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
- Preheat the peanut oil a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- 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.
- Divide the ahi mixture into 4 equal parts and form into 1” thick patties. Press each patty firmly together to hold its shape.
- Carefully transfer to the skillet and cook to medium-rare, about 1 minute per side.
- 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
- Make your fries, or heat up some decent frozen ones.
- 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
- 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.