AHI TUNA BURGERS

Ahi Tuna Burgers image

Provided by Heidi Hoerman

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 to 10 oz ahi tuna steak (or other firm fish fillet with a strong flavor), coarsely minced
1 Tbsp thyme, leaves only, finely minced (or 1 tsp. dried thyme if fresh is not available)
2 clove garlic, blanched and finely minced
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
2/3 c plain bread crumbs, divided
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1 to 2 Tbsp olive oil, for sauteing

Steps:

1. To blanch the garlic, peel the cloves and place in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 20-30 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Mince.
2. Partially thaw tuna if frozen. Remove any skin, bones, or silver skin (fascia). Optionally, remove very dark portions of the meat or distribute it throughout the mixture when chopping.
3. Coarsely mince the tuna with a large knife or cleaver or by pulsing gently in the food processor. Do not grind into a paste. Reserve some texture or the patties will be too dense.
4. Fold together the tuna, garlic, thyme, mayonnaise, soy sauce, black pepper and half (1/3 cup) the bread crumbs until all ingredients are well distributed.
5. Form the mixture into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow bread crumbs to hydrate and flavors to meld.
6. Quarter the mixture and form four equal patties, approximately 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Put the other half of the bread crumbs in a shallow bowl and dip each burger in the crumbs to thinly coat on both sides and edges.
7. Heat a skillet in a 400F oven. Coat the skillet with oil, and bake the patties 10 minutes, turning once (5 minutes per side). Serve hot.