Spicy Tuna Tartare

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

This Spicy Tuna Tartare is a refreshing twist on a classic dish, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a light meal. It's got the right balance of heat, citrus, and freshness, capturing the essence of a sushi bar favorite that's easy to make at home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, no cooking required.
  • Uses fresh, vibrant ingredients.
  • Offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
  • Perfect for entertaining or a casual night in.

Ingredients

8 oz sushi-grade tuna, diced
1 ripe avocado, diced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
1 tsp lime juice
2 tbsp scallions, finely chopped
1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Salt to taste
Black sesame seeds for garnish
Wonton wrappers, cut into triangles and fried

Ingredients Explained

Tuna: The star of the show! Use sushi-grade tuna for the best flavor and safety. Its mild flavor pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Avocado: Adds a creamy texture that balances the spice and acidity of the dish.

Soy Sauce: Provides a salty umami depth that enhances the tuna.

Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic touch that complements the tuna beautifully.

Sriracha Sauce: Brings heat and a bit of sweetness, perfect for that spicy kick.

Lime Juice: Freshens the dish and highlights the flavors, adding a bright citrus note.

Scallions: Offer a mild onion flavor and crisp texture.

Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to your liking.

Black Sesame Seeds: Used for garnish, they add a subtle crunch and visual appeal.

Wonton Wrappers: Serve as crispy chips for scooping up the tartare, adding a satisfying crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your tuna is truly sushi-grade; freshness is key to both flavor and safety.
  • Chill your tuna in the freezer for about 10 minutes before dicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Taste as you go when mixing the dressing to suit your spice preference.

Detailed Instructions

Start by dicing the sushi-grade tuna into small, even cubes. Do the same with the avocado, aiming for pieces that are similar in size to the tuna. This ensures a balanced bite every time. Place these in a mixing bowl.

In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha sauce, and lime juice. This dressing will tie the dish together with its savory, spicy, and tangy notes.

Pour the dressing over the tuna and avocado. Gently toss the mixture, taking care not to mash the avocado. It should be evenly coated but still retain its shape.

Add the scallions and cilantro to the mix, and season with a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Fry the wonton wrappers until they're golden and crisp. Arrange them on a serving platter as a base for the tartare.

Spoon the tuna tartare over the wonton chips, and finish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for that extra pop. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and crunch.

Simplified Instructions

1. Dice the sushi-grade tuna and avocado into small cubes and place in a mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha sauce, and lime juice to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the tuna and avocado mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
4. Add the finely chopped scallions and cilantro, and season with salt to taste.
5. Arrange the wonton chips on a serving platter.
6. Spoon the tuna tartare over the wonton chips and garnish with black sesame seeds.
7. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a chilled sake. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple cucumber salad or seaweed salad to complement the tartare's flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, any sushi-grade fish like salmon can be used. Just ensure it's fresh and safe to eat raw.
What if I don't like cilantro?
Feel free to leave it out or substitute with another herb like parsley for a different flavor.
How do I know if my tuna is sushi-grade?
Check with your fishmonger. Sushi-grade means it's been frozen to kill parasites, making it safe to eat raw.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!