By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026

Vietnamese Tuna Burger

Serves 4

405 cal · 28 min

Vietnamese Tuna Burger

Recipe GLPRaa60ecd4b1885b

4.0(1)
Vietnamese
Main Course
28 min
405 cal
Servings: 4
Stovetop
SNAP eligible

Fresh tuna patties seasoned with aromatic herbs and fish sauce, served in hamburger buns topped with a vibrant Vietnamese-style pickled vegetable slaw. Quick, satisfying, and bursting with fresh flavors.

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Ingredients

½ tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar

1¼ tablespoon sesame oil, divided

⅝ tablespoon brown sugar, divided

1 cup shredded red cabbage

½ cup shredded carrots

½ cup broccoli slaw

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

¼ cup fresh mint, chopped

1.06 tablespoon fish sauce

1.06 tablespoon light soy sauce

1¼ pound tuna steak, finely chopped

½ cup sliced scallions

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

4 hamburger buns

Directions

  1. Whisk together rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar in a small bowl. Add the shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and broccoli slaw; toss gently to coat evenly. Set the slaw mixture aside at room temperature.

  2. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, chopped mint, fish sauce, soy sauce, and remaining 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar. Mix until the sugar is dissolved. Add the finely chopped tuna and sliced scallions; stir gently until the ingredients are evenly combined.

  3. Divide the tuna mixture into four equal portions. Form each portion into a patty approximately 3/4 inch thick. Place the panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. Press each tuna patty into the panko, coating both sides evenly and pressing gently so the crumbs adhere.

  4. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place the tuna patties in the hot oil. Cook for approximately 4 minutes without disturbing, until the bottom is well browned. Flip the patties and cook the other side for an additional 4 minutes until deeply browned and cooked through.

  5. Place one cooked tuna patty on the bottom half of each hamburger bun. Top each burger with one-quarter of the reserved vegetable slaw, then cover with the top bun half. Serve immediately.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4

Fish sauce and fresh mint are the main friction points here: fish sauce is easy at Harris Teeter and Kroger but not guaranteed at Food Lion or ALDI, and mint requires a produce trip if you do not grow it or have it on hand. The slaw and tuna patties are fast, truly 28 minutes honest, and cost about $3.50 per serving at Walmart or ALDI. The recipe feeds four adults well and reheats poorly—this is a same-night meal best eaten fresh. North Carolina has excellent access to canned and fresh tuna, so the protein is no barrier, and the bright Vietnamese flavors are seasonally light and welcome year-round in Charlotte.

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