These ahi fish burgers are a delightful twist on the classic burger, offering a fresh and flavorful alternative. Perfect for a summer cookout or a casual dinner, these burgers are packed with the umami flavors of soy sauce and sesame oil, balanced with the zing of ginger and garlic.
Ahi tuna, also known as yellowfin tuna, is the star of this recipe and might not be a common pantry item. You can find it in the seafood section of most supermarkets, often sold as steaks. Panko breadcrumbs, a Japanese-style breadcrumb, provide a light and crispy texture and can usually be found in the international foods aisle. Sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor and is typically located with other Asian ingredients.

Ingredients For Ahi Fish Burgers Recipe
Ahi tuna: Finely chopped to create the base of the burger patties.
Panko breadcrumbs: Adds a light, crispy texture to the patties.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
Soy sauce: Provides a rich, umami flavor to the mixture.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the patties.
Ginger: Freshly grated to add a zingy, spicy note.
Garlic: Minced to infuse the patties with a robust flavor.
Burger buns: Toasted to perfection for a crunchy exterior.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste to enhance all the flavors.
Technique Tip for Ahi Fish Burgers
When forming the ahi tuna patties, make sure to handle the mixture gently to avoid overworking the fish. Overworking can lead to a dense texture. Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. This will help you shape the patties more easily and maintain a tender, juicy texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ahi tuna - Substitute with salmon: Salmon has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for fish burgers.
panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with regular breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can provide a similar binding and texture to the burgers.
beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons water can act as a binding agent for those who prefer a vegan option.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and depth of flavor.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar spicy and aromatic flavor.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, offering a similar flavor.
burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps can be used for a low-carb and gluten-free option.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami flavor to the burgers.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice to the burgers.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store or Freeze Ahi Fish Burgers
- To store the ahi tuna patties, place them in an airtight container. Ensure that each patty is separated by a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate the patties for up to 2 days. This will keep the fish fresh and maintain its flavor.
- If you wish to freeze the patties, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. This will help to avoid freezer burn and preserve the texture of the ahi tuna.
- Place the wrapped patties in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Freeze the patties for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
- For reheating, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the thawed patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring they are heated through.
- If you have leftover assembled ahi fish burgers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 1-2 days for the best taste.
- To reheat the assembled burgers, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will warm the burger buns and patties evenly without drying them out.
- Avoid microwaving the patties as it can make the ahi tuna tough and rubbery.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the ahi tuna patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the patties loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Toast the burger buns in the oven for the last 2-3 minutes.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
- Place the ahi tuna patties in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
- Toast the burger buns in the skillet for a minute or two.
Microwave Method:
- Place the ahi tuna patties on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.
- Toast the burger buns separately in a toaster or on a skillet.
Grill Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Wrap the ahi tuna patties in aluminum foil to keep them moist.
- Place the wrapped patties on the grill and heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Toast the burger buns on the grill for the last minute.
Best Tools for Making Ahi Fish Burgers
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the chopped ahi tuna, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat for cooking the patties.
Spatula: Use this to flip the patties on the grill.
Grater: Use this to grate the ginger.
Garlic press: Use this to mince the garlic.
Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the soy sauce, sesame oil, and other ingredients.
Knife: Use this to finely chop the ahi tuna.
Cutting board: Use this as a surface to chop the ahi tuna.
Basting brush: Use this to lightly oil the grill grates if necessary.
Tongs: Use these to toast the burger buns on the grill.
Plate: Use this to place the cooked patties and toasted buns before assembling the burgers.
Burger press: Optional, but can be used to form the patties evenly.
How to Save Time on Making Ahi Fish Burgers
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the ahi tuna, grate the ginger, and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine the ahi tuna and other ingredients using a food processor to save time on chopping and mixing.
Preheat the grill: Start preheating the grill while forming the patties to ensure it’s ready when you are.
Toast buns simultaneously: Toast the burger buns on the grill while the patties are cooking to save a step.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for a quick meal later.

Ahi Fish Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ahi tuna, finely chopped
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg beaten
- 2 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 4 Burger buns
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped Ahi tuna, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well.
- 2. Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- 3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- 4. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- 5. Toast the burger buns on the grill for a minute or until lightly browned.
- 6. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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