Jul 13 2026
Restaurants›VAI's Italian Inspired Restaurant Kitchen + Bar›Ahi Tuna Calabrese Recipe

Ahi Tuna Calabrese Recipe

Inspired by VAI's Italian Inspired Restaurant Kitchen + Bar
Time1h
Serves2

sushi grade / calabrese chili crusted / wild mushrooms / shishito peppers / mini sweet peppers / parmesan risotto / basil lemon butter / evoo / sea salt

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Ingredients

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Ahi Tuna

Vegetables

Parmesan Risotto

Basil Lemon Butter

Method

Prepare the Ahi Tuna

  1. 1

    Season the Tuna

    Pat the sushi-grade Ahi tuna filets dry with paper towels. Rub the filets with extra virgin olive oil, then season with sea salt and Calabrese chili flakes on both sides.

  2. 2

    Sear the Tuna

    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of EVOO. Once hot, sear the tuna filets for about 1-2 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from heat and let rest.

Cook the Vegetables

  1. 3

    Sauté the Mushrooms and Peppers

    In the same skillet, add a bit more EVOO if needed. Add the wild mushrooms and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the shishito and mini sweet peppers, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are blistered and tender.

Make the Parmesan Risotto

  1. 4

    Sauté Onion and Garlic

    In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

  2. 5

    Cook the Rice

    Add the Arborio rice to the saucepan and stir for 2 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted. Begin adding the broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.

  3. 6

    Finish the Risotto

    Once the rice is creamy and al dente (about 18-20 minutes), stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with black pepper. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

Prepare the Basil Lemon Butter

  1. 7

    Make the Butter

    In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of softened butter, chopped basil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well and set aside.

Plate the Dish

  1. 8

    Assemble the Dish

    On each plate, place a generous serving of Parmesan risotto. Top with the sautéed wild mushrooms and peppers. Slice the Ahi tuna and arrange it neatly on the plate. Drizzle with basil lemon butter before serving.

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