Search This Blog

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Seared Albacore Tuna in Charmoula


When you start with fresh ingredients it doesn’t take a big kitchen to create something fabulous.

Fish is often "misunderstood". This very easy recipe will give you immense flavor and is almost fail proof.







Seared Albacore Tuna in Charmoula (Morrocan marinade and sauce)





1 lb. Albacore tuna loin

Charmoula
1 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
¾cup parsley leaves, chopped
1-2 small garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. Kosher salt
1 tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. smoked paprika
¼ tsp. ground coriander
pinch of cayenne pepper
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbls. fresh lemon juice

1 red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded and diced (or if using jarred, about ½ cup)

Prepare Charmoula sauce. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir to combine and adjust seasonings to taste with salt, lemon juice and cayenne.

Place tuna loin on a plate and rub with a few tablespoons of Charmoula. Set aside to marinate no longer than 30 minutes as the acid in the lemon juice will begin to "cook" the tuna.

Heat a cast iron pan on medium high heat. The pan should just begin to smoke. Add a film of olive oil and then carefully add the tuna. Cook on each side about 1-2 minutes or until you have just cooked the outside edges and it is still nice and pink on the interior. When  you have seared all sides, remove from the pan and set on a cutting board. Let rest about 10 minutes. Slice in ¼ inch slices and fan out onto a serving platter. Add the roasted peppers to the remaining Charmoula and pour on top of the tuna to serve. This is delicious with a side of couscous, steamed rice or roasted potatoes. Sliced avocado would be a lovely addition as well. Seared tuna also make a perfect hot weather meal atop a simple green salad.

Encores: Sauté tuna in a little olive oil and toss with pasta or white beans, roasted peppers, additional cilantro and sliced green onions. Ripe, in-season tomatoes would also pair well. Tuna can also be cooked, cooled, flaked and used in tuna salad. Just substitute Charmoula instead of the traditional mayonnaise dressing, add some sliced olives and diced cucumber or whatever your prefer and you will be delighted with this new twist on an old favorite.

No comments:

Post a Comment