Seared Ahi Tuna With Apple Ginger Soy Sauce Food

SIX-MINUTE SEARED AHI TUNA STEAKS

Steps:

• Pat the ahi tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. Place on a plate or inside a plastic bag.
• Mix the soy sauce (2 tablespoons), toasted sesame oil (1 tablespoon), honey (1 tablespoon) kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon- OMIT if marinating for more than a couple hours, see notes), pepper (1/4 teaspoon), and cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon) until honey is fully dissolved. Pour over the ahi tuna steaks and turn over to coat completely. Optional: allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Also optional: Reserve a spoonful or two of the marinade before coating the fish for drizzling on top after you've cooked it.
• Heat a medium skillet (preferably non-stick or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet) on medium-high to high until very hot ( or medium medium-high for nonstick). I recommend giving cast iron 3-5 minutes to get hot and nonstick about 1 minute, depending on how thick it is.
• Add the canola oil (1 tablespoon) to the hot pan. Sear the tuna for 1 - 1½ minutes on each side for medium rare ( 2 -2½ minutes for medium-well to well, 30 seconds for very rare. See notes - this will vary based on thickness of the tuna steaks). (Note: different burners get hotter depending on your stove. Use your best judgement whether you use medium, medium-high, or high heat, as the marinade may burn if too high heat is used)
• Remove to a cutting board. Slice into 1/2 inch slices and serve garnished with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, if desired.

PAN-SEARED TUNA WITH AVOCADO, SOY, GINGER, AND LIME

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the cilantro, jalapeno, ginger, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir the ingredients together until well incorporated.
• Place a skillet over medium-high heat and coat with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the tuna generously with salt and pepper. Lay the tuna in the hot oil and sear for 1 minute on each side to form a slight crust. Pour 1/2 of the cilantro mixture into the pan to coat the fish. Serve the seared tuna with the sliced avocado and the remaining cilantro sauce drizzled over the whole plate.

SEARED AHI TUNA STEAKS

Steps:

• Season the tuna steaks with salt and cayenne pepper.
• Melt the butter with the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the peppercorns in the mixture until they soften and pop, about 5 minutes. Gently place the seasoned tuna in the skillet and cook to desired doneness, 1 1/2 minutes per side for rare.

SOY GINGER-SEARED AHI TUNA

Steps:

• Combine the sherry, soy sauce, honey, garlic, lime juice, chili sauce, and ginger in small sauce pan. Put the tuna steaks in a baking dish and pour a quarter cup of the marinade over the steaks. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes (or refrigerated for up to two hours).
• Prepare a medium-hot charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill to medium-high. (We like to use our indoor grill pan in the winter - just make sure it is smoking hot.).
• Remove the tuna steaks from marinade and pat dry. Brush the steaks on both sides with vegetable oil. Grill, turning once, for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Be careful, as the tuna will get dry if overcooked.
• Meanwhile, put the remaining marinade in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and cook until reduced to syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil. Serve the tuna teaks with the soy-ginger glaze and top with a heaping portion of the pickled cucumbers.
• Pickled Cuke Preparation
• Put the cukes and red onion in a small bowl. Add the vinegar and toss to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 days.

DIPPING SAUCE FOR AHI TUNA

Steps:

• Mix mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, pepper, and cayenne together in a small bowl.
• Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.