Zesty Tuna Tartare with Avocado
Inspired by the culinary masterpieces of Ina Garten, this vibrant Tuna Tartare is a refreshing and elegant dish perfect for any occasion. Combining the rich flavor of very fresh tuna with zesty lime, creamy avocado, and a hint of spice from jalapeños and wasabi, this dish is a delightful explosion of texture and flavor. Ideal for entertaining, it's best served chilled on crunchy crackers, allowing the harmonious blend of ingredients to truly shine. Make sure to prepare it at least an hour in advance to let the flavors meld beautifully, making every bite scrumptious and satisfying. Your guests will be raving about this dish long after the last bite is gone!
N/A
Servings
86
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
very fresh tuna steaks
3 3/4 lbs (cut into 1/4-inch dice)
olive oil
1 1/4 cups
lime zest
5 limes, grated
freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup (from 5 limes)
wasabi powder
2 1/2 teaspoons
soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons
hot red pepper sauce
2 tablespoons
kosher salt
2 1/2 tablespoons
freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons
minced scallions
1 1/4 cups (white and green parts from 12 scallions)
minced fresh jalapeño peppers
3 1/4 tablespoons (seeds removed)
ripe Hass avocados
5 (cut into 1/4-inch dice)
toasted sesame seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the fresh tuna into 1/4-inch dice. Place the diced tuna in a very large mixing bowl to allow ample space for combining the ingredients.
2
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, grated lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice, wasabi powder, soy sauce, hot red pepper sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
3
Pour the dressing over the diced tuna and gently fold to combine, ensuring the tuna is well-coated with the marinade.
4
Add the minced scallions and diced jalapeños to the tuna mixture. Carefully mix until everything is uniformly distributed.
5
Select ripe avocados and cut them in half. Remove the pits and peel the skin off. Dice the avocados into 1/4-inch pieces.
6
Gently fold the diced avocado into the tuna mixture, ensuring that the avocado pieces remain intact. Drizzle a little lime juice over the avocado to prevent discoloration.
7
If desired, add toasted sesame seeds to the tuna and avocado mixture and toss gently to combine.
8
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your preference.
9
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to marry and develop.
10
When ready to serve, spoon the Tuna Tartare onto crackers or serve in small cups for an elegant presentation.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
0.8g
Carbs
4.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Tuna Tartare with Avocado?
It is a refreshing and elegant seafood dish combining fresh tuna, zesty lime, creamy avocado, and a hint of spice from jalapeños and wasabi.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary masterpieces of Ina Garten, often known as the Barefoot Contessa.
What type of tuna should I use?
You should use 3 3/4 lbs of very fresh tuna steaks.
How should the tuna be prepared for the tartare?
The tuna should be cut into 1/4-inch dice.
What ingredients are used in the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, wasabi powder, soy sauce, hot red pepper sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of olive oil.
How many limes do I need for this recipe?
You will need approximately 5 limes to get the required zest and 1 cup of freshly squeezed juice.
What provides the spicy kick in this dish?
The spice comes from 2 1/2 teaspoons of wasabi powder, 2 tablespoons of hot red pepper sauce, and 3 1/4 tablespoons of minced jalapeños.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using 2 1/2 tablespoons of kosher salt.
How should the scallions be prepared?
Use 1 1/4 cups of minced scallions, including both the white and green parts from about 12 scallions.
Should the seeds be left in the jalapeños?
No, the seeds should be removed before mincing the jalapeños.
What type of avocados are recommended?
The recipe calls for 5 ripe Hass avocados.
How should the avocados be diced?
The avocados should be diced into 1/4-inch pieces to match the size of the tuna.
How do I prevent the avocados from turning brown?
Drizzle a little lime juice over the avocado pieces to prevent discoloration.
Are there any optional ingredients for garnish or texture?
Yes, 1 1/2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds are optional but recommended for added texture.
What is the first step in assembling the tartare?
Begin by dicing the tuna and placing it in a very large mixing bowl.
When should the dressing be added?
Whisk the dressing separately and then pour it over the diced tuna, folding gently to coat.
How do I ensure the avocado stays intact?
Gently fold the diced avocado into the tuna mixture at the end of the process.
Does the tartare need to be chilled?
Yes, it should be covered and refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to marry.
How should I serve the Tuna Tartare?
It is best served chilled on crunchy crackers or in small cups for an elegant presentation.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 86 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the tartare?
There are 4.4 grams of protein per serving.
Is this a low-carb recipe?
Yes, it contains only 0.8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 13 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is tagged as party food and is ideal for entertaining guests.
What is the consistency of the wasabi?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 teaspoons of wasabi powder mixed into the dressing.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the mixture after combining and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
What size should the mixing bowl be?
A very large mixing bowl is recommended to allow ample space for combining ingredients without crushing them.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The primary tags include tuna, tartare, seafood, appetizer, fresh, and healthy.