Spicy Tuna Burgers a BBQ Treat
David Scott Allen · Fish & Seafood · Main Course · Provencal Recipes · TasteIn Provence, it is quite common to see fresh tuna displayed on a fishmonger’s stand. So what to do with that fresh catch? Of course, there is the classic Salad Niçoise (click here for recipes) or light up the grill and enjoy the Asian flavours in this recipe for Spicy Tuna Burgers.
Spicy Tuna Burgers
Asian flavours are more and more common in Provence, due to demand from visitors and locals.
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 3/4 pound Tuna Fillet very cold
- 2 inch piece of Ginger peeled and coarsely grated
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- 1 tbsp Sesame-Ginger Mayonnaise see note below
- 1 lime for zest
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp Sambal Oelek
- 1/2 tsp coriander seeds crushed
- 4 basil leaves chopped
- 1 hamburger bun sliced in half horizontally
Marinated Cucumbers:
- 1 Kirby (pickling) Cucumber or a larger variety, peeled and seeded
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Sugar
For Garnish:
- Sesame-Ginger Mayonnaise for garnish, see note below
- Toasted Sesame Seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Make the mayonnaise. This is best done a day in advance. You can also use commercial mayonnaise to which you will need to add some grated ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce and a little samba oelek. If you make fresh mayonnaise, you will have a lot leftover. If you doctor commercial mayonnaise, add the flavorings to 1/2 cup mayo, but use lesser amounts.
- Wash and slice cucumbers thinly. Toss them with the sugar and vinegar and let sit to marinate for at least 20 minutes, up to an hour.
- Dice the tuna finely - no large than 1/4 inch. (It is easier to do when the tuna is very cold - even partially frozen.)
- Mix all the burger ingredients well and form into two large patties.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Heat your grill - charcoal or gas - to high.
- When the grill is hot, oil the grate very well, as the tuna will stick.
- Place “burgers” on the grill and cook about 2 minutes per side, depending on how rare you like your tuna. When you flip them, move them to a portion of the grill that is oiled but has not yet been used. This will reduce sticking on the second side.
- Place cooked burgers on half a bun, top with a generous dollop of the mayonnaise, and arrange some pickled cucumber slices on top.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
Sesame-Ginger Mayonnaise - Recipe in this POST - make in the morning or previous day
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
“Most catches of the Atlantic bluefin tuna are taken from the Mediterranean Sea, which is the most important bluefin tuna fishery in the world.” According to the World Wildlife Federation. Much of that tuna reaches wholesalers and finally retailers via the Port of Sète (read more here).
La Criee Sète – Fish Auction
Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Related Provence Articles
Make this Provencal Summer Menu Inspired by Seasonal Flavours
June 20, 2025
Cynthia Moos is a Provence native and the founder of Best French Forever, a lifestyle brand dedicated to women inspired by the Provençal art de vivre. Her mission is to invite women to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and curate a life they love. We asked Cynthia if she would curate our 2025 summer menu. …
Where to Eat in Provence? Domaine la Pierre Blanche is a Food Lovers’ Paradise
June 18, 2025
As the sun gracefully dips behind the Alpilles, the landscape is bathed in a gentle golden glow that dances across the grapevines, offering a prelude to an enchanting evening in Provence. This region’s luminous light, which has long captured the imaginations of celebrated artists, serves as a backdrop to the “Rosé Mule,” a tantalizing cocktail …
Good Food and Cozy Dining in St-Rémy at Le Marilyn
June 16, 2025
My wife and I live part of the year in St-Rémy-de-Provence, and one of our favourite restaurants for cozy dining is Le Marilyn. We always receive a warm welcome, the food is consistently good, and the dining room is one of the most charming around. Owner Chantal Büchner has been in the restaurant business since …
Antibes: A Timeless Treasure on the Côte d’Azur
June 5, 2025
Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea’s azure waters and Provence’s rolling hills lies Antibes, a gem of the French Riviera that enchants visitors with its irresistible blend of history, art, and culinary traditions. A Journey Through the Centuries As you wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, you are taking a journey through …
No Comment