Description
Spicy Tuna Tartare with Avocado is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make appetizer or light meal that combines sushi-grade tuna, creamy avocado, and a zesty, spicy marinade. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures with a customizable heat level, making it ideal for entertaining or enjoying a healthy gourmet treat at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 oz sushi-grade tuna, diced into small cubes
- 1 ripe avocado, diced into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna: Start by selecting fresh sushi-grade tuna and chopping it into small, uniform cubes. Keeping the pieces bite-sized ensures the texture is tender but still satisfying in each mouthful. Place the diced tuna in a mixing bowl ready for seasoning.
- Mix the Marinade: In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, and sriracha or your chili sauce of choice. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. This marinade is the flavor backbone, balancing salty, tangy, and spicy notes perfectly.
- Combine Tuna and Marinade: Pour the marinade over the diced tuna and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Be careful not to mash the tuna cubes; the goal is to keep them intact while infusing the flavors. Allow the tuna to marinate for about 5 to 10 minutes to soak up the tastes.
- Prepare the Avocado: While the tuna marinates, cut a ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Dice the avocado into cubes similar in size to the tuna. This helps with even layering and bite-sized consistency.
- Combine Tuna and Avocado: Gently fold the diced avocado into the marinated tuna along with finely chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This step brings creaminess and fresh texture to the vibrant, spicy fish.
- Season and Serve: Taste your mixture and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve immediately for the best freshness and texture, using a ring mold for a neat presentation if desired.
Notes
- Always use fresh, sushi-grade tuna to ensure safety and optimal flavor.
- Cut ingredients into uniform-sized pieces to create a balanced texture.
- Keep the dish chilled before serving to maintain freshness.
- Do not over-marinate to avoid the tuna becoming ‘cooked’ by the acidic lime juice.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours.
- Freezing is not recommended as it alters texture and taste.
- Serve cold; do not reheat to preserve flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: spicy tuna tartare, avocado, sushi-grade tuna, fresh appetizer, gluten-free, healthy appetizer, easy recipe, seafood tartare
