Embark on a culinary journey with this seared tuna salad featuring a tantalizing wasabi butter sauce. This recipe combines the richness of tuna steaks, the crunchiness of sesame seeds, and the piquancy of wasabi into a salad that is as delightful to the palate as it is to the eye.
While most of the ingredients are standard pantry staples, there are a few items that might need a trip to the supermarket. Wasabi paste, a Japanese condiment with a strong, horseradish-like flavor, can usually be found in the Asian food aisle. The ahi or yellowfin tuna steaks are often available at the seafood counter. Make sure to pick fresh, high-quality steaks for best results.
Ingredients for Seared Tuna Salad with Wasabi Butter Sauce
Panko bread crumbs: A Japanese-style breadcrumb that gives a light, crispy texture.
Black and white sesame seeds: These add a nice crunch and subtle nutty flavor.
Ahi or yellowfin tuna steaks: High-quality, sushi-grade tuna is recommended for this recipe.
Kosher salt: This salt has larger grains, which make it perfect for seasoning meat.
Black pepper: Adds a sharp, spicy depth to the dish.
Canola oil: Used for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Soy sauce: This adds a salty, umami flavor to the wasabi sauce.
Wasabi paste: A Japanese condiment with a fiery kick.
Shallots: Milder and sweeter than onions, they add a subtle flavor.
White wine: Used to deglaze the pan and adds complexity to the sauce.
Whole milk: Used to create a creamy texture for the wasabi sauce.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
Baby arugula: A leafy green with a peppery flavor.
Baby spinach: Another leafy green, milder in flavor than arugula.
Radish: Adds a crisp, peppery bite.
Cucumber: Provides a cool, refreshing crunch.
One reader, Jordana Holton says:
This seared tuna salad with wasabi butter sauce recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The seared tuna is perfectly cooked and the wasabi butter sauce adds a delightful kick. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that I'll be making again and again. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Perfecting Seared Tuna Salad
How to sear the tuna: Sear the tuna steaks in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until the outer edge becomes opaque.
How to make the wasabi butter sauce: Combine soy sauce and wasabi paste in a small bowl. In a separate skillet, simmer shallots and white wine until reduced by half, then add milk and whisk until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, whisk in the soy and wasabi paste mixture, and add butter to combine.
How to assemble the salad: Distribute the arugula and spinach evenly among 4 shallow bowls. Thinly slice the seared tuna and place one steak on top of each bed of lettuce. Drizzle each serving with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the prepared wasabi butter sauce. Serve immediately.
How To Make Seared Tuna Salad with Wasabi Butter Sauce
Prepare yourself for some strong kick from wasabi butter sauce on this seared tuna salad. Try this recipe at home. Your taste buds will thank you!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cuppanko bread crumbs,or gluten free panko
- 3tbspblack and white sesame seeds
- 5ozahi or yellowfin tuna steaks,4 raw, used Trader Joes frozen ahi tuna steaks
- ½tspkosher salt
- black pepper,freshly ground
- canola oil,or cooking spray
- 2tbspsoy sauce,reduced sodium or gluten-free
- 1tspwasabi paste,prepared
- 2tspshallots,minced
- ¼cupwhite wine,used Sauvignon Blanc
- 2tbspwhole milk
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- 4cupsbaby arugula,fresh
- 4cupsbaby spinach,fresh
- radish,sliced for garnish, optional
- cucumber,sliced for garnish, optional
Instructions
-
Mix panko and sesame seeds on a large plate or shallow bowl.
-
Season tuna with salt and pepper, to taste.
-
Gently press both sides of each tuna steak into the crumb mixture.
-
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray with oil.
-
Add 2 steaks, spray each with oil and allow them to cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until the outer edge becomes opaque.
-
Flip each steak, spray second side with oil and cook an additional 2 minutes, or until the outer edge is opaque.
-
Repeat with remaining 2 steaks.
-
Set all 4 steaks on a cutting board and allow them to rest and cool.
-
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine soy sauce and wasabi paste. Set aside.
-
In a small skillet over medium-low heat, add shallots and wine. Simmer until reduced by half for 2 to 3 minutes.
-
Add the milk and whisk constantly until the sauce no longer looks separated and has slightly thickened (about 1 minute).
-
Remove from heat and whisk in soy and wasabi paste mixture. Add butter and whisk to combine.
-
Distribute arugula and spinach evenly among 4 shallow bowls.
