I’d been toying with the idea of making burgers with canned tuna as the base for ages and finally got around to it Monday night. After talking it through with Wil, he suggested I either go Asian style or Mediterranean for the flavors. I told him I’d been thinking of doing a Tuna Nicoise burger with olives and potato right in the burger, and he liked my idea so much he stole it for use at his restaurant!
Since he took my idea, I didn’t feel so bad using his idea of going Asian style with these ones and BOY did they turn out good. The ingredient list is so short and they are super simple to throw together, but the texture and flavor of these burgers is just out of this world!
Asian Style Tuna Burgers
Serves 4. 3pts+ per burger. Printable recipe here.
Here’s what you need:
- 3 scallions
- 1 large carrot
- 2 cans tuna in water
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup egg whites (or one egg)
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
The first thing to do is get your veggies ready. Grate the carrot and mince the scallion, and combine them in a bowl.
Now it’s time to get the tuna ready. Open the cans and press the lids down to drain them.
I can never get enough liquid out doing it this way, so I opted to use cheesecloth to squeeze the liquid out further.
But you don’t HAVE to do that step.
Add the tuna to the bowl with the veggies.
Next, add in the rest of the ingredients – panko, egg, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
Combine the mixture until its evenly mixed.
Now, divide into four patties.
How pretty are these!?
Last step – heat up a pan to cook them. I used nonstick spray, but you can use oil, butter, or anything you like.
Cook over medium-low for 4 minutes a side, and then flip.
Cook the other side for about 3-4 minutes until lightly browned, and they are done!
These are SO flavorful and well seasoned and don’t need any sauce or anything!
I served mine on a toasted english muffin with a side of steamed green beans.
Don’t worry – I didn’t forget the top!
These are seriously so good, and they hold up REALLY well for leftovers. I ate one for dinner Monday night, and then ate them for lunch for the next three days in a row because they were so good! I normally can’t eat the same thing for several days, but I made an exception for these.
What is your favorite canned product?
Mine is probably salsa, with canned beans as a close second!
