Tuna Burgers by Jamie Oliver

I have a family of pescatarians so when someone told me about these Tuna burgers from Jamie Oliver, that I could cook on a barbecue, I was keen to try them. I used my OH as a guinea pig, as my daughter was coming down with a bunch of pescatarian friends who love tuna the following weekend, and I needed some fresh summer recipes.

These meaty tuna burgers are great for the barbecue and a tasty change from beef burgers. They were a big success because they taste delicious and if you have a food processor they take no time to prepare. Also they do not fall apart on the barbecue grill.

 

Tuna Burgers:

Ingredients: serves 4
600 g fresh tuna steak , from sustainable sources, ask your fishmonger
1 sprig of fresh basil
1 sprig of fresh mint
4 spring onions
1 pinch ground coriander
1 small lemon , zest and juice of
1 fresh red chilli , finely chopped
olive oil
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 handful round lettuce , leaves separated, washed and dried
1 handful rocket leaves , washed and dried
2 tomatoes , washed and sliced
4 ciabatta or hamburger buns
1 lemon , cut into wedges, to serve
tomato ketchup , to serve

How to prepare:
Whiz the tuna, basil, mint, spring onions, coriander and lemon zest and red chilli, if using, together in a food processor or, alternatively, chop them all up together finely with a big chopping knife. Tip the mixture out on to a clean work surface and divide into four equal pieces.
Wet your hands (so the tuna won’t stick to them) and shape the lumps of tuna – first into balls, then into burgers by patting them down with the palm of your hand. Chill the burgers for at least half an hour to let them set.
Heat a barbecue or griddle pan until hot. Brush the burgers on each side with a little oil and season with a little salt and pepper. Grill for 2 minutes on each side or until cooked through – the cooking will depend on how thick you made your burgers. It’s OK to eat them when they’re still a little pink inside, but if you want to cook them through then go ahead.
Toast your buns lightly on the hot griddle pan or barbecue and make the burgers by filling each bun with a hot tuna pattie, some dressed salad leaves, some sliced tomato, a wedge of lemon on the side and some ketchup.
Tip: Make sure your barbecue or griddle pan is nice and hot before you cook the burgers!