Tuna Tartar

Thanks to Harout for bringing me a 5 lb Grade A yellowfin tuna loin.  This great appetizer dish is the perfect way to start a tuna feast.  This recipe feeds 4 takes 15 minutes and costs about $10.

Tuna Tartar
10oz sushi grade tuna, diced
1/2 Haas Avocado, diced
1 tablespoon finely diced red bell pepper
1 scallion, thin sliced
1 tablespoon of finely diced white onion
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon siracha
1/2 teaspoon five spice powder

This recipe is great for the left over tuna belly pieces and cutoffs after portioning out your tuna steaks.  As soon as you dice up the tuna, coat it with the vegetable oil. This will keep it from oxidizing or turning grey.  Then just mix in together the other ingredients, avocado last and serve chilled.

Tuna Tataki

This is a classic Japanese style tuna dish that has a lot of flavor. My boy Ty was in town so we decided that Tuna would be a great appetizer for the heavy steaks that were to follow (check back in a day or so for the entree). It is important to get a really fresh piece of tuna and preferably the bottom end of the tuna loin rather then a tuna steak. This take 10 minutes, cost $25 and feeds 4 people.

Tuna Takai
1 oz vegetable oil
12oz Tuna loin end, halved into two long strips
4 teaspoons, black sesame seeds
1/8 cup Ponzu Sauce
1/2 cup carrots, shredded on a box grater
1 jalapeño, razor thin sliced

Start a medium frying on high heat and add the oil. Roll the two pieces of tuna in the black sesame seeds until coated well. Sear the tuna in the pan for about 30 seconds on each side. Remove and let stand on a baking rack. Place the shredded carrots on the plate and fill the bottom with the ponzu sauce. Slice the tuna loins into 1/4 inch piece and fan out over the carrots. Top the slices with the thin cut jalapeño and serve.

This very easy to do dish is a great snack or appetizer for any meal. The balance of the sour ponzu sauce, with the sweetness of the carrots, spice from the jalapeños and richness of the tuna makes a great flavor combination. Enjoy!