Tropical Tuna Burgers with Sweet Maui Salsa
Savor the flavors of the islands with these Tropical Tuna Burgers topped with a vibrant Sweet Maui Salsa. This delicious recipe features fresh yellowfin tuna blended with savory Maui onions, zesty ginger, and a hint of sweetness from honey, all held together with panko breadcrumbs. Paired with a refreshing salsa made from the freshest ingredients, these burgers deliver a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for summer barbecues or a delightful weeknight meal. Share this meal with friends and family for a true taste of the Hawaiian islands.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Maui onions
2 cups (chopped)
Green onion
1/2 cup (minced)
Pickled ginger
1/4 cup (chopped)
Cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Sesame oil
2 tablespoons (for salsa; plus 1 1/2 tablespoons for patties)
Soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons (for salsa)
Fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon
Boneless skinless yellowfin tuna fillets
2 lbs (finely chopped)
Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
Egg
1 (beaten)
Dijon mustard
1/4 cup
Minced garlic
2 tablespoons
Honey
2 tablespoons
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Vegetable oil
as needed (for brushing grill rack)
Hamburger buns with sesame seeds
6 (split)
Bottled teriyaki sauce
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Prepare your grill: Heat a charcoal grill to medium-hot, or preheat a gas grill to medium-high.
2
Make the Maui Wowee Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine chopped Maui onions, minced green onion, pickled ginger, and cilantro. Add a drizzle of sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh lime juice. Stir until well mixed and set aside to let the flavors meld.
3
Prepare the tuna patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped tuna with panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, and sesame oil. Season the mixture with kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4
Form the patties: Divide the tuna mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, ensuring they fit your hamburger buns.
5
Prepare the grill for cooking: Once your grill is ready, carefully brush the rack with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
6
Cook the patties: Place the tuna patties on the grill. Cover and cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until the patties are opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook to maintain moisture.
7
Toast the buns: In the last few minutes of cooking, place the hamburger buns cut side down on the outer edges of the grill to toast them lightly without burning.
8
Assemble your burgers: Brush the cut sides of each toasted bun with bottled teriyaki sauce. On each bun bottom, place a tuna patty, then generously top it with the Maui Wave Salsa. Finish by adding the bun tops and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of tuna is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for fresh, boneless skinless yellowfin tuna fillets.
How many burgers does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 6 tuna patties.
What kind of onions are used in the Sweet Maui Salsa?
The salsa features chopped Maui onions and minced green onions.
What gives the tuna patties their sweetness?
Honey is used in the tuna mixture to provide a hint of sweetness.
How should the yellowfin tuna be prepared?
The tuna fillets should be finely chopped before being mixed with other ingredients.
What type of breadcrumbs are used as a binder?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs.
How long should the tuna burgers cook on each side?
Cook the patties for approximately 4 minutes per side.
What temperature should the grill be?
Heat a charcoal grill to medium-hot or a gas grill to medium-high.
What ingredients are in the Sweet Maui Salsa?
The salsa consists of Maui onions, green onion, pickled ginger, cilantro, sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh lime juice.
How do I prevent the patties from sticking to the grill?
Carefully brush the grill rack with vegetable oil before placing the patties on it.
What type of mustard is included in the tuna mixture?
Dijon mustard is used to add tang and flavor to the patties.
How do I know when the tuna burgers are finished cooking?
The patties are done when they are opaque all the way through.
What should I do with the hamburger buns before serving?
Toast the sesame seed buns cut side down on the outer edges of the grill during the last few minutes of cooking.
What condiment is applied directly to the toasted buns?
Bottled teriyaki sauce is brushed onto the cut sides of each toasted bun.
Is there any spice in these burgers?
Yes, the patties are seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
What kind of ginger is used in the salsa?
The salsa uses 1/4 cup of chopped pickled ginger.
What type of salt is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
Can I use a different type of bun?
The recipe suggests hamburger buns with sesame seeds, but you can use your preferred bun.
Should the salsa be made in advance?
The recipe suggests making it first and letting it sit so the flavors can meld.
What is the first step in making the tuna patties?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tuna, panko, egg, mustard, garlic, honey, sesame oil, and spices.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
How much cilantro goes into the salsa?
Use 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro for the Maui salsa.
What liquid is added to the salsa for acidity?
One tablespoon of fresh lime juice is used for the salsa.
Is sesame oil used in both the salsa and the patties?
Yes, it is used in the salsa for flavor and in the patties for moisture and seasoning.
How many onions in total are needed for the salsa?
You will need 2 cups of chopped Maui onions.
What is the assembly order for the burger?
Bun bottom with teriyaki sauce, tuna patty, Maui salsa, and then the bun top.
What type of pepper is used besides cayenne?
Freshly ground black pepper is used to season the tuna mixture.
Is an egg necessary for this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is used to help bind the chopped tuna and panko together.
Can these be served immediately?
Yes, the recipe recommends serving the burgers immediately after assembly.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It is a tropical, savory, and slightly sweet Hawaiian-inspired dish.