Incredible seared ahi tuna salad with avocado cream and a pineapple salsa!
Ingredients
For Ahi Tuna:
2large ahi tuna steaks
1/4cupsoy or tamari sauce
2tablespoonssesame seed oil
For Avocado Cream:
1large, ripe avocado
juice from 1 lime
small bunch fresh cilantro
4small garlic cloves
freshly ground black pepper; pinch of salt
3 to 4tablespoonsolive oil
For Pineapple Salad:
2tablespoonschopped cilantro
1/2cup diced pineapple
1/2cupdiced tomatoes
1shallot, diced
juice from 1/2 lime
salt to taste
1tablespoonolive oil
For Glaze:
1/4cupsoy sauce
1/4cuppacked brown sugar
4garlic cloves, finely minced
2tablespoonssesame seed oil
1/2cupwater
Instructions
Prepare the ahi tuna: portion the tuna steaks, if desired, and place into a large glass bowl. Pour 1/4 cup soy sauce and a few tablespoons of sesame seed oil over the tuna; turn to coat. Set tuna into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to marinate.
Meanwhile, prepare the avocado cream. Place all ingredients into a food processor and puree until smooth: avocado, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Scrape down sides of food processor often to get all ingredients blended. Place avocado cream into a small bowl and refrigerate until used.
Prepare the salad: in a small bowl, toss together the cilantro, pineapple, tomatoes, shallot, lime juice, salt and olive oil. Set aside.
Prepare the garlic glaze: in a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic cloves, sesame seed oil and water. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes until garlic is soft and sauce is reduced in half.
Prepare the tuna. Discard the marinade and pat tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with seasame seeds, if desired. Preheat a medium pan over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Add tuna to hot pan, but do not overcrowd; cook 2 at a time. Sear each side for 1 minute. You will see the outside edges begin to cook; sear evenly on all sides to achieve maximum presentation appeal.
Remove tuna onto paper towel to drain of excess oil. Using a sharp knife, slice the tuna steaks into quarter-inch pieces and fan out to show rare centers.
To assemble the plate: spread a few tablespoons of avocado cream on a serving plate and add a small side serving of salad. Add sliced tuna and drizzle top with prepare garlic glaze. Serve immediately.