Tuna Burgers : Juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, they bring together tender tuna with zesty seasonings and a touch of freshness. Perfectly pan-seared to golden perfection, these patties are a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative to the classic beef burger.
Why Tuna Burgers Are a Must-Try
Tuna burgers combine the rich, meaty texture of tuna with spices, herbs, and other ingredients to create a satisfying and nutritious patty. They’re perfect for weeknight meals, summer barbecues, or even meal prepping for busy schedules. Plus, they’re a more eco-conscious and low-fat option compared to traditional red meat burgers.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Tuna Burgers
- Use chilled ingredients: Keeping the mixture cold helps the patties hold their shape.
- Avoid overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the patties tender.
- Non-stick skills: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking when forming patties.
- Fresh tuna tips: If you’re using fresh tuna, choose sushi-grade for the best quality.
Delicious Tuna Burger Variations
The beauty of tuna burgers is their adaptability. Here are some creative variations:
- Asian-inspired: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the mix, and top with pickled cucumbers.
- Mediterranean-style: Incorporate olives, feta cheese, and oregano, and serve with tzatziki sauce.
- Spicy jalapeño: Mix in chopped jalapeños and serve with spicy mayo.
- Low-carb option: Serve the tuna patty wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of a bun.
How to Serve Tuna Burgers
Tuna burgers are endlessly customizable, and their accompaniments can elevate the meal:
- Buns: Go classic with brioche buns or opt for whole-grain or gluten-free options.
- Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, avocado slices, pickles, or coleslaw.
- Sauces: Spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or tartar sauce pair wonderfully with tuna.
- Sides: Serve with sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Tuna Burgers
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your tuna burgers later:
- In the fridge: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for best results.
- In the freezer: Freeze uncooked patties on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use canned tuna for burgers?
Absolutely! Canned tuna is convenient and affordable. Just ensure it’s drained well to avoid excess moisture in the patties.
Are tuna burgers healthy?
Yes, tuna burgers are a lean source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients. Opt for whole-grain buns and fresh toppings to maximize their health benefits.
What’s the best way to prevent patties from falling apart?
Ensure you use enough binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs. Keeping the mixture chilled also helps maintain shape during cooking.
Can I make tuna burgers without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or a mashed avocado for binding.
Tuna Patty
Tuna Burgers : Juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, they bring together tender tuna with zesty seasonings and a touch of freshness. Perfectly pan-seared to golden perfection, these patties are a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative to the classic beef burger.
Ingredients
- 2 (5-6 oz) cans tuna, drained (save a little water if using tuna in water)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup white bread, torn into pieces
- 1 tsp lemon zest + 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water (or reserved tuna liquid)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp chives, green onions, or shallots, chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Crystal or Tabasco hot sauce, to taste
- 1 raw egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil + ½ tsp butter
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Drain your tuna well. If using water-packed tuna, save 1 tablespoon of the liquid and add a teaspoon of olive oil later for extra moisture.
- In a bowl, combine drained tuna, mustard, torn bread, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, chives, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Once satisfied, mix in the egg.
- Divide the mixture into 4 portions. Shape each into a ball, then flatten into patties. For best results, chill the patties for 1 hour to help them hold together (skip this step if you’re short on time).
- Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place the patties in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges for that extra citrus kick. These patties are also perfect on slider buns with tartar sauce for a quick tuna burger!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 142Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 58mgSodium 236mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 9g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Tuna burgers are a versatile, healthy, and delicious way to switch up your usual burger routine. From choosing the freshest ingredients to customizing toppings and variations, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, tuna burgers are sure to impress. Try this recipe, and let us know your favorite way to enjoy them in the comments!
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