Spicy Tuna Burgers Recipe
Spicy Tuna Burgers offer a delightful twist on the classic burger, featuring flavorful tuna patties infused with spices and topped with a zesty sauce.
These burgers are a perfect fusion of Asian and Western flavors, combining the freshness of tuna with a spicy kick. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking for a lighter alternative to beef burgers, these Spicy Tuna Burgers are sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this detailed recipe, you’ll learn how to make these delicious burgers from scratch, ensuring they are bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
For the Tuna Patties:
- Canned Tuna: 2 cans (5 ounces each) of solid white tuna in water, drained.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup, for binding.
- Egg: 1 large, for binding.
- Green Onions: 3 stalks, finely chopped, for flavor.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon, for umami richness.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon, for nutty flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced, for a savory depth.
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon grated, for a zesty kick.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon, for heat.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, to enhance flavors.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, for a bit of spice.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, for cooking.
For the Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup, for creaminess.
- Sriracha Sauce: 2 tablespoons, or to taste, for spiciness.
- Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon, for freshness.
- Honey: 1 teaspoon, for sweetness.
- Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon, for depth of flavor.
- Sesame Oil: 1/2 teaspoon, for nutty flavor.
For the Assembly:
- Burger Buns: 4 whole wheat or brioche buns, toasted.
- Lettuce: 4 large leaves, for crunch.
- Cucumber: 1 small, thinly sliced, for freshness.
- Avocado: 1 large, sliced, for creaminess.
- Cilantro: Fresh, for garnish.
Instructions
Preparing the Tuna Patties:
Drain Tuna: Drain the canned tuna and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Combine Ingredients: Add the panko breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the tuna. Gently mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Form Patties: Divide the tuna mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick.
Making the Sauce:
Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
Cooking the Patties:
Heat Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook Patties: Carefully place the tuna patties in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through. Be gentle when flipping the patties to prevent them from breaking apart.
Assembling the Burgers:
Toast Buns: Toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until lightly browned.
Spread Sauce: Spread a generous amount of the spicy mayo sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
Layer Ingredients: Place a lettuce leaf on the sauced bun, followed by a tuna patty. Top with sliced cucumber, avocado, and fresh cilantro leaves. Cover with the top half of the bun.
Taste and Serving
Spicy Tuna Burgers are a burst of flavor in every bite, with tender tuna patties infused with fragrant spices and topped with a zesty sauce.
The combination of savory tuna, spicy mayo, crisp lettuce, cool cucumber, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro creates a harmony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
These burgers are perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, whether enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a weekend barbecue. Serve them with a side of sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete and delicious meal.
Nutritional Benefits
Spicy Tuna Burgers offer a variety of nutritional benefits:
Lean Protein: Tuna is a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. A 3-ounce serving of canned tuna provides about 20 grams of protein.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
Low in Fat: Tuna is low in saturated fat and calories, making it a healthier option compared to beef burgers.
Fresh Vegetables: Incorporating fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and avocado adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the meal, supporting overall health and well-being.
Whole Grains: Using whole wheat buns adds fiber and nutrients, supporting digestive health and providing sustained energy.
Conclusion
Spicy Tuna Burgers are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are bursting with flavor and packed with healthy ingredients, making them a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a lighter yet satisfying meal.
This recipe ensures tender, flavorful tuna patties with a spicy kick, topped with a zesty sauce and fresh toppings.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking to spice up your burger game, these Spicy Tuna Burgers are sure to become a new favorite.
Enjoy them for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or serve them at your next gathering for a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.