Ah, summer—the season of sunburns, flip-flops, and watermelon in everything, right? Picture this: a vibrant ahi tuna watermelon salad, where the juicy sweetness of watermelon meets the rich, delicate flavor of perfectly seared tuna. It’s like a beach vacation for your taste buds, minus the sand.
Steps
- Carefully remove any skin from the tuna fillet using a sharp knife, then cut the tuna into small, 1/4-inch cubes and place them in a bowl.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, grapeseed oil, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes, whisking them together to form a marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the tuna cubes, ensuring they are fully coated, and add salt to taste. Allow the tuna to marinate in the refrigerator for 45 to 50 minutes.
- When ready to serve, arrange the marinated tuna on four plates, adding watermelon cubes and cucumber slices around the tuna. Garnish with thinly sliced shallots and cilantro or cilantro microgreens.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sushi-grade tuna
- 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce, or coconut aminos for Paleo or Whole30)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups watermelon, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 Persian cucumber, sliced 1/8-inch thick using a mandolin
- 1 finely sliced shallot for garnish
- Cilantro or micro cilantro greens for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 868 kcal | Carbohydrates: 52 g | Protein: 118 g | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 176 mg | Sodium: 1718 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 32 g
FAQ
- What is the main ingredient in the Ahi Tuna Watermelon Salad?
- The primary ingredient in the Ahi Tuna Watermelon Salad is sushi-grade tuna, which is marinated and paired with juicy watermelon and cucumbers.
- How long should the tuna be marinated for this salad?
- The tuna should be marinated for at least 45 to 50 minutes in the refrigerator to ensure it absorbs all the flavors from the marinade.
- Can I use an alternative to soy sauce in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce, coconut aminos, or another suitable alternative to fit dietary preferences such as Paleo or Whole30.
- What are some garnish options for this salad?
- You can garnish the salad with finely sliced shallots and cilantro or cilantro microgreens for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- How many servings does this recipe provide?
- This Ahi Tuna Watermelon Salad recipe yields four servings, with each serving approximately one-quarter of the total prepared dish.
Tips
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Tuna: Make sure to purchase sushi-grade tuna from a reputable source to ensure freshness and safety, as this will greatly enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
- Marinate Thoroughly: Allow the tuna to marinate in the soy sauce mixture for at least 45 to 50 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for the flavors to fully infuse into the tuna, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Precise Knife Skills: Use a very sharp knife to cut the tuna into uniform 1/4-inch cubes and the watermelon into consistent half-inch cubes. Consistent sizing helps with even marination and presentation.
- Garnish for Flavor and Presentation: Don’t skip the garnish. Adding thinly sliced shallots and fresh cilantro or micro greens not only adds a burst of flavor but also elevates the presentation of your dish.
Equipment
- Mandoline Slicer – For slicing the Persian cucumber to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – Essential for trimming and cutting the sushi-grade tuna into cubes. If you don’t have a very sharp knife at home, it might be worth investing in one.
