Grilled Tuna Steak Sandwich

Grilled Tuna Steak Sandwich

When the decadent, lush texture of ahi tuna marries with the zesty zing of fresh ginger and toasted sesame oil, you're left with a mouthwatering, fragrant burger. Sesame vinaigrette dresses up both the scrumptious patties and the fresh spinach salad.

Looking to create your unique take on this dish? Choose yellowfin tuna over the suggested ahi – it'll have a lighter color, but it'll still taste fantastic. You can even use the vinaigrette to jazz up other veggies like broccoli or green beans, served as delightful, chilled side salads.

• Serves 4

Recipe Ingredients (16)

Sesame Vinaigrette:

• 1 garlic clove
• Ginger, peeled, ½-inch thick slice
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar or cider vinegar

Tuna Burgers:

• 1 large shallot
• 1 3/4 pounds ahi tuna, very cold, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons Sesame Vinaigrette
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing
• 4 sesame seed buns
• 4 handfuls baby spinach

Instructions

Prepare the Sesame Vinaigrette:

1. In a food processor, pulse the garlic and ginger until finely chopped.
2. Add mayonnaise, sesame oil, lime juice, soy sauce, and vinegar, blending until well mixed. Store the vinaigrette in a bowl until ready to use. This recipe yields around ½ cup of vinaigrette.

Prepare the Tuna Burgers:

1. Process the shallot in the food processor until finely chopped.
2. Add the fish and pulse to roughly chop the mixture.
3. Transfer to a large bowl, mix in cilantro, 2 tablespoons of vinaigrette, and salt, pepper, and knead gently until the ingredients are well combined.
4. Shape the fish mixture into 4 identical, 1-inch thick patties. Chill for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours for optimal flavor development.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet, grill pan, or build a medium-hot grill fire. Oil and season the burgers, then cook, turning several times, until golden brown on both sides (approximately 5 minutes). Aim for a medium-rare to rare doneness.
6. Toast the buns in a toaster oven or under the broiler, serving them slightly toasted. Alternatively, toast them on the outer perimeter of the grill rack.
7. Toss the spinach with half of the reserved vinaigrette and serve it in the bottom buns. Top with a burger, and more vinaigrette, then cover with the top bun.

Extra Ingredient: Sesame Yum Yum Sauce

If you love the flavor of sesame, you might also appreciate a vibrant, spicy sesame yum yum sauce. This versatile dressing can be used in various dishes, enhancing the taste with a perfect combination of sweet and spicy undertones.

• Sesame Yum Yum Sauce: combination of mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, and sugar/honey, topped with toasted sesame seeds.

Chef's Tips:

• For better adherence to the fish, you can make use of wooden skewers during the grilling process.
• If the mixture becomes too sticky or difficult to shape, cover and refrigerate for a few minutes before forming the patties.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 658
• Protein: 46g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fat: 42g

Bonus Recipe: Sesame Yum Yum Sauce

In case you'd like a spicy, flavorful alternative to the turmeric yogurt sauce, you might find the sesame yum yum sauce to be the perfect addition. This versatile condiment is a joyful blend of spicy and sweet undertones.

Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise: 1 cup (220g)
• Sriracha sauce: 3 tablespoons (45g)
• Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon (15g)
• White sugar: 1 tablespoon (12g) or honey: 2 tablespoons (30g)
• Sesame seeds, toasted: 2 tablespoons (14g), for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend the mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, sugar (or honey) in a bowl.
2. Top with toasted sesame seeds for an added texture and serve.

Serving Suggestions:

• Use the sesame yum yum sauce as a dipping sauce for various dishes, such as egg rolls, spring rolls, or wontons.

Enjoy your culinary journey with these tuna burgers or the sesame yum yum sauce, adding an Asian-inspired twist to your menu.

• In the given recipe, yellowfin tuna can be used instead of ahi tuna for a lighter-colored burger that still tastes fantastic.
• To create a variety of flavors, use the sesame vinaigrette not just on the spinach salad, but also on other vegetables like broccoli or green beans for chilled side salads.
• When preparing the tuna burger patties, remember to brush them with olive oil before cooking to ensure a golden brown exterior.
• The sesame yum yum sauce, which is a combination of mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, and sugar or honey, can be used as a dipping sauce for various dishes such as egg rolls, spring rolls, or wontons.

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