Ina Garten’s Seared Tuna & Avocado Rolls Recipe with Fresh Appeal

Seared tuna and avocado rolls dance with vibrant Pacific Ocean flavors, delivering a sophisticated culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary bite.

These elegant rolls combine silky fish with creamy textures, creating a harmonious balance of bright and rich sensations.

Delicate heat from jalapeño and zingy lime provide unexpected complexity to each carefully crafted morsel.

Fresh seafood takes center stage, promising a luxurious starter that feels simultaneously light and indulgent.

Precision matters when selecting premium ingredients, ensuring maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Home cooks can elevate their appetizer game with this restaurant-quality preparation that requires minimal technical skill.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these rolls will impress dinner guests and spark delightful conversation:

How to Roll Up This Fresh Tuna Favorite

Step 1: Prepare Sizzling Tuna

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sear the tuna for exactly one minute on each side, keeping the inside raw. Transfer to a cutting board and dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Tuna Mixture

• Olive oil
• Lime zest
• Lime juice
• Soy sauce
• Tabasco
• Salt
• Black pepper

• Seared tuna
• Chopped scallions
• Diced jalapeño

Prepare the avocado by halving, removing the pit, peeling, and dicing. Gently fold avocado into the mixture and let it marinate for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Quick Pickle Shallots

Combine shallots with red wine vinegar in a small bowl and set aside to develop tangy flavor.

Step 4: Toast Golden Buns

Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Without separating the buns, toast them for one minute on each side until golden brown. Arrange toasted buns on a platter with cut sides facing up.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Spoon the zesty tuna mixture into the warm toasted buns. Drizzle with chipotle mayonnaise and sprinkle pickled shallots on top.

Serving Tip: Enjoy immediately while the buns are warm and the flavors are vibrant!

Tips for Freshness and Perfect Seared Tuna

• Select Premium Tuna: Choose high-quality, sushi-grade tuna from a trusted seafood market to ensure safety and exceptional flavor.
• Heat Skillet to Perfection: Create a smoking-hot skillet that instantly sears the tuna, locking in its rich, delicate taste and creating a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Master Precise Cutting: Slice tuna and avocado into uniform, bite-sized pieces for a consistent texture and professional presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
• Embrace Quick Searing: Cook tuna for exactly one minute per side to achieve a gorgeous exterior while maintaining a tender, raw center that melts in your mouth.
• Time the Bun Toast: Crisp the buns at the last moment to deliver a warm, crunchy base that complements the silky tuna and creamy avocado perfectly.

How to Store Tuna Rolls Without Drying Out

• Preservation: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap before storing to prevent air exposure and maintain maximum freshness. Sliding the wrapped rolls into a sealed container provides an extra layer of protection against flavor absorption and potential moisture.
• Freezing: Separate each roll with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then place in a freezer-safe container. Consume within one month for optimal taste and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the delicate tuna and avocado quality.
• Temperature Control: Never leave seared tuna rolls at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F, risking potential foodborne illness. Quickly refrigerate or discard any rolls left out beyond this safe time frame.

Variations to Upgrade Tuna & Avocado

• Spicy Tuna Sensation: Replace jalapeño with sriracha sauce for an extra kick, adding a bold heat that transforms the original recipe's mild flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Fusion Roll: Swap soy sauce with za'atar spice blend and add crumbled feta cheese, creating a Mediterranean-inspired seafood experience with tangy undertones.
• Tropical Tuna Escape: Incorporate diced mango and coconut flakes into the tuna mixture, bringing a sweet and tropical dimension to the classic seared tuna rolls.
• Asian-Inspired Umami Roll: Replace Tabasco with gochujang sauce and add pickled ginger, delivering a rich umami flavor that enhances the tuna's natural richness.

Sushi-Style Farewell to Tuna Rolls

Culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s seared tuna and avocado rolls, a symphony of flavors dancing on California-inspired brioche buns.

Lime-kissed tuna mingles with creamy avocado, creating an oceanic melody that whispers sophisticated summer dining.

Jalapeño’s subtle heat complements the delicate fish, while pickled shallots add tangy complexity to each bite.

Chipotle mayonnaise drizzled across the rolls elevates this dish from simple to sensational.

Garten’s recipe transforms humble ingredients into a gourmet experience that celebrates fresh, bold ingredients.

Ocean-inspired elegance awaits – snap a photo, share this masterpiece with friends, and let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure that promises to dazzle and delight.

