Ahi Tuna Burger Recipe
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Feb 18, 2025 
Mix things up for your next burger night with this light and flavorful Ahi Tuna Burgers recipe topped with grilled pineapple and a sweet, savory and tangy hoisin mustard sauce. You’ll love every bite of these Big Island flavors stacked high on a bun!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
I’ve traveled quite literally around the world, and while every location is special to me, Hawaii is my ultimate happy place. Particularly the island of Kauai. Every time I think of Hawaii – the lush greenery, pristine beaches, vibrant produce and fresh seafood *swoon* – my heart smiles. I remember all of the little things that make it magical and I want to relive those things again and again.
But, since we can’t quite to run away to Hawaii just yet, I’ve worked for years to craft recipes with Aloha Spirit that can easily be made at home, no matter where you live. Today I am sharing with you one of my favorite creations, Ahi Tuna Burgers with Grilled Pineapple!
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Burger Recipe
- Poke-inspired patties – I diced Ahi tuna and mixed it as if I were making Hawaiian Poke. Then I added an egg and some bread crumbs so that the poke would hold together as patties. Ta-da!
- No grill needed – These delicate patties aren’t grilling patties. Instead, it is best to cook them on a flat surface to hold their shape.
- Hoisin mustard – Whip up a quick umami, tangy and sweet hoisin mustard sauce with just 3 ingredients! It’s perfect with other toppings like grilled pineapple and fresh avocado slices.
We think you’ll agree, my ahi tuna burgers offer a mouthful of paradise in each bite!
Ingredients and Tips
- For the ahi tuna patties – These burgers are made with diced Ahi tuna steaks, soy sauce, mayonnaise, Sriracha chili sauce, egg, scallions (the greens and whites), fresh ginger, sesame seeds, and Panko breadcrumbs.
- Sesame oil – Sesame oil is preferred, but other light neutral-tasting oil for high-heat cooking, like avocado oil or sunflower oil, will also work well.
- For the hoisin mustard – You need just a simple combination of Dijon mustard, hoisin sauce, and honey or sugar.
- Burger buns – Use your choice of soft brioche hamburger buns, sesame seed burger buns, or whatever you prefer.
- Other toppings – We are loading our ahi tuna burgers with grilled pineapple, ripe avocado slices, and crisp butter lettuce leaves.
Recipe Variations
- Salmon burgers – Not a fan of tuna? Make these burgers with fresh salmon instead!
- Toppings – Swap any of the suggested toppings here with a crunchy fresh with slaw, shredded red cabbage, sliced tomato, pickled onions, and/or wasabi mayo!
- Gluten-free – These ahi tuna burgers are easy to make GF-friendly. Swap the buns, breadcrumbs, and soy sauce with your favorite gluten-free options.
How to Make Tuna Burgers
- Make the Burgers – Mix all the ingredients for the ahi tuna patties in a large bowl. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and press into patties. Preheat the griddle pan (or a skillet) to medium heat. Once it’s very hot, brush the surface with sesame oil and place the patties on the hot surface. Sear the patties for 3 minutes per side, so the interior ahi chunks are still a little pink. Flip carefully. These patties are fragile.
- Grill the Pineapple – As soon as the patties are ready, immediately grill or sear the pineapple slices for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Make the Mustard and Assemble – Whisk together the ingredients for the hoisin mustard. Then spread the mustard on the buns and stack the burgers with lettuce, ahi tuna patties, grilled pineapple, and fresh avocado slices. Serve warm!
Find the full Ahi Tuna Burger recipe with detailed instructions, storage tips, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days!
- Freezing – To freeze, wrap each burger individually with plastic wrap, then place in a freezer safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and eating.
- Reheating – Reheat in a pan, microwave or air fryer until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
The sweet and savory flavors of these tuna burgers are perfect to enjoy as a jazzy version of the typical “burger and fries.” Serve them with sweet potato fries, turnip fries, or crunchy jicama fries.
Keep going with the Hawaiian theme and serve the ahi burgers alongside classic Hawaiian macaroni salad. And don’t forget the Mai Tai cocktails!
Ahi Tuna Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
For the Ahi Tuna Patties:
- 2 pounds ahi tuna steaks diced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup chopped scallions, greens and whites
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- Sesame oil for cooking
For the Hoisin Mustard:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
For the Tuna Burgers:
- 6 hamburger buns
- 6 slices fresh pineapple, round
- 1 ripe avocado sliced
- 6 leaves butter lettuce
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients for the ahi tuna patties in a large bowl. Divide into 6 equal portions and press into patties. Preheat the griddle (or a skillet) to medium heat. Once it’s very hot, brush the surface with sesame oil and place the patties on the hot surface. Sear the patties for 3 minutes per side, so the interior ahi chunks are still a little pink. Flip carefully. These patties are fragile.
- Then immediately grill or sear the pineapple slices for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Whisk together the ingredients for the hoisin mustard. Then spread the mustard on the buns and stack the burgers with lettuce, ahi tuna patties, grilled pineapple, and fresh avocado slices. Serve warm!
Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days!
- Freezing – To freeze, wrap each burger individually with plastic wrap, then place in a freezer safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and eating.
- Reheating – Reheat in a pan, microwave or air fryer until heated through.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Since these tuna burger patties are so delicate, I wouldn’t recommend grilling them on a traditional grill. You could use an indoor grill or cast iron skillet instead!
No, it is not necessary to rinse the tuna steaks before dicing them.
Yes, it is perfectly safe to eat quality rare tuna. In this recipe we are searing the outside of the ahi tuna burgers so they are more medium-rare, which is equally safe to eat.
Not only do these look delicious…they are beyond scrumptious! Made them twice and I am in love!! If you enjoy a fruity spin with a burger, this is must try. Accidentally used the same amount of ingredients with just one pound of ahi and they still turned out excellent. Pretty darn easy to make too.
These burgers are perfection! I’m not a big tuna fan, personally, but my husband would adore these!
What a cool twist on Hawaiian flavors! I’ve never been to Hawaii, but would absolutely love to go. You can see people’s eyes light up whenever they talk about vacationing there. It sounds lovely!
I really need to make these burgers! They do look fragile though…probably best on the griddle and not on a grill?
I cannot tell you how wonderful this burger looks to me right now. Someday I will get my butt to Hawaii, on my Bucket List!
These burgers are Soooo Wonderful. I would like to move to Hawaii right now…
I love the addition of grilled pineapple here. Tasty flavors going on!
Girl, you know what gets me goin! Wow… just wow. I’m such a sucker for a tuna burger. The pineapple is such a great touch.
This looks fabulous! I love the Hawaiian flavors!
With the pineapple, perfection.
Beautiful! Love the grilled pineapple and avocado on top.
These look so wonderful! Love that you grilled the pineapple!!