Chile-Crusted Tuna Tacos
I got this recipe from Gourmet magazine back in 2003. It turned out to be a favorite in the family. If you like a lot of heat, add more of the Chipotle sauce to your taco, as it is quite spicy. If you like your food mild, leave the sauce off or use it in moderation.
I got this recipe from Gourmet magazine back in 2003. It turned out to be a favorite in the family. If you like a lot of heat, add more of the Chipotle sauce to your taco, as it is quite spicy. If you like your food mild, leave the sauce off or use it in moderation.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon minced canned chipotles in adobo (including sauce)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 3/4 lb (1 1/2-inch-thick) sushi-grade tuna steak
- 4 (9- to 10-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cup matchstick (1/8-inch-thick) pieces of jicama (from 1 small jicama, peeled)
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 firm-ripe california avocado
- 1 cup loosely packed arugula coarse stems discarded
- Carbohydrate 4.51184208291855 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.41163020831247 g
- Fiber 1.02410835293546 g
- Protein 0.816887916596587 g
- Saturated Fat 0.306142999993728 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (125g)
- Sodium 450.673791666385 mg
- Sugar 3.48773372998309 g
- Trans Fat 0.169042104165771 g
- Calories 39 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring orange juice, chipotles, and vinegar to a boil in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to a generous 1/3 cup, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
- While sauce cools, prepare charcoal or gas grill for cooking. If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. Charcoal fire is medium-hot when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then reduce heat to moderately high.
- While grill heats, stir together coriander, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and kosher salt in a shallow bowl. Brush tuna on all sides with 1 tablespoon oil (total), then coat all sides evenly with spice mixture.
- Grill tuna on lightly oiled rack, uncovered, turning to brown all sides, until browned on outside but still rare in center, 8 to 10 minutes total. Let tuna stand 10 minutes.
- While tuna stands, heat tortillas on grill, turning over once, until warm, about 1 minute, and keep warm, wrapped in foil.
- Toss jicama with cilantro, lime juice, remaining tablespoon oil, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Halve, pit, and peel avocado, then cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
- Put a tortilla on each of 4 plates. Divide arugula, jicama, and avocado among tortillas, arranging evenly down center of each. Slice tuna 1/4 inch thick and divide among tacos. Drizzle chipotle sauce evenly over tuna and roll up tacos to enclose filling.
My Go-To Spicy Tuna Tacos: A Family Favorite
For years, I've been making this recipe for Chile-Crusted Tuna Tacos, and it's become a staple in our family. I remember finding it tucked away in an old issue of Gourmet magazine back in 2003, and it's been a constant source of deliciousness ever since. The recipe has become a true testament to simple ingredients elevated through careful preparation. The blend of spices perfectly complements the rich flavor of the tuna, and the slightly sweet and spicy chipotle sauce adds a delightful kick. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, you'll find this dish surprisingly straightforward to assemble, yielding incredibly flavorful results. The whole process is a delightful dance of textures and tastes – the tender tuna, the crisp jicama, the creamy avocado – all harmoniously bound together in a warm tortilla.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its adaptability to different tastes. The chipotle sauce is the star of the show, offering a controllable level of heat. Those who prefer a milder experience can easily adjust the amount of sauce, or even omit it entirely. For those who appreciate a bold and spicy kick, feel free to add a generous splash, and embrace the fiery deliciousness! It's truly a testament to how easily a dish can be tailored to individual preferences.
Over the years, I've made these tacos countless times, always tweaking it slightly based on what's available. Sometimes I've added a little extra lime juice for extra zest, or substituted different greens depending on what I had in the crisper drawer. This recipe has served as a foundation, a reliable blueprint to build upon. It has taught me the importance of quality ingredients and how simple techniques can make an extraordinary difference. From quick weeknight meals to celebratory gatherings, this has always been a surefire hit with family and friends.
More than just a recipe, these tacos represent the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal together. The warmth of the tortillas, the vibrant colors of the ingredients, and the satisfying flavors create a truly memorable dining experience. Beyond the deliciousness, these tacos represent shared meals, laughter, and the comfort of familiar flavors that resonate with everyone who takes a bite. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary story that continues to unfold with each delicious bite.
The preparation itself is a wonderfully engaging process, a testament to the artistry of culinary creation. From the simmering chipotle sauce to the perfectly grilled tuna, each step contributes to the overall masterpiece. This recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients together; it's about the mindful approach, the attention to detail, and the satisfaction of crafting something truly special.
So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare for a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more! The Chile-Crusted Tuna Tacos are more than just a meal; they're an experience, a celebration of flavor, and a testament to the joy of cooking and sharing.
