Delicious Seared Tuna Salad Recipe for Summer
Looking to add some excitement and flair to your party spread? Look no further than my Asian Seared Tuna Salad recipe. This dish is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their food while keeping things light and healthy. Featuring tender seared Ahi tuna, crispy bean sprouts, and a savory sesame dressing, this salad is a true taste sensation.
Not only is this recipe delicious and impressive, it’s also quick and easy to prepare. You’ll be amazed at just how much flavor can be packed into such a simple dish. Whether you’re serving guests or simply looking for a tasty way to upgrade your weeknight dinner routine, this Asian Seared Tuna Salad is sure to satisfy. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re seeking a meal that is both satisfying and delicious, then look no further than this Asian Seared Tuna Salad Recipe. This dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling full and satisfied. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Firstly, the tuna steak is the star ingredient of this dish. It is perfectly seared with a sesame crust, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. The sesame flavor mixed with the fresh tuna makes for an amazing taste that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Secondly, the salad elements are crunchy and flavorful with bean sprouts, cabbage, and peanuts adding various textures to this dish. These ingredients also pack a punch of nutrients that are good for your health.
Thirdly, the dressing brings everything together – whether it’s the spicy peanut sauce or the sesame ginger dressing, they all pair well with the seared tuna steak and provide an explosion of flavors in your mouth.
Finally, this recipe is versatile as you can substitute some of its elements according to your preference while retaining its core flavor. Instead of bean sprouts, you may use cucumber or mixed greens to add a refreshing twist to the dish. For any spice lovers out there, you can add wasabi vinaigrette to ramp up the heat level.
In conclusion, this Asian Seared Tuna Salad Recipe is packed full of flavor and texture that will not disappoint. With a perfect combination of nutrition and taste, you won’t regret adding it to your go-to recipes list.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make this Asian Seared Tuna Salad:
For the salad:
- 2 (6-8 ounce) tuna steaks
- 4 cups mixed greens
- ¼ red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ cup peanuts, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sesame crusted tuna:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the spicy peanut sauce:
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
Ensure you have all of these ingredients before you begin cooking. This way, you can be more efficient and avoid wasting time that could’ve been spent cooking your dish.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create this delicious Asian Seared Tuna Salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 tuna steaks (6 oz. each)
- 1 cup of mixed greens
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts
- 1 cucumber, sliced thinly
- Salt and pepper
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Steaks
First, season your tuna steaks liberally with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, take your sesame seeds and coat the outside of each tuna steak using the sesame crusted seared tuna method.
Step 2: Sear the Tuna Steaks
Heat up some olive oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Once heated, add in the tuna steaks and cook them for approximately one minute on each side or until a golden crust has formed.
Step 3: Prepare Your Salad
While your tuna is cooling, assemble your salad by tossing together mixed greens, bean sprouts, chopped peanuts, and sliced cucumbers in a large bowl.
Step 4: Make Your Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce,1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger (finely grated), and 2 tsp of chili sauce.
Step 5: Assemble Your Dish
Slice your seared tuna into pieces about half an inch thick. Add them to your salad and drizzle the dressing over everything. Lastly, garnish with sesame seeds.
There you have it – a delicious Asian Seared Tuna Salad recipe that is sure to impress all of your guests!
Substitutions and Variations
The great thing about this Asian Seared Tuna Salad Recipe is that you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
1. Swap Tuna Steak for Other Fish: If you’re not a fan of tuna, you can use other types of fish such as salmon or yellowtail instead.
2. Use Different Vegetables: The recipe calls for bean sprouts and cabbage, but you could use other vegetables like carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers to add some color and crunch.
3. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer your food less spicy, reduce the amount of chili sauce or omit it altogether. On the other hand, if you love heat, add more chili sauce or even sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
4. Try Different Dressings: While the recipe includes a delicious Sesame Ginger Dressing, you could also try other dressings like Wasabi Vinaigrette or Miso Dressing for a different flavor profile.
5. Make it Creamier: For a creamier texture, mix some mayonnaise into the dressing or serve with a side of Avocado Crema.
No matter how you choose to customize this dish, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next party or gathering.
Serving and Pairing
Once your Asian Seared Tuna Salad is ready, you’ll want to enjoy it immediately. Trust me, this salad tastes amazing when it’s fresh! I suggest serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad or a crunchy chopped salad with mixed greens. The cucumber salad is especially satisfying since it adds a nice cooling contrast to the spicy tuna dish. If you’d like some extra heat, add some wasabi vinaigrette on top.
