Tuna Burgers

These tuna burgers are thick, savory, and irresistible! Pile on the toppings and smother with aioli for a satisfying meal.

Here’s a unique way to use a can of tuna…try Tuna Burgers! Tuna makes an unexpectedly excellent burger: thick and savory. Balanced on a bun with chipotle aioli and veggie toppings, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s economical and a great alternative to red meat. Just like our popular tuna patties, it’s a healthy dinner idea that will surprise and delight. Here’s how it’s done!

Ingredients in tuna burgers

Tuna burgers are simply a burger where canned tuna stands in for ground meat. You’ll also need to add some binders to help the tuna stick together, like egg, breadcrumbs, mustard and mayonnaise. It all comes together into a savory, hearty mix of flavors! Here’s what you’ll need:

• White meat tuna (see below)
• Green onion
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Plain panko or coarse breadcrumbs (or gluten free breadcrumbs; see below*)
• Dijon mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Eggs
• Olive oil

Tips for buying canned tuna

There are lots of options at the grocery store when it comes to canned tuna. Here’s what to look for when buying for these tuna burgers:

• Look for light tuna caught by pole and line fishing, which is the most sustainable choice. Light tuna that comes from skipjack has the lowest mercury levels of all types of tuna. (Read more here.)
• Buy BPA free cans. Look for cans or pouches that are BPA free.
• Oil packed or water packed work. Use whatever is your personal preference for this recipe! Either way, drain the can before using.

Panko vs breadcrumbs

Do you stock panko in your pantry? It’s extremely versatile and our favorite option when it comes to breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs are important to get a cohesive, solid texture to a tuna burger. Here’s the difference between panko and traditional breadcrumbs, and why we prefer panko:

• Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb mixture that is airier and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs. It makes a beautifully crispy coating and it’s very versatile. Use it in recipes like Pistachio Crusted Salmon or Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Or our favorite way: use it as a stand-in for croutons in a Kale Caesar Salad or Romaine Salad.
• Breadcrumbs also work! Packages labeled “coarse breadcrumbs” are best, since traditional breadcrumbs have a finer texture like sand. But either should work! You can also make homemade breadcrumbs.
• Want breadcrumb substitutes? Try gluten-free panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs, or use an equal amount of crushed crackers of any type.

How to make tuna burgers: some tips

Once you’ve got all your ingredients, tuna burgers are simple to put together. Just make sure to leave 15 minutes for allowing the burgers to firm up in the fridge. Here are some notes on the process:

• This recipe makes 4 very large or 5 medium burgers. We prefer the size with 5 because it fits in a bun nicely but still has some heft (the size with 6 is too small). It might be an odd number, but then someone gets seconds! Or leftovers save well for 2 to 3 days.
• Form the burgers, then refrigerate 15 minutes. This helps them firm up prior to pan frying. Use this time to make the burger sauce or prep other parts of the meal.
• Pan fry 4 minutes per side. Fry in olive oil until they’re golden brown on both sides.

Tuna burger toppings

Once you’ve got your tuna burgers: the best part is the toppings! Make sure you pair a creamy sauce with these tuna burgers, otherwise the sandwich will be on the dry side. Here are some of our favorite sauces and toppings for a tuna burger:

• Chipotle Aioli, Sriracha Aioli, or Truffle Aioli: Aioli is essentially flavored mayo: it pairs perfectly with this burger.
• Remoulade or Tartar Sauce: These sauces are traditionally served with fish and ideal for topping tuna.
• Special Burger Sauce: Combine all your favorite condiments into one sauce! This one’s irresistibly classic.
• Mustard Sauce: This mix of Dijon, mayo and a hint of honey is perfect for burgers of any kind.
• Other veggies & sauces: It’s great with tomato, red onion, and lettuce. Or get more creative with pickled red onions, pickled peppers, guacamole, pesto, cheese, spicy mayo, Yum Yum sauce, and more.

More tuna recipes

There’s so much you can do with a can of tuna! Here are a few more ideas:

• Make the best ever Classic Tuna Melt
• Try these fun and similar Tuna Patties (aka Tuna Cakes!)
• Mix up an easy lunch with Mediterranean Tuna Salad, Easy Tuna Wrap, or Avocado Tuna Salad
• Go classic with Tuna Pasta Salad

01

Classic Tuna Melt

02

Tuna Patties (aka Tuna Cakes!)

03

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

04

Classic Tuna Pasta Salad

This tuna burger recipe is…

Pescatarian and dairy-free.

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