside while you cook the tuna burgers. Slaw can be made several hours ahead and kept, covered, in the fridge.
Prepare the Tuna Burgers
- Cut the tuna steaks into large (¾-inch) dice and transfer to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the chopping blade. Add the soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, egg white, ginger, scallions and garlic. Pulse until you get a rough chop, being careful not to overprocess.
- Form the mixture into 4 patties, place them on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 6 hours. Chilling the patties will help firm them up so they hold together when you grill or pan sear them.
- When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high, if grilling. Otherwise, heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat for a minute or so.
- Brush the tops of the tuna patties with olive oil. Use a spatula to transfer the patties, oiled-side down, to the grill or skillet and cook for 1 minute per side for rare, 2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 3-4 minutes per side for medium. I like them cooked until just barely pink in the middle, about 3 minutes per side. Note that if they go directly from the fridge to the fire, they will need an additional minute of cooking time.
- During the last minute of grilling time, add the buns, cut-side down, to the grill, to toast (or toast in the toaster oven).
- If using kewpie mayo, spread some on the bottom of each toasted bun. If using lettuce, place some on the bottom of each toasted bun. Top with the burgers, then top each burger with some carrot slaw. Add the top bun halves and serve immediately.
Notes
- Tuna doneness: FDA guidance recommends cooking tuna to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you choose to cook the burgers rare or medium-rare, it is best to use tuna labeled "sushi-grade" or purchased from a reputable seafood seller who confirms that it's suitable for eating raw or undercooked.
- Make ahead: The tuna patties can be formed, covered and refrigerated for up to 6 hours before cooking. The carrot slaw can also be made several hours ahead and refrigerated.
- Using frozen tuna: Don't hesitate to use frozen ahi tuna for these burgers. It works beautifully and can be more affordable and easier to find than fresh ahi. Thaw it completely before using and pat it dry if there's excess moisture.
- Substitutions: For gluten-free tuna burgers, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free burger buns. You can substitute 1 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise for the egg white. Any soft burger buns can be used in place of brioche.
- Nutrition Information: We do our best to provide accurate nutrition values using an online nutrition calculator. Our nutrition information should only be used as an approximation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- chill time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired