Yup, you always want what you can’t have….and I want sushi….seared tuna, spicy tuna, sushi (yes I am repeating myself). I keep thinking one of these days the pregnancy rules will change and I’ll hear from my Doctor- “oh now you can drink wine and eat sushi and not worry about laying on your back” etc., etc., etc. But for now, I share an old recipe with you.
This is one of my favorite salads to order at a restaurant. Living in Hawaii, we had ample access to affordable, high quality tuna so we started making this at home more frequently. I love that it cooks so quickly; this meal really feels like a splurge to me!
Tuna is so good for you too. High in heart healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, high in protein and low in total fat. Another benefit to eating omega-3 rich fish, it may help to lower your triglyercides- twice a week is recommended. If the price is higher in your area, it is worth buying on occasion and will most likely still be less than at a restaurant.
The dressing is what makes this salad awesome and I can thank the Pioneer Woman for bringing it into my life. Of course you could sub an asian salad dressing from the grocery store, but trust me, it won’t be nearly as yummy. As you enjoy this beautiful spring weather (hopefully it is beautiful where you are), think about trying this salad. Meanwhile, I’ll be on the road to Missouri today to meet my new home!! Wish me luck!
Look at that beautiful ahi!
Homemade dressing can’t be beat
Nutritious and delicious!
Seared Ahi with Sweet and Spicy Asian Dressing
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS:
2 ahi steaks (~3/4lb)
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon coriander
salt
coarse black pepper
1 bag mixed salad greens
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 large avocado
1/2 lb roasted asparagus
2 scallions, thinly sliced
For the dressing:
4 Tablespoons olive oil
4 Tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 lime, juiced
2 1/2 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh ginger, diced or grated
1 garlic, diced
1/2 to 1 jalapeno or other hot pepper, diced (less if pepper is very spicy)
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
DIRECTIONS:
1. Start by making the dressing. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mix well. If you make this ahead of time, wait to toss in the cilantro until you are ready to serve. You should have some extra dressing.
2. Rub ahi with spices. Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Wait until skillet is nice and hot. Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and sear tuna 1 minute per side for a rare inside. Remove from skillet and let sit for a minute before cutting into slices.
3. Mix all other salad ingredients in a bowl, toss with a little of the dressing. Divide onto two plates. Add sliced tuna, drizzle with a little more dressing to taste.
COOK”S NOTES: To make the roasted asparagus: Wash clean 1 lb asparagus, break off tough ends and discard. Place on a cookie sheet and rub with ~1 Tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with coarse black pepper and a little sea salt. Roast at 400 for 10-15 minutes or longer if asparagus are really thick. Should be lightly browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Drizzle with a little fresh lemon.
Salad from Nutritious Eats
Dressing from the Pioneer Woman
Nutritious Eats Benefits: selenium, Vitamin B12, Niacin, protein, fiber, Vitamin C
Aggie says
oh this looks so so good. I always order ahi when I’m out. I never thing to make it at home.
Shannon says
You introduced me to seared tuna 2 years ago in Austin. I love it! this dish looks delish – no wonder you’re craving it!
Shannon says
just as i suspected…. amazing!
Mark and I devoured this salad. Only recommendation from the sushi-lover is to chill the fish after searing but before serving on salad.
Thanks Melanie
Gwen~healthymamma says
This is my fav thing to get when we eat out too. Love seared Ahi. Yup, I hated giving it up when I was pregnant, it’s the one rule I did follow. 😉 A little wine is good for you 😉
Katie Eaton says
Kristin said this was awesome so I am making this tonight!!
Shannon Salvato says
I make a lot of things I find on line and I never post a message on how I liked it or how it turned out. Not sure why; Maybe because nothing wow’s me enough to do it. This recipe however….. absolutely amazing! I made a garlic risotto to go with it and my family raved over how tasty it was. I had all the ingredients except the Ahi. Will make it again for sure. 🙂
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thank you Shannon! I am so glad you and the family liked it! Come back and visit. 🙂
gwynne says
Wow! This was the perfect meal for me tonight. I always feel best when I eat a high protein and vegetable diet. Thank you so much for sharing such a great recipe.
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
You are so welcome Gwynne! I am glad you liked it!
Kristin duke says
Mel- I don’t know how many times I’ve come back to this recipe. It’s wonderful, and the dressing is amazing!
Tim says
This was absolutely amazing!! Thank you!! I will be making this regularly!!
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Glad to hear it Tim! Thanks for the comment 🙂