-
Thinly slice the tuna and top each bed of lettuce with 1 tuna steak.
-
Drizzle each with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 194.85kcal
- Fat: 11.36g
- Saturated Fat: 4.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.79g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.22g
- Carbohydrates: 9.22g
- Fiber: 1.61g
- Sugar: 1.13g
- Protein: 12.08g
- Cholesterol: 29.84mg
- Sodium: 481.67mg
- Calcium: 119.17mg
- Potassium: 338.77mg
- Iron: 1.92mg
- Vitamin A: 113.33µg
- Vitamin C: 4.23mg
Pro Tip for Achieving the Perfect Sear on Tuna
When searing tuna, it's important to have your skillet very hot before adding the steaks. This ensures a nice, crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Also, remember to let the tuna rest after searing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and moist piece of fish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Seared Tuna Salad with Wasabi Butter Sauce
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the tuna is resting, prepare the sauce and salad to save time.
Organized workspace: Keep your cooking area clean and organized to work efficiently.
Quality ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients to enhance the flavors without needing extra preparation.
Sharp knives: Use sharp knives to make slicing and dicing quicker and more precise.
Efficient tools: Utilize kitchen tools like a mandoline for quick and uniform slicing of vegetables.
Batch cooking: Consider making extra sauce or salad to use for future meals, saving time in the long run.
Streamlined process: Plan the cooking process in a way that allows for seamless transitions between tasks.
Substitute Ingredients For Seared Tuna Salad with Wasabi Butter Sauce Recipe
panko bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Cornflakes can provide a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor to panko bread crumbs when used as a coating for searing tuna.
black and white sesame seeds - Substitute with poppy seeds: Poppy seeds can offer a similar nutty flavor and visual appeal as sesame seeds when used as a topping for seared tuna.
ahi or yellowfin tuna steaks - Substitute with swordfish steaks: Swordfish steaks can be a suitable alternative with a meaty texture and mild flavor that works well for searing and serving in a salad.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and texture as kosher salt in the recipe.
canola oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable substitute for canola oil in searing the tuna.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that offers a similar savory and umami flavor to enhance the dish.
wasabi paste - Substitute with horseradish paste: Horseradish paste can provide a similar pungent and spicy kick as wasabi paste in the butter sauce.
shallots - Substitute with red onions: Red onions can offer a slightly milder flavor and a similar texture when used as a substitute for shallots in the recipe.
white wine - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to white wine, enhancing the dressing for the salad.
whole milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of tropical flavor to the butter sauce, replacing the whole milk.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee, or clarified butter, can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter, providing a rich and nutty flavor to the sauce.
baby arugula - Substitute with baby kale: Baby kale can offer a similar peppery and slightly bitter flavor profile as baby arugula in the salad.
baby spinach - Substitute with frisée lettuce: Frisée lettuce can provide a slightly bitter and curly texture similar to baby spinach in the salad.
radish - Substitute with jicama: Jicama can offer a crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor as a substitute for radish in the salad.
cucumber - Substitute with daikon radish: Daikon radish can provide a similar crisp and refreshing crunch as cucumber in the salad.
Plating Ideas for a Stunning Seared Tuna Salad
Elevate the tuna: Gently arrange the thinly sliced tuna on the bed of arugula and spinach, ensuring that each piece is delicately placed to create an appealing visual presentation.
Artful drizzling: Carefully drizzle the wasabi butter sauce in an artistic manner over the tuna and greens, ensuring that each plate receives an equal and visually appealing amount of the flavorful sauce.
Garnish with precision: Add thinly sliced radish and cucumber as a garnish, placing them strategically around the plate to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Use elegant tableware: Select elegant and minimalist tableware to serve the seared tuna salad, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out and creating a sophisticated presentation.
Balance and symmetry: Pay attention to the balance and symmetry of the components on the plate, ensuring that the presentation is visually appealing and harmonious from every angle.
Incorporate edible flowers: Consider adding edible flowers as a delicate and visually stunning garnish, enhancing the overall presentation with a touch of natural beauty.
Attention to negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the dish to stand out and creating a visually striking presentation that captures the attention of the diners.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Seared Tuna Salad
- Panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs are Japanese-style bread crumbs that are light and airy, perfect for creating a crispy crust on the tuna.
- Sesame seeds: Black and white sesame seeds are used to coat the tuna for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Skillet: A large skillet is used to sear the tuna steaks to perfection.
- Cutting board: A cutting board is essential for resting and slicing the seared tuna steaks.