Why Seared Tuna & Avocado Rolls from Ina Garten Hit Every Note

• Unleash Bold Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines seared tuna with zesty lime, soy sauce, and jalapeño, creating an explosive taste experience that dances across your palate with every bite.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: In just 30 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes professionally prepared, making you feel like a culinary expert without extensive cooking skills.
• Enjoy Textural Sensation: The recipe delivers a perfect balance of crisp-edged seared tuna, creamy avocado chunks, and soft toasted buns, providing a delightful contrast of textures that keeps each mouthful exciting and satisfying.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining: These rolls offer a sophisticated twist on typical dinner options, turning an ordinary meal into a special occasion with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

All You’ll Need for Tuna & Avocado Rolls

• Tuna: Fresh, high-quality sushi-grade tuna with deep red color and minimal white streaks. Wild-caught or responsibly sourced tuna preferred for best flavor.

• Scallions, Jalapeño: Sharp onion flavor and mild heat to complement fish. Choose bright green scallions and firm jalapeños without soft spots.
• Avocado: Creamy texture that balances spicy elements. Ripe but firm avocado with slight give when pressed.
• Shallots: Delicate, sweet onion flavor for pickling. Look for firm, smooth shallots without blemishes.

• Olive Oil, Lime Zest, Lime Juice: Creates bright, zesty marinade for tuna. Use fresh limes for maximum citrus flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness. Low-sodium version works well.
• Tabasco, Black Pepper, Salt: Provides heat and seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Sharp acid for pickling shallots. Balances overall dish flavor.

• Buns: Soft, sturdy rolls for holding tuna mixture. Brioche or potato rolls work best.
• Chipotle Mayonnaise: Smoky, creamy sauce for added richness. Homemade or high-quality store-bought acceptable.

Ina Garten Seared Tuna & Avocado Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s seared tuna and avocado rolls bring coastal California elegance to your kitchen. Fresh yellowfin tuna meets creamy avocado in these restaurant-quality appetizers that promise a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 0.75 pound (340 grams) sushi-grade tuna steak, sliced 0.75 inch (2 cm) thick

Produce and Seasonings:

• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) minced scallions (2 scallions)
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) minced fresh jalapeño pepper, seeds removed
• 1 ripe Hass avocado
• 1 shallot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 ml) soy sauce
• 6 dashes Tabasco sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
• Good olive oil
• 6 top-split hot dog buns, such as Pepperidge Farm
• Chipotle Mayonnaise (recipe follows)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cast-iron skillet by heating it over high heat for 3 minutes until extremely hot. Coat the tuna with olive oil, then generously season with salt and black pepper (about or 1.25 grams each).
2. Quickly sear the tuna for exactly 60 seconds on each side, ensuring the center remains raw. Transfer to a cutting board and dice into uniform 1/2 to 3/4-inch (1.25 to 2 centimeters) cubes.
3. Create the marinade in a large mixing bowl by whisking together olive oil, freshly grated lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
4. Gently fold the diced tuna, chopped scallions, and minced jalapeño into the marinade. Carefully cut the avocado into similar-sized cubes, removing the pit and skin, then delicately incorporate into the mixture.
5. Allow the tuna mixture to rest and marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature, letting the flavors meld together.
6. Prepare the pickled shallots by combining thinly sliced shallots with red wine vinegar in a small bowl, letting them soften and absorb the tangy liquid.
7. Melt butter in a large 12-inch (30.5 centimeters) sauté pan over medium-high heat until it begins to sizzle and foam.
8. Toast the buns without separating them, browning each side for approximately 1 minute until they develop a golden, crispy exterior.
9. Arrange the toasted buns on a serving platter with cut sides facing upward. Generously spoon the marinated tuna mixture into each bun.
10. Finish by drizzling Chipotle Mayonnaise over the filled buns and garnishing with the pickled shallots. Serve immediately while the buns remain warm and crisp.

Notes

• Prioritize Fresh, High-Quality Tuna for an incredible flavor that melts in your mouth and ensures safe raw consumption.
• Create Perfect Sear by heating skillet to smoking point, guaranteeing beautiful golden-brown exterior with rare center.
• Master Precise Cutting technique by using sharp knife to slice tuna and avocado into uniform, bite-sized pieces for consistent texture.
• Control Cooking Time carefully, searing tuna quickly on each side to maintain delicate raw interior and preserve delicious oceanic taste.
• Warm Buns Strategically moments before plating to deliver crispy, golden surface that complements the tender, succulent tuna.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 30mg