While my self-proclaimed “Ahi Week” was technically over a week ago, I still have a couple more delicious Ahi recipes to share!

The week started with Mango Avocado Ahi Fillo Baskets, then went on to Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Cakes and now for the delicious soy marinated, blackened ahi burger!

The idea for this recipe came from a spicy ahi burger I used to frequently eat at a beach bar my friend worked at.  It was fresh and delicious, while also having that nice  spicy kick… I re-created it just the same!

Ingredients (makes 4 ahi burgers)

• 1 lb ahi (cut into 4 steaks)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp oregano
• 4 hamburger buns

Optional(-ly awesome) Toppings

• wasabi mayonaise (aioli)
• pickled ginger
• red pepper slaw
• fresh avocado

Begin by pouring the soy sauce over the ahi steaks and brushing on all sides.

Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to marinate.

In the mean time, mix all of the spices together in a small bowl.

Remove the ahi steaks from the refrigerator and coat all sides with the blackening seasonings.

Sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side in a cast iron skillet.

Place on the buns and top with wasabi aioli.

Top with the other optional-ly awesome ingredients of your choice!

There’s nothing like fresh, creamy avocado on a thick steak of spicy ahi tuna with crisp red pepper slaw and sweet pickled ginger!

I used the blackening seasoning from my Blackened Red Snapper recipe, and it was just as delicious on the ahi!

The ahi is just slightly seared on the outside for that beautiful bright pink center!

♦ Gluten Free Option: Omit the buns or use gluten-free buns to make this recipe gluten-free.

♠ Paleo Option: Replace the soy sauce with lime juice to make this recipe paleo. Omit the wasabi aioli and pickled ginger as optional toppings.