Serves 4 Moderate difficulty
1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
4 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp agave
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
1 jalapeno or serrano chili, minced
2 tbsp Asian fish sauce
2 tbsp cilantro, minced
1 tbsp basil, minced
1 1/2 pounds fresh tuna, chopped or ask the fishmonger to grind it
1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
4 hamburger buns
2 tbsp dry roasted peanuts, finely chopped
Ginger Lemon Mayonnaise:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp cilantro, minced
2 tbsp chives, minced
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
2 tsp fresh ginger, finely minced
zest of one lemon, grated
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
freshly ground black pepper
In a medium bowl, toss the cucumbers, onion, vinegar, agave, and 1 tsp salt. Season with pepper and let stand for 1 hour at room temperature. (Can be made in advance and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
In a mortar or a bowl, mash the ginger with the garlic, chile, and a sprinkling of agave. Stir in the fish sauce, cilantro, and basil. Mix the chopped tuna with the ginger paste to combine. Shape the tuna mixture into 4 patties about 1 inch thick. Set them on a plate lined with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Lemon Ginger Mayonnaise.
Light a grill. In a small bowl, combine the vegetable oil and sesame oil. Lightly brush the burgers and the cut sides of the buns with oil. When the grill is hot, brush the grate with oil. Grill the burgers for about 6 minutes, turning once for medium rare. Place the burgers on a warmed platter. Grill the cut sides of the buns quickly.
Drain the cucumber relish. Put a burger on a bun. Top with lots of the Mayonnaise, cucumber relish, and chopped peanuts. Cover with top bun and serve.
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