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

Vietnamese Tuna Burger

Serves 4

405 cal · 28 min

Vietnamese Tuna Burger

Recipe GLPR2a9be86180571e

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

Fresh tuna patties infused with aromatic herbs and Vietnamese spices, topped with a tangy cabbage slaw and served on toasted buns. A light, flavorful seafood burger inspired by Southeast Asian flavors.

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Ingredients

½ teaspoon 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 chopped fresh cilantro

¼ cup chopped fresh mint

1¼ tablespoon fish sauce

1¼ tablespoon light soy sauce

1¼ pound tuna steak, finely chopped

½ cup sliced scallions

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

4 hamburger buns, split

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ¼ teaspoon brown sugar. Add the shredded red cabbage, carrots, and broccoli slaw. Toss until well coated and set aside to marinate.

  2. In a medium bowl, combine the fresh cilantro, mint, fish sauce, light soy sauce, and the remaining ½ tablespoon brown sugar. Add the finely chopped tuna and sliced scallions. Mix gently with your hands until the ingredients are evenly distributed, being careful not to break up the tuna too much.

  3. Divide the tuna mixture into four equal portions. Form each portion into a patty roughly ¾ inch thick, packing gently but firmly.

  4. Spread the panko breadcrumbs onto a shallow plate. One at a time, coat both sides of each tuna patty with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they adhere well.

  5. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the tuna patties in the skillet.

  6. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy. Flip each patty once and cook for another 4 minutes on the second side until well browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.

  7. Place the bottom half of each hamburger bun on a plate or serving surface. Top each with one cooked tuna patty.

  8. Divide the marinated vegetable slaw into four portions and place one portion on top of each patty. Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4

Fish sauce is the clincher: it's not standard at Food Lion or ALDI, forcing a special stop at Harris Teeter or Kroger's international aisle, a real cost on a weeknight. The other ingredients—canned tuna, panko, red cabbage, carrots, broccoli, fresh herbs—are reliably available at every Charlotte chain, and the dish runs roughly $2.50–$3.00 per serving depending on tuna brand. The stated 28 minutes glosses over cabbage slaw prep and patty assembly; budget 40 minutes start to finish. These burgers don't reheat well once assembled, so they're strictly a same-night meal, but they're unfussy to cook and feed a family quickly if you make the extra stop beforehand.

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