This dish pairs well with a variety of refreshing drinks. A citrusy white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would provide the perfect balance to the dish. You could also try pairing it with a light beer, such as a Pilsner or Hefeweizen. Ultimately, what you choose to drink with it will depend on your preference and what you have on hand.
If you’re having guests over for dinner and want to create a complete menu, I recommend serving this salad as an appetizer or first course, followed by grilled tuna steak recipe for the main course. This way, you’ll stick to the Asian-inspired theme while also providing your guests with something substantial. Finish off the meal with a simple dessert like fresh fruit or sorbet.
Overall, the versatility of this Asian Seared Tuna Salad Recipe makes it the perfect addition to any meal or gathering. Serve as an appetizer, side dish or entree and pair it with anything from white wine to beer – and don’t forget the cucumber salad!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve prepared this delicious Asian Seared Tuna Salad, storing leftovers is a breeze. First and foremost, ensure that the cooked tuna steak has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating it. Place the leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days.
When it comes to reheating, it’s important not to overcook the tuna steak or it could become dry and lose its flavour. To reheat chilled tuna steak, place it in a preheated oven for two to three minutes until heated through. You can also reheat the salad components separately and assemble them upon serving.
If you’re making this recipe for a gathering or party, you can prepare parts of it ahead of time to save yourself some hassle on the day. The tuna steak can be seared up to one day in advance, then refrigerated and brought back up to room temperature before assembling the salad. Additionally, you can make the ginger dressing and spicy peanut sauce up to two days in advance and refrigerate them until ready to use.
Keep in mind that once assembled, the salad should be served promptly for optimal freshness and crunchiness, as vegetables like bean sprouts and cabbage tend to wilt over time. With these tips, storing and reheating this dish is easy-peasy.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving perfect results with this Asian seared tuna salad recipe requires some extra attention and care. Here are some essential tips that will help you out:
First and foremost, make sure to choose the freshest and best quality tuna steaks that you can find. Look for deep red or dark pink flesh with no discoloration or bruises. Yellowfin or ahi tuna is the best option for this recipe.
A crucial step to getting a perfectly seared tuna is to pat dry the steaks before seasoning them with salt and pepper. If the surface of the fish is too moist, it will not develop that crispy crust we are looking for.
When searing the tuna, do not overcrowd the pan. The heat must be high so that we can get that nice sear on all sides, but if there is too much food in the pan, it will lower the temperature and create steam instead of browning.
As for the sesame crusting, use toasted sesame seeds for more flavor and texture. You can find them at specialty stores or easily toast them yourself in a dry pan for a couple of minutes until golden brown.
Another tip to elevate this salad is to prepare a delicious dressing. The recommended sesame ginger dressing or spicy peanut sauce complements perfectly with the flavors of the seared tuna and vegetables.
Lastly, do not overcook your tuna steak. Two to three minutes per side should be enough depending on the thickness of your steaks. Overcooked tuna loses its flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
By following these tips, you will obtain a stunning Asian seared tuna salad perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Asian Seared Tuna Salad recipe is a complete package of taste and nutrition that has something for everyone. The dish can be customized according to one’s unique requirements, and the ingredients are readily available in most households, ensuring that it is easy to make. The combination of flavors will excite your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
You will love how quick and easy it is to prepare this recipe, and it’s sure to impress guests at your next gathering. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard barbecue or an elegant dinner party, this Asian Seared Tuna Salad recipe is versatile enough to be served at any occasion. Its mouth-watering flavors coupled with its stunning presentation make it an ideal choice that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
So put on your chef hats, assemble these sensational ingredients, and get ready to whip up a dish that’ll become an instant hit. Trust us when we say that you won’t regret giving this recipe a try!
Asian Seared Tuna Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons chili sauce (Tabasco)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons peanuts, toasted and in halves
- salt
- pepper
- 3 ounces mixed salad greens, salad
- 1 1/2 ounces bean sprouts
- 1 tuna steak, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
Instructions
- Marinate the tuna steak with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
- Place the fish, in a large skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cook on both sides over medium-high heat until the fish is seared on the outside but still pink in the center. Cut seared tuna on the bias into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
- Dressing: mix the vinegar, chili sauce and oil.
- In a bowl, place the salad mix, bean sprouts and serve the tuna fillets on top. Sprinkle with the peanuts.
- Add the dressing and serve.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!