Description
Ina Garten’s classic tuna salad elevates a simple sandwich with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Fresh herbs, crisp celery, and premium tuna blend seamlessly, creating a delightful lunch that you’ll savor with pure culinary satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) very fresh tuna steak, cut 1-inch thick
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon wasabi powder
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 10 dashes hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
- 2 limes, zest grated
- 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) freshly squeezed lime juice (3 limes)
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 1 to 2 ripe Hass avocados, medium diced
- ¼ cup (40 grams) minced scallions, white and green parts (2 scallions)
- ¼ cup (40 grams) red onion, small diced
Instructions
- Coat tuna steaks with extra virgin olive oil (30 milliliters or 1 fluid ounce), then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sear steaks in an extremely hot skillet for approximately 60 seconds per side, creating a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a rare center. Transfer seared tuna to a clean serving platter.
- Create a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking together extra virgin olive oil (15 milliliters or 0.5 fluid ounces), cracked black pepper, sea salt, wasabi paste, freshly grated lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice, premium soy sauce, and a dash of hot sauce in a small mixing bowl until well emulsified.
- Delicately chop the seared tuna into bite-sized cubes using a sharp knife. Place the tuna pieces in a spacious mixing bowl, then incorporate finely diced red onion and thinly sliced scallions.
- Gently fold the prepared vinaigrette into the tuna mixture, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated without breaking the delicate fish pieces. Toss carefully to distribute flavors uniformly, creating a harmonious and zesty seafood preparation.
Notes
- Select premium tuna cuts with vibrant, deep red coloration and minimal marbling for optimal flavor and texture.
- Heat cast-iron skillet until smoking hot to create perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking delicate fish.
- Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain fresh, creamy consistency throughout the dish.
- Experiment with different hot sauce varieties like sriracha, harissa, or chipotle to enhance complex flavor profiles.
- Allow tuna to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and tender results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg