Sesame-Covered Tuna with Soy-Ginger Infusion

Sesame-Covered Tuna with Soy-Ginger Infusion

Here's a modern twist on a classic dish, inspired by the Spicy Tuna Crusted with Wasabi and Sesame Seeds available at the River Palm Terrace in Edgewater, N.J. This eatery has served this dish as a permanent special for nearly twenty years. Despite its intricate appearance, it's an effortless recipe that will impress your gathering of friends.

I suggest serving it with alternative rice options like brown or basmati rice, drizzled with toasted sesame oil and combined with sautéed shiitake mushrooms and sesame seeds. Pair it with steamed or stir-fried spinach or baby bok choy for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Note: This variation boasts a real wasabi kick; for a more tempered heat, use 1 cup each wasabi paste and flour.

Yield: 6 generous servingsTotal: 15 min prep time (4 hr. marinating time)

Ingredients (16)

For Marinade- 4 cups reduced-sodium soy or tamari sauce- 1/2 cup fresh ginger, chopped- 1/4 cup fresh cracked black pepper- 1 cup scallions, diced (white and green parts)- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, chopped (about 3 cloves)- 1 cup cold water- Splash of sherry- Splash of sesame oil

For Crust- 1 1/4 cups freshly mixed wasabi paste- 3/4 cup fine rice flour- 3/4 - 1 cup water (or more if needed)- 1/2 cup each black and white sesame seeds- 1 tablespoon olive oil- 6 tuna steaks, 6 oz each, 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick

Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation
2. In a large bowl, combine soy or tamari, ginger, black pepper, scallion, garlic, cold water, sherry, and sesame oil. Pour half of the mixture into a shallow dish; cover the remaining half and refrigerate.
3. Steak Marination
4. Place the tuna steaks in the bowl with the marinade for 15 minutes, or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, turning occasionally.
5. Wasabi Crust Preparation
6. In a separate bowl, combine wasabi paste, flour, and 3/4 cup water. Mix until it forms a smooth paste, similar in consistency to mayonnaise, adding more water if needed.
7. Preheat Oven
8. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
9. Coating Seeds
10. Combine black and white sesame seeds in a shallow dish.
11. Coating and Searing the Tuna
12. Remove tuna steaks from marinade, wiping off excess. Apply a thin layer (1 - 2 mm thick) of the wasabi-flour mixture on both sides of each steak. Press each steak into the sesame seeds, ensuring they stick well. Discard the used marinade.
13. Cooking the Tuna
14. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or sauté pan over high heat. Carefully transfer the tuna to the pan and sear on both sides for approximately 1 to 2 minutes each.
15. Baking the Tuna
16. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast for 8-10 minutes, or to your preferred degree of doneness.
17. Serving
18. Serve the tuna with the reserved marinade on the side.

This dish has a powerful wasabi kick; for a less fiery flavor, reduce the wasabi paste and flour amounts. Get ready to capture the flavors of the original with this simplified recipe!

1. The wasabi paste and flour used in the crust of this recipe contribute to its potent wasabi kick.
2. To tone down the heat, consider using less wasabi paste and flour when preparing the crust.
3. Serve this recipe with alternative rice options like brown or basmati rice, accompanied by sautéed shiitake mushrooms, sesame seeds, and steamed or stir-fried spinach or baby bok choy for a balanced flavor and texture.
4. Despite the dish's impressive appearance, it can mostly be prepared effortlessly, making it perfect for impressing your friends during gatherings.

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