Mediterranean Seared Ahi Tuna with Olives and Vibrant Vegetables
Indulge in a refreshing culinary experience with this Mediterranean Seared Ahi Tuna, perfectly paired with a medley of olives, capers, and vibrant vegetables. The rich, tender albacore tuna is expertly seared to retain its delicate flavors while being complemented by a bounty of fresh ingredients. The inclusion of tomatoes adds a bright acidity, balanced by the briny olives and tangy capers. Ideal for a delightful dinner, this dish is best served alongside crusty bread and a glass of your favorite wine for a complete dining experience.
N/A
Servings
195
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
3 large (thinly sliced)
red onion
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
albacore tuna
1 1/4-1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1-inch wide strips)
fresh basil
1 tablespoon (minced)
fresh mint
1 tablespoon (minced)
fresh oregano or marjoram
1 teaspoon (minced)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
tomatoes
1 cup (chopped, seeded, and peeled if preferred)
kalamata olives or other dark olives
1/2 cup (pitted)
capers
1 tablespoon (drained)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (to taste)
fresh basil
to garnish (minced)
fresh mint
to garnish (minced)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and allow it to gently infuse the oil until it turns a pale golden color, approximately 15 minutes. Carefully remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and place it in a small bowl, setting it aside.
2
Raise the heat to medium-high and add the sliced red onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they soften slightly. Now, add the albacore tuna strips, increasing the heat to high. Quickly sear the tuna on all sides, seasoning it with minced basil, oregano, and mint along the way. Cook until the tuna reaches your preferred level of doneness, about 2 to 5 minutes. Transfer the seared tuna to a warm platter or keep it in a low oven to maintain warmth.
3
Return the reserved garlic to the skillet. Add the chopped tomatoes, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture and cook for about 1 minute to warm through and meld the flavors. Remove from heat.
4
Spoon the olive and vegetable mixture generously over the seared tuna. Garnish with additional minced fresh basil and mint before serving.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
5g
Carbs
19.5g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Mediterranean recipe?
The main protein is 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lbs of albacore tuna, cut into 1-inch wide strips.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 195 calories.
What is the first step in preparing the garlic oil?
You heat extra-virgin olive oil over low heat and infuse it with thinly sliced garlic for about 15 minutes until pale golden.
How long should the Ahi tuna be seared?
The tuna should be seared on high heat for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
What vegetables are included in the Mediterranean mixture?
The dish includes red onion, tomatoes, and a mix of olives and capers.
Which fresh herbs are used for seasoning the tuna?
The tuna is seasoned with minced fresh basil, mint, and oregano or marjoram during the searing process.
What type of olives are recommended for this recipe?
Kalamata olives or other dark olives are recommended for the best flavor profile.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, this dish is quite low in carbohydrates, containing only 5g per serving.
What is the fat content of the Mediterranean Seared Ahi Tuna?
The recipe contains 11g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this meal provide?
This recipe is high in protein, providing 19.5g per serving.
What should I do with the garlic after it is infused in the oil?
Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon, set it aside, and return it to the skillet later when warming the tomatoes and olives.
Does this dish contain any spicy ingredients?
Yes, it includes a pinch of red pepper flakes to add a subtle heat.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be chopped and seeded; you can also peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
What is the suggested serving accompaniment?
It is best served with crusty bread and a glass of wine for a complete Mediterranean experience.
How long do you sauté the red onions?
The red onions should be sautéed for about 2 minutes until they soften slightly before adding the tuna.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
This dish provides 1.5g of fiber per serving.
Are the capers used in this recipe drained?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of drained capers.
What heat level is used to sear the tuna?
The tuna is seared on high heat to quickly brown the outside while keeping the inside tender.
How can I keep the tuna warm while finishing the sauce?
You can transfer the seared tuna to a warm platter or keep it in a low-temperature oven.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
The recipe uses 15 distinct ingredients, including garnishes.
What gives the dish its briny flavor?
The combination of Kalamata olives and capers provides a distinct briny, Mediterranean flavor.
What are the garnish recommendations?
Garnish the finished dish with additional minced fresh basil and fresh mint.
Can I use marjoram instead of oregano?
Yes, the recipe suggests either fresh oregano or marjoram as they have similar flavor profiles.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not provided, but the recipe uses approximately 1.5 lbs of tuna.
Is there any salt or pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and black pepper are added to taste during the cooking process.
How much red onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion.
How long does it take to warm the vegetable mixture at the end?
It only takes about 1 minute to warm the tomatoes, olives, and capers through.
What type of tuna specifically is mentioned in the ingredient list?
The ingredient list specifically mentions using albacore tuna.