Seared Tuna with Avocado
One of the benefits of having your own cooking website is that your friends and relatives start sending you recipes to try. The basis for this recipe comes by way of my cousin Laurie in Maryland (thanks Laurie!) and weve played with it a little. Its hard to go wrong when the ingredients include cilantro, avocado, jalapenos, lime, garlic, and sushi-grade tuna. The recipe calls for lightly searing raw tuna on each side and then serving. I love tuna done this way, but the tuna has to be very high quality. My parents, on the other hand, have no intention of ever eating raw fish, sushi-grade or not. They cook their fish all the way through, so it is a little translucent in the middle, but definitely cooked. They loved it.
One of the benefits of having your own cooking website is that your friends and relatives start sending you recipes to try. The basis for this recipe comes by way of my cousin Laurie in Maryland (thanks Laurie!) and weve played with it a little. Its hard to go wrong when the ingredients include cilantro, avocado, jalapenos, lime, garlic, and sushi-grade tuna. The recipe calls for lightly searing raw tuna on each side and then serving. I love tuna done this way, but the tuna has to be very high quality. My parents, on the other hand, have no intention of ever eating raw fish, sushi-grade or not. They cook their fish all the way through, so it is a little translucent in the middle, but definitely cooked. They loved it.
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove grated
- pinch sugar
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 big handfuls fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped
- 1/2 jalapeno, sliced
- 1 (6-ounce) block sushi-quality tuna
- 1 ripe avocado halved peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil
- Carbohydrate 6.53953751296064 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 14.8890833703468 g
- Fiber 1.90000000383451 g
- Protein 3.15910000639085 g
- Saturated Fat 2.05878833843101 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (141g)
- Sodium 46.6530000161141 mg
- Sugar 4.63953750912613 g
- Trans Fat 0.533821667853981 g
- Calories 163 calories
Step-by-step
- In a bowl, combine the cilantro, jalapeno, ginger, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, salt, sesame oil and olive oil. If you want, you can puree the sauce in a blender or food processor.
- Heat a large skillet on high heat for one minute. Coat the pan with the grapeseed or canola oil and let heat up for 30 to 45 seconds. Sprinkle the tuna pieces with salt. Sear the tuna for a minute on each side.
- Transfer the seared tuna to a bowl and coat with some of the sauce. Pour some sauce on the plates, top with the tuna and serve with the sliced avocado and a wedge of lime.
A Quick and Delicious Seared Tuna with Avocado Recipe
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and healthy dinner recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This seared tuna with avocado recipe has become a staple in our household, and it's incredibly easy to prepare, even on a weeknight. The combination of fresh, vibrant flavors is simply divine, and it satisfies my craving for something both light and satisfying.
The secret to this dish lies in the quality of the ingredients. Using sushi-grade tuna is crucial if you're planning on eating it seared rare. But don't worry if raw tuna isn't your thing; the recipe is easily adaptable. My parents, for instance, prefer their tuna cooked through, and it still turned out fantastic. The key is to find a balance between achieving a tender texture without overcooking the fish.
The Sauce: A Symphony of Flavors
The sauce is the heart and soul of this recipe. The bright, zesty lime juice perfectly complements the richness of the tuna and the creamy avocado. The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note, while the jalapeno provides a subtle kick. A touch of ginger and garlic rounds out the flavor profile, adding warmth and depth. The soy sauce and sesame oil contribute a savory umami flavor that ties everything together.
Preparation: Simplicity at its Finest
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. The sauce requires minimal prep work; simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined. You can even use a food processor or blender for a smoother consistency. The tuna itself requires only a quick sear in a hot pan, ensuring it remains tender and juicy. The avocado slices are the final touch, adding a creamy contrast to the seared tuna and the vibrant sauce.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate the Experience
While this dish is perfect on its own, you can elevate it further by serving it with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. The combination of textures and flavors will create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. I often serve this with a simple side of steamed brown rice, which helps to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is also a great choice for a light lunch or a summer evening meal.
Adaptability for Every Taste
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences by adding more or less jalapeno. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or chives. The beauty of cooking is in the ability to personalize each dish to your liking.
This seared tuna with avocado is more than just a recipe; it's a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients and the joy of creating something delicious. It's a dish that has brought my family together, and I hope it brings yours together, too. From quick weeknight dinners to special occasions, this recipe is a surefire winner.
Beyond the Plate: A Culinary Journey
This recipe came to me through my cousin Laurie, a testament to the power of shared culinary experiences. The simple act of sharing a recipe, a memory, a tradition, connects us in a meaningful way. It's a reminder that the most cherished moments often revolve around the simple pleasure of sharing a meal together. This dish, with its fresh, vibrant flavors, embodies that spirit.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner, give this seared tuna with avocado a try. I guarantee it will become a new favorite in your household.
