Tuna Burger with Wasabi Mayonnaise

These tuna burgers are best eaten very rare, so buy your sushi-quality tuna from a reputable fishmonger. The fish should be glistening and jewel-toned, with no trace of cloudiness. Wasabi paste, or Japanese horseradish, is distinctive not only for its bright green color, but also for its head-rushing heat. Combined with a little mayonnaise and sour cream, it becomes a perfect condiment for the tuna burgers. Wasabi is available in powder form, too, and can be mixed into a paste with a little water.

1½ lbs sushi-quality tuna, coarsely chopped
sea salt
black pepper, freshly cracked
¼ cup + 1 Tbsp. tamari sauce
3 Tbsp. sour cream
1 Tbsp. mayonnaise
2 tsp. wasabi paste
4 sourdough rolls, bottoms only

In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, salt, pepper and 1 Tbsp. of the soy sauce; combine gently. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each into a patty. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and wasabi paste. Stir to combine thoroughly and set aside.

Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the tuna burgers and sear for 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the heat, add the soy sauce, return to the heat and sear for 1 more minute per side.

Place each on the bottom half of each roll, top with a Tbsp. of dressing, and serve.

Makes 4 servings.