Tropical Ahi Tuna Burgers with Cilantro Lime Sauce
Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Hawaii with these delectable Ahi Tuna Burgers, bursting with fresh flavors and a hint of spice! This recipe, crafted by culinary competitor Kristine Snyder, took home the Grand Prize in the Food Network's Ultimate Recipe Showdown, winning $25,000 for its delightful combination of succulent ahi tuna, zesty lime, and aromatic ginger. Each bite is a perfect blend of coastal charm and culinary artistry, making these burgers a must-try for any seafood lover. Serve them on toasted kaiser rolls topped with crisp onions, juicy tomatoes, and vibrant sprouts for a complete meal that will impress friends and family alike!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
Anaheim chilies
2 (Charred, peeled, seeded, and diced)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (N/A)
Sour cream
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Cilantro leaves
3 tablespoons (Finely chopped)
Fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (Minced)
Garlic
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (N/A)
Soy sauce
4 teaspoons (N/A)
Sugar
4 teaspoons (N/A)
Sesame oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Lime juice
2 teaspoons (Fresh)
Lime zest
1 teaspoon (Grated)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Ahi tuna fillets
1.5 lbs (Finely chopped)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking)
Kaiser rolls
4 (Seeded and split)
Maui onion
1 large (Thinly sliced)
Vine-ripened tomatoes
1 large (Sliced)
Radishes or sunflower sprouts
1 package (For topping)
Instructions
1
To make the sauce, char the Anaheim chilies over a gas flame or under the broiler until blistered on all sides. This will enhance their flavor.
2
Once charred, place the peppers in a paper bag and let them rest for 15 minutes. This will steam the skin, making it easier to peel.
3
After resting, peel the skin off the chilies, remove the stems and seeds, then finely dice the peppers.
4
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the diced peppers with mayonnaise, sour cream, finely chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, minced ginger, minced garlic, and salt. Stir thoroughly until well mixed and set aside.
5
For the burger patties, in a large bowl, beat the egg until frothy. Add panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix to combine.
6
Gently fold in the finely chopped ahi tuna until all ingredients are incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
7
Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, ensuring they hold together.
8
Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties to the pan.
9
Cook each patty for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
10
While the patties are cooking, toast the kaiser rolls under the broiler for a few minutes until they are lightly golden.
11
To assemble the burger, spread a generous amount of the cilantro lime sauce on the bottom of each toasted roll. Top with thinly sliced Maui onion, fresh tomato slices, and radishes or sunflower sprouts.
12
Place the cooked ahi tuna patty on top and finish with more sauce before adding the roll tops. Enjoy your tropical culinary creation!
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
21.25
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Ahi Tuna Burgers?
These are gourmet seafood burgers made with finely chopped ahi tuna, ginger, and lime, topped with a custom cilantro lime sauce.
Who created this award-winning recipe?
The recipe was crafted by culinary competitor Kristine Snyder.
What prize did this recipe win?
It won the Grand Prize in the Food Network's Ultimate Recipe Showdown, earning a $25,000 prize.
How do I prepare the Anaheim chilies for the sauce?
Char the chilies over a flame or broiler until blistered, steam them in a paper bag for 15 minutes, then peel, seed, and dice them.
What ingredients are in the Cilantro Lime Sauce?
The sauce consists of Anaheim chilies, mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and salt.
What type of tuna is required for the patties?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of ahi tuna fillets that have been finely chopped.
How many calories are in one Ahi Tuna Burger?
Each burger contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
How much fat is in these burgers?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving.
What binding agents are used for the tuna patties?
A beaten egg and panko breadcrumbs are used to help the tuna patties hold their shape.
How long should the tuna patties be cooked?
Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
What heat setting should I use for frying the patties?
Use a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
What type of bread is recommended for serving?
The recipe suggests using toasted, seeded, and split kaiser rolls.
What specific onion variety is used as a topping?
Thinly sliced Maui onion is recommended for its sweet, coastal flavor.
What provides the 'tropical' flavor profile in the patties?
A combination of ginger, sesame oil, lime juice, lime zest, and soy sauce gives the burgers their tropical flair.
How many burgers does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 4 equal-sized burger patties.
Should I overmix the tuna patty ingredients?
No, you should gently fold the ingredients together and be careful not to overmix.
What are the recommended vegetable toppings?
The burgers are topped with Maui onion, vine-ripened tomatoes, and radishes or sunflower sprouts.
Are there any spicy elements in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses Anaheim chilies and crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
What is the carbohydrate count for this meal?
There are 21.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is sesame oil included in the recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of sesame oil is used in the burger patty mixture.
How do I prepare the kaiser rolls?
Toast the split rolls under a broiler for a few minutes until they are lightly golden.
What is the purpose of the paper bag in the instructions?
The paper bag steams the charred pepper skins, making them much easier to peel off.
How much ginger is used in the sauce versus the patties?
The sauce uses 2 teaspoons of minced ginger, while the patties also use minced ginger for flavor.
Is sugar used in this savory recipe?
Yes, 4 teaspoons of sugar are added to the patty mixture to balance the flavors.
What type of oil is best for cooking the patties?
The recipe recommends using one tablespoon of vegetable oil for frying.
Can I use lime zest in the sauce?
The lime zest is specifically called for in the burger patties, while the sauce uses lime juice.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
The recipe features a total of 23 different ingredients.
How should the cilantro be prepared?
The cilantro leaves should be finely chopped before being added to the sauce.
In what order should the burger be assembled?
Spread sauce on the bottom roll, add onion, tomato, and sprouts, then the tuna patty, more sauce, and the top bun.