Spicy Blackened Tuna Bites with Zesty Cajun Mustard
Elevate your culinary repertoire with these Spicy Blackened Tuna Bites, a delightful fusion of flavors that brings a taste of the South to your dining table. Inspired by a beloved dish from a local New Jersey restaurant, this recipe showcases succulent tuna perfectly coated in a robust redfish blackening seasoning. The bites are seared to perfection, ensuring a slightly pink center that maintains the fish's freshness. Paired with a creamy, zesty Cajun mustard that offers a tantalizing kick, these bites can be served as an elegant appetizer or a satisfying dinner. Whether entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, these flavorful morsels are sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
tuna
2 lbs (cut into large bite-sized pieces)
redfish blackening seasoning
3-4 tablespoons (for coating)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for searing)
sour cream
1/2 cup (for the mustard sauce)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (for the mustard sauce)
spicy mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons (for the mustard sauce)
lemon
1 (juice only)
horseradish
2 tablespoons (adjust to taste for the mustard sauce)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor in the mustard sauce)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the Cajun mustard. In a small saucepan, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, spicy mustard, lemon juice, horseradish, and paprika.
2
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking.
3
Once the mixture is smooth and well-combined, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4
Next, prepare the tuna by cutting it into large bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
5
Generously coat the tuna pieces with the redfish blackening seasoning, pressing it into the fish to ensure it sticks.
6
In a heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat until it is very hot but not smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Carefully add the seasoned tuna bites to the hot skillet, searing them on all sides for approximately 7-10 minutes total. Be cautious not to overcook; a slightly pink center enhances flavor and texture.
8
Once cooked to your preferred doneness, remove the tuna bites from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter.
9
Serve immediately with the zesty Cajun mustard for dipping. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Blackened Tuna Bites with Zesty Cajun Mustard?
This is a seafood dish consisting of succulent tuna pieces coated in redfish blackening seasoning, seared to perfection, and served with a creamy Cajun mustard sauce.
What ingredients are needed for the Cajun mustard sauce?
The sauce requires sour cream, mayonnaise, spicy mustard, lemon juice, horseradish, and paprika.
How much tuna is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of tuna.
What kind of seasoning is used for the blackened tuna?
The recipe calls for 3-4 tablespoons of redfish blackening seasoning.
How should the tuna be prepared before cooking?
The tuna should be cut into large, uniform bite-sized pieces and generously coated with seasoning.
What type of oil is used for searing the tuna?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How long should I heat the skillet before adding the tuna?
Heat the oil over high heat for approximately 2-3 minutes until it is very hot but not smoking.
What is the total cooking time for the tuna bites?
The tuna should be seared on all sides for a total of 7-10 minutes.
Should the tuna be fully cooked through?
No, the recipe suggests leaving a slightly pink center to maintain the fish's freshness and flavor.
How do you prepare the Cajun mustard mixture?
Combine the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring constantly.
Can I serve this dish as an appetizer?
Yes, these tuna bites are designed to be served as either an elegant appetizer or a satisfying dinner.
How much sour cream is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of sour cream.
What amount of mayonnaise is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of mayonnaise for the mustard sauce.
How much spicy mustard should be added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of spicy mustard.
Can I adjust the amount of horseradish?
Yes, you can adjust the 2 tablespoons of horseradish to your personal taste.
What role does the lemon play in the recipe?
The juice of one lemon is used to add a zesty flavor to the Cajun mustard.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a dish from a local New Jersey restaurant.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Is the Cajun mustard served hot or cold?
The sauce is cooked but then removed from heat to cool slightly before serving.
How do I ensure the seasoning sticks to the tuna?
Press the seasoning into the tuna pieces after coating them generously.
What kind of pan should I use for searing?
A heavy skillet is recommended for the best searing results.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It features a fusion of spicy, robust Southern flavors with a zesty, creamy kick from the mustard.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is preparing the Cajun mustard by combining its ingredients in a saucepan.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of paprika for flavor in the mustard sauce.
Should I serve the tuna bites immediately?
Yes, they should be served immediately with the dipping sauce.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and restaurant-style dish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include tuna, blackened, seafood, appetizer, dinner, cajun seasoning, and quick recipes.
What preparation is needed for the lemon?
You only need to extract the juice from one lemon.
Can the tuna be used for dinner?
Yes, it is a versatile dish that works well as a main dinner course.
What should I do after the sauce is smooth and combined?
Remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly before serving.