Tuna Burgers

It’s very rare that I can leave a recipe alone. In fact, this is probably the first time in recent memory that I have done so, and though that makes me feel a little wrong about blogging them, these tuna burgers were just so tasty, I have to share. Usually I find at least a couple things I’d like to change about a recipe to make it more my style, but these just seemed perfect as is. So perfect that I decided to make them as an extra-special Saturday lunch (well, I hardly ever cook lunch!) to thank some friends who came over to help us get our new hot tub going (we’ve never owned such a thing and felt pretty clueless – they were so nice to come teach us!). These burgers are easy to pull together and cook very quickly. A few ingredients delicately flavor the patties, without overwhelming the tuna. The olive tapenade was truly delicious, and of course, exceptionally easy. I baked a loaf of focaccia bread to serve the burgers on, and put out some raw vegetables and artichoke hummus to snack on. Altogether, this made for an easy and casual, yet elegant lunch. I’ll definitely be watching for good deals on Ahi tuna and another opportunity to make these burger.
Herbed Tuna Burgers with Tapenade and Tomatoes
Bon Appetit, July 2008


Tapenade
1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp chopped shallots
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
2 tsp lemon juice

Burgers
2 lbs fresh tuna steaks, finely diced (I chilled them and pulsed them in the food processor)
2 tbsp drained capers
2 tbsp chopped shallots
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tsp minced fresh thyme
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3/4 tsp kosher salt
nonstick cooking spray
6 squares of focaccia, sliced in half horizontally
sliced red tomatoes and red onions
baby arugula

For the tapenade, pulse together the ingredients in the food processor to form a coarse puree. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Can be made ahead and chilled for 3 days.

For the burgers, mix the tuna and the next 6 ingredients. Using moistened hands, shape the tuna mixture into six patties. Place on a plate and refrigerate for at least one hour and up to one day.

Spray the grill rack with nonstick cooking spray and heat to medium-high heat. Grill about 3-4 minutes on each side, until almost cooked through.

Serve on focaccia bread with arugula, onions and tomatoes.

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15 Responses to “Tuna Burgers”

  1. 1

    That Girl — June 18, 2008 @ 4:22 pm Reply

    I know my husband would love these!

  2. 2

    Robin — June 20, 2008 @ 6:03 pm Reply

    Yum! I’ve gotta try these one day for sure!

  3. 3

    Joelen — July 5, 2008 @ 5:41 am Reply

    Oh, what a great flavor combo! I have a small jar of olive tapenade and this would work perfectly to use it up. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  4. 4

    Shelly — July 8, 2008 @ 12:07 am Reply

    This recipe looks great! I love trying new things and I have never had anything like this. I found your blog this evening via the foodie blog roll.

  5. 5

    Shelly — March 28, 2011 @ 8:54 pm Reply

    This recipe looks great! I love trying new things and I have never had anything like this. I found your blog this evening via the foodie blog roll.

  6. 6

    Shelly — March 28, 2011 @ 8:54 pm Reply

    This recipe looks great! I love trying new things and I have never had anything like this. I found your blog this evening via the foodie blog roll.

  7. 7

    Joelen — March 28, 2011 @ 8:54 pm Reply

    Oh, what a great flavor combo! I have a small jar of olive tapenade and this would work perfectly to use it up. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  8. 8

    Joelen — March 28, 2011 @ 8:54 pm Reply

    Oh, what a great flavor combo! I have a small jar of olive tapenade and this would work perfectly to use it up. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  9. 9

    Robin — March 28, 2011 @ 8:54 pm Reply

    Yum! I've gotta try these one day for sure!

  10. 10

    That Girl — March 28, 2011 @ 8:54 pm Reply

    I know my husband would love these!

  11. 11

    Shelly — March 29, 2011 @ 2:05 am Reply

    This recipe looks great! I love trying new things and I have never had anything like this. I found your blog this evening via the foodie blog roll.

  12. 12

    Robin — March 29, 2011 @ 2:05 am Reply

    Yum! I've gotta try these one day for sure!

  13. 13

    That Girl — April 5, 2011 @ 1:18 am Reply

    I know my husband would love these!

  14. 14

    Shelly — April 5, 2011 @ 1:18 am Reply

    This recipe looks great! I love trying new things and I have never had anything like this. I found your blog this evening via the foodie blog roll.

  15. 15

    Shelly — April 5, 2011 @ 1:18 am Reply

    This recipe looks great! I love trying new things and I have never had anything like this. I found your blog this evening via the foodie blog roll.

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