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Ahi Tuna with Cucumber and Wasabi Sauce

Here's how you make Ahi Tuna with Cucumber and Wasabi Sauce
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  • Servings: 5
  • Prep: 5m
  • Cook: 8-10m
    • The following recipe serves 5 people.

Ingredients

The ingredients are:
  • TUNA
  • 1 pound sashimi (or a good top grade, ahi tuna
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds (black and white sesame seeds)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper corns, ground
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • Vegetable oil
  • CUCUMBERS
  • 1 cucumber, peeled seeded, and fine diced
  • 1 shallot, cut in half and thin sliced
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • CITRUS WASABI SAUCE
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons wasabi powder
  • Garnish
  • Lemon and lime zest
We recommend you get your ingredients ready before you start cooking. Once you're ready, here are the steps to making this delicious recipe

How to Make

  • Step 1: Citrus Wasabi Sauce ... First thing is to zest your fruit before juicing it. Add the zest, and the juice to a small bowl for the marinade to a small bowl; along with the mayonnaise, garlic, papriika and wasabi powder. Mix well to combine. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. This can easily be made a day ahead as well. Extra zest makes a fantastic garnish.

  • Step 2: Cucumbers ... Add the cucumber, shallots, and vinegar, to a small bowl, and mix to combine. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

  • Step 3: Tuna ... Add the sesame oil to a ziploc bag along with the tuna, close and massage. Let it marinate at least 15 minutes up to 30 minutes at room temperature.

  • Step 4: Then, add the sesame seeds, salt, and pepper to a pie plate and mix to combine. Remove the tuna from the sesame oil - shaking or brushing off most of the oil. I actually just use my hand to wipe off most of the oil. Then, press the entire tuna piece into the sesame mix, making sure to coat all the sides. Do this a couple of times to make sure it is completely coated.

  • Step 5: Sear ... Add a little vegetable oil to a nonstick; or, my preference - a cast iron pan. Then bring to high heat. Sear the tun on each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. You DO NOT want to over cook the tuna. Once the tuna is seared; transfer to a plate to rest before slicing. What you want to see ... is that outer 1/8-1/4" of the tuna cooked, but the inside remains rare.

  • Step 6: Finish and Serve ... Thin slice the tuna, and serve on a platter. Top with some of the cucumbers, making sure to use a slotted spoon (you don't want any extra liquid), and finish with a bowl of the wasabi sauce. ENJOY! This is NOT a inexpensive appetizer by any means. I reserve this for special quests, or a special occasion. But, it is absolutely delicious, and easy to make. The tuna is best served warm or room temp; but, can also be served chilled.

We hope you enjoy this recipe!

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