Dinner

Tangy Tuna Burgers Recipe

BySophie Carsel November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Introduction

Tangy tuna burgers offer a fresh and flavorful alternative to traditional beef patties. With the zing of ginger and the richness of soy sauce, these burgers are perfect for a light, delicious meal.

A sesame seed bun sandwich with four visible layers from bottom to top: green lettuce leaves with a soft texture, two thick red tomato slices, a grilled patty with herbs giving it a slightly rough and charred surface, topped with two slices of light green avocado sprinkled with black pepper. The sandwich is placed on a white plate with a wooden look and set on a white marbled textured surface, with a clear glass of water blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

200g fresh tuna steaks
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
Small knob fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1 tbsp soy sauce
Handful coriander leaves, chopped
1 tbsp sunflower oil
Burger buns, lettuce leaves, sliced tomato and avocado, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Chop the tuna into small chunks, then continue chopping until roughly minced. Transfer the tuna to a bowl.
Step 2: Add the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and coriander to the tuna. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into two burger patties. Place them on a plate and freeze for 10 minutes to help them firm up.
Step 4: Heat the sunflower oil in a non-stick frying pan over moderate heat.
Step 5: Cook the tuna burgers for 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on how well done you prefer them. For the best texture, leave the center slightly pink.
Step 6: Serve the tuna burgers in toasted buns with fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, and avocado.

Tips & Variations

To keep the burgers succulent, cook them quickly over moderate heat, around 1 minute per side, leaving the center pink like a steak.
For added spice, include a small amount of chopped chili or a dash of hot sauce in the tuna mix.
Try swapping coriander for fresh basil or mint for a different flavor twist.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked tuna burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid drying them out. It’s best to assemble the burgers fresh to maintain the bun’s texture.

How to Serve

A sesame seed bun sandwich with four visible layers: the bottom layer is fresh, light green lettuce with ruffled edges; above it are two thick, red slices of tomato; next is a round, browned grilled patty mixed with green herbs; the top layer consists of three slices of green avocado sprinkled with black pepper, all held together under the top sesame bun. The sandwich sits on a white plate with a smooth, wood-like texture, placed on a blue cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tuna instead of fresh tuna steaks?

Fresh tuna steaks are best for texture and flavor in this recipe, but if you use canned tuna, choose solid pieces packed in water and drain well. Note the texture will be different and patties may be less firm.

How do I know when the tuna burgers are cooked properly?

Tuna burgers should be seared quickly on each side over moderate heat, about 1-2 minutes per side. They are best when the center remains slightly pink, similar to cooking a steak, which keeps them juicy and tender.