Spicy Tuna Seared Recipe
Make Spicy Tuna Seared Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Spicy Tuna
Seared Tuna & Finish
Method
Spicy Tuna
- 1
Prepare tuna
Pat the sushi-grade tuna dry with paper towels. Trim any sinew and cut into 1/2" dice for a tartare-style mix. Reserve one small rectangular piece (about 2–3 oz) whole if you want a seared tuna steak presentation and adjust mixing quantities accordingly.
- 2
In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce and lime juice. Whisk until smooth and evenly colored.
- 3
Add the diced tuna to the sauce and gently fold to coat evenly. Sprinkle in the sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, kosher salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust heat or salt: add more Sriracha for spice or a pinch more soy for umami. Keep chilled until plating (cover with plastic wrap).
Seared Tuna & Finish
- 4
Sear reserved tuna steak (optional)
If using a whole tuna piece for searing, season it lightly on all sides with the 1/8 tsp black pepper and a pinch of kosher salt. Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) over high heat until smoking hot. Add 1 tsp neutral oil and 1/2 tsp butter or additional oil. Sear the tuna 20–30 seconds per side for rare (depending on thickness) to achieve a deep brown crust while keeping the center raw. Remove and rest 1 minute, then slice thinly against the grain into 1/4" slices.
- 5
If not searing a steak, proceed with the chilled spicy tuna mixture for plating as tartare or as a roll topping.
- 6
Warm finishing sauce
Warm the 2 tbs finishing soy-sesame sauce briefly in a small pan or microwave (10–15 seconds) — just to loosen it. Drizzle a little around the plate for flavor and presentation.
- 7
Plate: arrange a bed of microgreens or mixed salad greens in the center or along one side of each plate. Spoon or form the spicy tuna on top of the greens or serve alongside the seared tuna slices. Drizzle warmed finishing sauce lightly over the seared slices and/or around the spicy tuna. Garnish with pickled ginger, cilantro leaves and an extra sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
- 8
Serve immediately while the seared tuna is still warm and the spicy tuna is cool for a contrast of textures and temperatures.