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Smoky Barbecued Tuna Patties: A Healthy Grilled Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh tuna steaks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra barbecue sauce for topping

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your grill for medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the tuna steaks for about 2-3 minutes on each side, just until cooked through. Let it cool, then chop into small pieces.
  3. While the tuna is cooling, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tuna, sautéed onion and garlic, bread crumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, barbecue sauce, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  5. Shape the mixture into patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
  6. Oil the grill grates lightly, then grill the patties over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and heated through.
  7. Brush each patty with extra barbecue sauce while still on the grill during the last minute of cooking.
  8. Remove the patties from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Grill - For cooking the tuna patties to perfection with that delicious smoky flavor.
  • Skillet - To sauté the onion and garlic until they are soft and fragrant.
  • Mixing Bowl - To combine all the ingredients for the tuna patties thoroughly.
  • Spatula - For shaping the tuna mixture into patties and flipping them on the grill.
  • Basting Brush - To brush extra barbecue sauce onto the tuna patties while grilling for added flavor.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the fresh tuna with canned tuna for a more budget-friendly option.
  • Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a pop of color and flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of barbecue sauce - from sweet and smoky to spicy and tangy.
  • Incorporate grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese into the mixture for added richness.
  • Try coating the patties in panko breadcrumbs before grilling for a crispy crust.
  • For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of tuna.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or dill for an extra burst of freshness.
  • For a Mediterranean twist, mix in some feta cheese and olives into the patty mixture.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a delicious twist on traditional barbecue with these Barbecued Tuna Patties. This recipe features fresh tuna steaks, grilled to perfection and then mixed with sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of seasonings. The patties are then slathered in barbecue sauce and grilled until they're full of smoky, tangy flavor. This is a wonderfully easy and tasty recipe that's perfect for summer cookouts or any time you want a unique and satisfying meal. Expect to spend some time grilling, but the end result is well worth it. Enjoy these patties on their own, on a bun, or with a side of your favorite summer salad.

TimeApprox. 30 min
Servings4 servings
CaloriesApprox. 220
Print recipe

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned tuna instead of fresh tuna for this recipe?
    Yes, you can substitute canned tuna for fresh tuna in this recipe, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
  2. Can I grill these patties on an indoor grill or stovetop grill pan?
    Absolutely! You can grill the tuna patties on an indoor grill or stovetop grill pan with similar results.
  3. How can I prevent the tuna patties from falling apart on the grill?
    Make sure the mixture is well combined before shaping the patties. Chilling the patties in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before grilling can also help them hold together better.
  4. What can I serve these tuna patties with?
    These barbecued tuna patties are delicious on their own or served in a bun as a burger. You can also enjoy them with a side salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.
  5. Can I freeze the uncooked tuna patties for later use?
    Yes, you can shape the patties and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill - An outdoor or indoor grill for cooking the tuna patties.
  • Skillet - To sauté the onions and garlic before mixing them with the other ingredients.
  • Mixing Bowl - For combining all the ingredients to form the tuna patty mixture.
  • Spatula - To shape and flip the tuna patties on the grill.
  • Basting Brush - For brushing extra barbecue sauce onto the patties while grilling.
  • Platter or Plate - To serve and present the barbecued tuna patties.

Origin stories

Tuna patties have a humble origin story. Born out of necessity during times of scarcity, they demonstrate the ingenuity of coastal communities, particularly in the Mediterranean region, in making the most of the resources available to them. The traditional version of these patties was usually made using leftover bread soaked in water to stretch the pricier tuna. They were seasoned simply with whatever was on hand - herbs, onions, garlic - and cooked over an open fire. The barbecue version we know today, with its sticky-sweet glaze, is a nod to America's love of grilling and its penchant for adding its own spin to international dishes. So when you bite into a barbecued tuna patty, you're not just enjoying a delicious meal, you're partaking in a bit of culinary history, a fusion of old world traditions and new world flavors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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