Ahi Tuna Burger with Nori Fries and Wasabi Garlic Mayo

 
On a recent visit to Joule, I had the great fortune of tasting their nori butter, which is a geniusly simple combination of soft butter and flakes of seaweed paper.  Now, thinking of seaweed as a seasoning and not just a wrap, I was inspired to create these nori fries.  And since fries need a burger, why not continue the Asian theme with a classic ahi tuna burger.  Pickled ginger replaces standard pickles, and a pungent wasabi garlic mayo adds a little kick and sweetness to the dish.

Total kitchen time: 45 mins
Makes: Burgers and fries for 4

Shopping list:

Ahi Tuna Burgers

• 1.5 lbs ahi tuna steak
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. fresh grated ginger
• 1 tbsp. sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 1 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp. red chili oil
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tsp. peanut oil, for cooking
• 4 sesame seed brioche hamburger buns
• 1 handful watercress
• 1/4 cup pickled ginger

1. Preheat the peanut oil a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Slice the ahi steak into 1/4” strips, then chop into 1/4” cubes.  Combine with the green onion, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, honey, soy sauce, red chili oil and beaten egg in a medium bowl.
3. Divide the ahi mixture into 4 equal parts and form into 1” thick patties.  Press each patty firmly together to hold its shape. 
4. Carefully transfer to the skillet and cook to medium-rare, about 1 minute per side.
5. Assemble the burgers by topping the bottom bun with some watercress, then the ahi patty, followed by a little pickled ginger.  If you like, spread a little wasabi garlic mayo on the top bun.

Nori Fries

• 2 lbs. French fries, prepared
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/4 sheet toasted nori (seaweed paper), crumbled (about 1 tbsp.)
• Sea salt, to taste

1. Make your fries, or heat up some decent frozen ones. 
2. In a large bowl, toss together the fries with the olive oil and crumbled nori.  If necessary, add salt to taste.

Wasabi garlic mayo

• 2 tbsp. wasabi powder
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp. mayonnaise

1. Combine all ingredients. Duh.

This turned out to be a really tasty summer dinner, and I may have to carry around a jar of nori to sprinkle over my fries at Dick’s.  What’s your favorite French fry topping?  Leave your answer in the comments below.