For best results, use sushi-grade tuna steaks to ensure the highest quality and safety if serving rare. Adjust the amount of chile pepper to your preference for heat. The tuna can be marinated for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator if you prefer a stronger flavor. If you don't have watercress, baby spinach or mixed greens can be substituted. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Seared Ahi Tuna with Watercress, Chile, and Ginger Salad
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PREP TIME30 mins
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COOK TIME5 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 35 mins
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SERVING2 People
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VIEWS42
Embark on a culinary journey to Southeast Asia with this vibrant dish. Succulent seared ahi tuna meets a refreshing, zesty salad, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. Perfect as a light yet satisfying main course, or an elegant appetizer.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate17 g
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Cholesterol102 mg
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Fiber3 g
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Protein58 g
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Saturated Fat4 g
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Sodium890 mg
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Sugar7 g
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Fat30 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepIn a medium bowl, whisk together the minced ginger, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (5 minutes)
02
StepSlowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified and well combined. (2 minutes)
03
StepDivide the dressing in half. Set aside and refrigerate one half; this will be used for the salad. (2 minutes)
04
StepTo the remaining dressing, whisk in the minced garlic, lime zest, finely minced chile pepper, and cilantro stems. This is your tuna marinade. (3 minutes)
05
StepPlace the tuna steaks in a shallow dish and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the tuna marinate at room temperature for 1 hour. (1 hour)
06
StepAbout 15 minutes before the tuna is done marinating, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the watercress, cilantro leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, and chile pepper matchsticks. (15 minutes)
07
StepPreheat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat until it is very hot. The pan should be almost smoking. (5 minutes)
08
StepRemove the tuna steaks from the marinade, discarding the marinade. Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels. (1 minute)
09
StepCarefully place the tuna steaks in the preheated skillet. Sear for approximately 2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use tongs to turn the tuna. (4 minutes)
10
StepWhile the tuna is searing, drizzle the reserved dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. (2 minutes)
11
StepTo serve, place a bed of the watercress salad on each plate and top with a seared tuna steak. (2 minutes)
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Nola Boehm
Jun 18, 2025This recipe is amazing! The salad dressing is so flavorful and complements the tuna perfectly.
Clyde Pfannerstill
May 16, 2025I served this at a dinner party, and everyone raved about it. So easy and impressive!
Mckenzie Skiles
Mar 6, 2025The heat from the chile is just right, not too overpowering. I love the fresh flavors.
Cleveland Wolf
Mar 2, 2025I used baby spinach instead of watercress, and it worked great. A very adaptable recipe.
Devonte Durgan
Feb 27, 2025Next time, I'll try adding some avocado to the salad for extra creaminess.
Nora Romaguera
Jan 12, 2025I accidentally overcooked the tuna the first time, but the salad was still delicious!
Frederique Ullrich
Dec 23, 2024I've made this several times, and it's always a hit. The searing technique is spot on!
Darion Hayes
Dec 13, 2024The marinade is so fragrant! My kitchen smelled incredible while cooking this.