Albacure Recipe

1. Prepare fish

Pat the 1 lb albacore dry with paper towels. Trim any silver skin or connective tissue and portion into 4 equal steaks or 8 small medallions (about 3–4 oz each). Drying the surface helps the cure adhere and gives a better sear.

2. Mix cure

In a small bowl combine 2 tbs kosher salt and 1 tbs granulated sugar. Stir until evenly blended. This dry mix will start a mild cure and draw out excess surface moisture.

3. Apply cure

Lightly and evenly coat each piece of albacore on all sides with the salt-sugar mix. Place the coated pieces on a wire rack set over a sheet tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This step firms the flesh and concentrates flavor but is short to keep the center raw/rare.

4. Rinse and dry

After 20–30 minutes, quickly rinse the salt-sugar from the fish under cold running water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Return to the sheet tray; the surface should feel slightly tacky but not wet.

5. Make marinade

In a small bowl whisk together 2 tbs white miso paste, 2 tbs light soy sauce, 1 tbs rice wine or sake, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 grated garlic clove, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust balance—miso and soy provide saltiness; add a little water (½–1 tsp) if the mixture is too thick to spread.

6. Marinate briefly

Spread a thin layer of the miso-soy marinade over the top and sides of each piece of albacore (reserve any excess). Place the fish back on the wire rack, cover loosely, and refrigerate 30–60 minutes. This imparts umami and a subtle glaze while still leaving most of the interior uncooked.

7. Bring to cool room temp

Remove the fish from the refrigerator 15 minutes before searing to take off the chill; this helps produce an even crust.

8. Heat pan

Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) over high heat until very hot, about 2–3 minutes. Add 1 tbs neutral oil and swirl to coat; the oil should shimmer but not smoke heavily.

9. Sear the albacore

Place the albacore pieces in the hot pan, spaced so they don’t crowd. Sear 30–45 seconds per side for thin medallions, or 45–60 seconds per side for thicker steaks, pressing gently to ensure even contact. You want a golden-brown, slightly caramelized exterior while keeping the center rare to medium-rare. If using reserved marinade, spoon a small amount into the pan edges while searing to glaze the fish (avoid adding too much to prevent burning).

10. Rest

Transfer the seared albacore to a clean plate and let rest 2–3 minutes to allow juices to settle. Resting also brings the interior temperature up slightly.

11. Slice and plate

If you seared steaks, slice against the grain into ¼–½-inch slices. Arrange slices or medallions on plates. Drizzle with any loose juices from the resting plate and sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and the microgreens or scallions.

12. Serve

Serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish and optional soy-sesame dipping sauce on the side. The dish pairs well with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a light salad.

13. If you included the optional sauce ingredient: whisk together 3 tbs light soy sauce, 1 tbs rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp honey or mirin, and a pinch of chili flakes. Adjust to taste and serve in a small bowl alongside the albacore.