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Ahi Tuna Marinade

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  • Author: lilly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Paleo

Description

Elevate simple tuna steaks with a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, ginger, gochujang, and honey, creating a delicious seafood dish perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

  • 2 ahi tuna steaks (approx. 12-14 oz total)
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari)
  • 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
  • 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or grapeseed)
  • Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Pat the tuna steaks completely dry.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and gochujang.
  3. Marinate the tuna for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, turning occasionally to ensure even coating.
  4. While the tuna marinates, combine the remaining sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, gochujang, and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the saucepan and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
  6. Remove the tuna from the marinade and pat dry again.
  7. Heat the neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until shimmering or smoking.
  8. Sear the tuna steaks for 60-90 seconds per side, achieving a lovely crust while keeping the inside rare to medium-rare.
  9. Let the seared tuna rest for 2 minutes on a cutting board. Slice the tuna against the grain into 1 cm pieces.
  10. Arrange the tuna on plates, drizzle with the warm glaze, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of gochujang. Experiment with citrus zest or herbs to customize the marinade.