Tuna Stack* Recipe

Prep and marinate tuna

Pat the tuna dry with paper towels. Cut into 1/4-inch dice. In a bowl combine 2 tbs soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Add the diced tuna and gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the other components, 10–15 minutes (do not marinate longer than 20 minutes to retain texture).

Just before assembling, stir the sliced green onions into the marinated tuna.

Prepare avocado and mix-ins

Halve and pit the avocados. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash lightly so it still has some texture (or dice if you prefer stacked cubes). Add 1 cup diced cucumber, 1 cup mango (if using), 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbs chopped cilantro, 2 tbs lime juice, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Gently fold to combine.

Taste and adjust seasoning — more lime or salt as needed. Keep chilled until ready to assemble.

Make spicy mayo

In a small bowl combine 3 tbs mayonnaise with 1 tsp Sriracha and 1 tsp soy sauce. Mix until smooth. Transfer to a squeeze bottle or piping bag for precise plating.

Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat 1–2 minutes until fragrant; set aside to cool.

Use a 2.5–3 inch round ring mold (or a clean metal cookie cutter) placed in the center of each plate. Spoon or press a layer of the avocado-cucumber-mango mixture into the bottom third of the ring to form the base, packing gently for a neat layer.

Add a second thin layer of diced cucumber or extra avocado if desired to create separation, then top with a generous portion of the marinated diced tuna to fill the ring nearly to the top. Press lightly so the stack holds together.

Carefully lift the ring mold straight up to release the stack. If it sticks, run a warm towel briefly around the outside of the mold and try again.

Drizzle spicy mayo over the top in a decorative pattern. Scatter toasted sesame seeds and thin julienned scallion over the tuna. Add microgreens around or on top of the stack for freshness.

Serve each stack with 3 crispy wonton strips or 3 crackers on the side for crunch. Offer extra soy sauce and lime wedges if desired.