Vasquez Family

Pepper Encrusted Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

This is a delicious seared ahi salad with a perfect ginger honey dressing

Ingredients for Pepper Encrusted Seared Tuna

  • 16 oz Ahi Tuna Steak
  • 3 Tbsp Fresh crushed black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Cayenne pepper
  • 2 Tbsp Paprika
  • 1 Tbsp Kosher salt
  • Peanut Oil
  • Toasted black and white sesame seeds

Ingredients for the Salad Base

  • 1/2 Cup Cucumber noodles
  • 1/2 Cup Carrot noodles
  • 1/2 Bell pepper strips
  • 1/2 Avocado thinly sliced
  • 1/2 Cup Wonton strips
  • Mixed Greens

Ingredients for the Ginger Honey Soy dressing

  • 3 Tbsp Low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Honey
  • 2 Tbsp Rice vinegar
  • 2 Tsp finely minced fresh ginger
  • 1/4 Cup sesame oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

To prepare the salad base

  • I prefer to have the ingredients sectioned off for cleaner presentation, but you can have it tossed as well.
  • fill a bowl with mixed spring greens
  • Wash and peel the outside of your carrot and cucumber with a regular peeler
  • Using a julienne vegetable peeler, peel your carrots into noodles and place on a lane over the bed of greens
  • Using the same tool, peel your cucumber into noodles and place on a lane over the bed of greens along side the carrots
  • Wash bell pepper and cut into thin slices, place on a lane over the bed of greens along side the cucumbers
  • Peel and cut avocado into thin slices and place along side the bell peppers
  • Sprinkle wontons along side avocado

To prepare Ginger Soy Honey dressing

  • Combine all ingredients into a mason jar and seal it tight
  • Shake vigorously and place in refrigerator for an hour before use
  • Shake before applying to salad

To prepare Tuna Steak

  • Combine black pepper, cayenne, paprika, and salt
  • Mix thoroughly
  • Place spices on a plate
  • Pat tuna steak dry using paper towels
  • Coat tuna with spices by lightly placing steaks into spice mixture
  • Flip and coat all sides
  • Heat peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
  • Once the oil can sizzle a drop of water, place spice coated tune in skillet and sear For 30 seconds top and bottom
  • For the edges, you can hold each edge in the oil for 15-30 seconds, rotating as needed
  • Place on cutting board and allow to rest for a minute or two
  • Slice tuna steak into 1/4 thick slices and fan out over salad base
  • drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with some toasted black and white sesame seeds