Similar to hamburgers, tuna burgers are a type of sandwich that uses canned or chopped tuna instead of ground beef for the meat patty. Quick and simple to make, tuna burgers often offer a cost effective and healthy alternative to traditional hamburgers. Usually prepared with vegetables and spices, these burgers are often topped with lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and some type of condiment.
Canned, drained tuna is most often used to make tuna burgers. Tuna steaks can be used as well but must be chopped prior to being included in the burger mixture. Plain or seasoned bread crumbs or ground oatmeal aid in the burger's consistency and eggs help hold the patties together once cooked. Chopped onions, bell peppers or pimentos, and celery are often included in the patties as well.
Seasonings vary greatly across recipes. The meat patties are usually seasoned with pepper and garlic, but may also be seasoned with celery salt. Old Bay seasoning is sometimes included, and lemon juice may be added as well. Some versions will add horseradish or soy sauce and Dijon mustard. Grated ginger, Worcestershire sauce, or dill weed are occasionally included.
The ingredients are thoroughly combined and then, usually, chilled. Chilling firms the mixture and allows the cook to shape the tuna into patties more easily. Once the patties are created, they can be placed in a non-stick frying pan to cook. Normally, the pan is either sprayed with cooking spray or coated in oil before the meat is added. Tuna patties should always be handled with care because they are often fragile and fall apart easily before they are cooked.
The burgers are flipped once during cooking and should end up browned on both sides. Some versions may also bake the patties briefly to ensure doneness. Once the patties are cooked, they should hold together firmly yet will be softer than traditional hamburger patties. Cooked patties can be placed on white or whole wheat hamburger buns, rolls, bread, or English muffins.
Sliced tomato and lettuce are often added to tuna burgers. Baby spinach leaves may be used instead of lettuce, and cucumber slices and bean sprouts are another option for burger toppings. Sweet pickles can also serve as a topping. Although ketchup can be used as a condiment, flavored mayonnaise is a popular condiment alternative. A simple honey mustard sauce, made by mixing honey and Dijon mustard, is also an option.