Sarasota's Perfect Fresh Tuna Sliders

"I made these years ago ... before sliders were called sliders. They were just called mini burgers or sandwiches, etc. We had a friend who often caught fresh tuna on his trips to the FL Keys, and we were lucky enough to get some of it; so I made these as "full size" sandwiches, but for my son and some of our friends kids, made mini sized ones. Everyone loved them so much I started making them "mini" all the time. This really only works with fresh tuna, and honestly never tried it with any canned. But, don't think you need the 2-3" fresh ahi grade tuna for this - some of the frozen or fresh tuna steaks available right in the grocery store work just fine. They are a bit more expensive than a plain burger, however, for a BBQ, dinner party, game night or a special night, these are a lot of fun and very very easy to make. A simple "kicked up" pickled mayo over fresh grilled tuna with fresh baby Bibb or Boston lettuce makes this a simple sandwich to put together. Now you can always add cheese, even sliced tomatoes if you want, but I like it as is. Two secrets ... make sure to use fresh tuna and a good soft whole wheat dinner roll (I got mine right at my local store, doesn't have to be anything special)."
 
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photo by FLKeysJen photo by FLKeysJen
photo by FLKeysJen
Ready In:
20mins
Ingredients:
16
Yields:
8 Sliders
Serves:
8
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ingredients

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directions

  • Dressing or Sauce -- Mix the mayo, pickles, capers, olives, garlic, and cider vinegar and chill until ready to use.
  • Cucumbers -- Spread the slices out on a plate and season lightly with salt and pepper. Let them rest until you are ready to make the sandwiches.
  • Tuna -- Cut the tuna steak into 8 pieces so they will fit on the rolls. Season both sides well with the lemon pepper and salt and let them come to almost room temperature. You don't want to cook cold fish.
  • Rolls -- I like to grill these ahead because the tuna cooks so quickly. Just cut the rolls in half, spread with butter, then lightly grill using the same grill or pan you will be using for the tuna. You can also broil them if you prefer - just a light brown color is all you need.
  • Grill -- I use a grill pan, but a simple saute pan will work. On medium high to high heat, grill or saute the tuna on each side, just 2-3 minutes tops. You want the outside to turn a white opaque color, but the inside will remain pink and medium rare. Don't over cook them. Remove the tuna from the pan or grill, and let it rest while you put the sandwiches together.
  • Sliders -- Spread the mayo mix on each roll, top and bottom, then top with the tuna steak, 6 cucumber slices per sandwich, and lettuce. Secure with a toothpick and it's done.
  • Serve -- Enjoy! They are easy, quick, simple flavors. They are perfect room temperature which makes them great for a BBQ. And remember, you can always add tomato slices or cheese if you want but I think they are perfect as is.

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Reviews

  1. The black olive sauce is very good...I will use that for tuna salad in the future.
     
  2. These are delicious, easy to make and a big hit every time I make them.
     
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

<p>Growing up in Michigan, I spent my summers at my cottage in the Northern part up by Traverscity. On a lake, big garden which had all the vegetables you could imagine. My mom taught school, so summers were our vacation time. Gramps and I fished all the time so fresh fish was always on the menu, perch, blue gill, walleye and small and large mouth bass. At age 5 I learned how to clean my own fish and by 10 I was making dinner, canning vegetables and fruits, making pies and fresh breads. Apples fresh picked every fall, strawberries in June and July, Cherries at the Cherry Festival in Traverscity. So fresh foods always were a big part. Mom worked as a teacher during the year so dinner was more traditional with pot roasts, meatloaf, etc, but it seemed we always had fresh fruits and vegetables as part of the meal. Mom also didn't use as many spices as I do, but times were different back then. <br /> <br />So ... My motto is ... There is NO Right and NO Wrong with cooking. So many people thing they have to follow a recipe. But NO ... a recipe is a method and directions to help and teach someone. Cooking is about personal tastes and flavors. I love garlic ... and another person may not. I like heat ... but you may not. Recipes are building blocks, NOT text ground in stone. Use them to make and build on. Even my recipes I don't follow most times --They are a base. That is what cooking is to me. A base of layer upon layer of flavors. <br /> <br />I still dislike using canned soups or packaged gravies/seasoning ... but I admit, I do use them. I have a few recipes that use them. But I try to strive to teach people to use fresh ingredients, they are first ... so much healthier for you ... and second, in the end less expensive. But we all have our moments including me. <br /> <br />So, lets see ... In the past, I have worked as a hostess, bartender, waitress, then a short order cook, salad girl in the kitchen, sort of assistant chef, head chef, co owner of a restaurant ... now a consultant to a catering company/restaurant, I cater myself and I'm a personal chef for a elderly lady. I work doing data entry during the day, and now and then try to have fun which is not very often due to my job(s). <br /> <br />I have a 21 year old who at times is going on 12, aren't they all. Was married and now single and just trying to enjoy life one day at a time. I'm writing a cookbook ... name is still in the works but it is dedicated to those people who never learned, to cook. Single Moms, Dads, or Just Busy Parents. Those individuals that think you can't make a great dinner for not a lot of money. You can entertain on a budget and I want people to know that gourmet tasting food doesn't have to be from a can of soup or a box, and healthy food doesn't come from a drive through. There are some really good meals that people can make which are healthy and will save money but taste amazing. So I guess that is my current goal. We all take short cuts and I have no problem with that - I do it too. I volunteer and make food for the homeless every couple of months, donating my time and money. I usually make soup for them and many times get donations from a local grocery stores, Sams Club, Walmart etc, with broth, and vegetables. It makes my cost very little and well worth every minute I spend. Like anyone, life is always trying to figure things out and do the best we can and have fun some how along the way.</p>
 
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