- Small bowl: A small bowl is used to combine the soy sauce and wasabi paste for the butter sauce.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the ingredients for the butter sauce and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Small skillet: A small skillet is used to simmer the shallots and wine, and to prepare the butter sauce.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to toss the baby arugula and spinach for the salad.
- Tongs: Tongs are helpful for flipping the tuna steaks while searing.
- Knife: A sharp knife is used to thinly slice the seared tuna before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Seared Tuna Salad
- The best way to reheat leftover seared tuna is to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating. This will help the tuna reheat evenly and prevent it from overcooking.
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the tuna on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly brush it with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
- Bake the tuna in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until it's heated through. Be careful not to overcook the tuna, as it can quickly become dry and tough.
- For the wasabi butter sauce, reheat it gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of white wine or milk to thin it out.
- Once the tuna and sauce are heated through, assemble the salad by placing the baby arugula and baby spinach in a bowl, topping it with the warm tuna, and drizzling the wasabi butter sauce over the top.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat the tuna in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet and heat the tuna for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's warmed through.
- Another option is to enjoy the leftover tuna cold, sliced thinly and served over a bed of fresh greens with the wasabi butter sauce on the side. This makes for a refreshing and light meal, perfect for a warm day.
Interesting Trivia About Seared Tuna Salad
Seared tuna salad with wasabi butter sauce is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine. It is a healthy and delicious option for those looking to incorporate more seafood into their diet. Tuna is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, the wasabi butter sauce adds a unique and flavorful twist to the dish, combining the heat of wasabi with the richness of butter. This dish is not only tasty but also provides a good balance of nutrients, making it a great choice for a light and satisfying meal.
Is Making Seared Tuna Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This seared tuna salad with wasabi butter sauce recipe offers a moderate cost-effectiveness for a household. The use of ahi or yellowfin tuna steaks and baby arugula may be slightly pricier, but the dish's overall cost is balanced by the use of common pantry items. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $30-$35. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10, considering the quality of ingredients and the delightful combination of flavors.
Is This Seared Tuna Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?
The seared tuna salad with wasabi butter sauce recipe is a relatively healthy dish, but there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe uses a good amount of heart-healthy fish, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein
- Arugula and spinach provide a nutrient-dense base for the salad, offering vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Radish and cucumber add extra vegetables to the dish, increasing its overall nutritional value
- The use of whole milk and butter in the sauce adds some saturated fat to the recipe, which could be reduced or replaced with healthier alternatives
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the whole milk with a lower-fat alternative, such as skim milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk
- Reduce the amount of butter used in the sauce or substitute it with a healthier fat source, such as olive oil or avocado
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the salad by adding more arugula, spinach, radish, cucumber, or other nutrient-dense options like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Serve the salad with a side of whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal
Editor's Take on This Seared Tuna Salad Recipe
This seared tuna salad with wasabi butter sauce recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The crispy panko and sesame seed crust adds a satisfying crunch to the tender tuna, while the wasabi butter sauce provides a harmonious balance of heat and creaminess. The combination of baby arugula and spinach offers a refreshing base for the dish, complemented by the subtle peppery notes of radish and the crispness of cucumber. Overall, this dish is a sophisticated and well-balanced culinary creation that is sure to impress any palate.
Enhance Your Seared Tuna Salad with Wasabi Butter Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Seared Tuna Salad
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Seared Tuna Salad
Why trust this Seared Tuna Salad with Wasabi Butter Sauce Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience with seared tuna that promises a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. The wasabi butter sauce adds a zesty kick, elevating the dish to new heights. The use of ahi or yellowfin tuna ensures the highest quality and freshness, while the combination of baby arugula and baby spinach offers a nutritious and vibrant base. The meticulous instructions and precise measurements ensure a flawless outcome, earning the trust of any discerning home cook.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Tuna Steak with Wasabi Ginger Glaze Recipe
Seared Tuna with Fresh Corn and Wasabi “Cream” Recipe
Fountain Blue Restaurant’s Seared Ahi Tuna Recipe
Sweet and Sour Cocktail Meatballs Recipe
Dominican Breakfast (Mangú Con Los Tres Golpes) Recipe
Hot Clam Dip Recipe
Pistachio Crusted Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Indian Chickpea Curry Chana Masala Recipe
Zabaglione Tiramisu Recipe
Chicken Roll Ups with Broccoli and Cheese Recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Chili Recipe
