Seared Tuna Tacos (Delicious!)

By FoodfaithfitnessDec 13, 2023Jump to Recipe

Dive into an ocean of flavor with our Seared Tuna Tacos.

Seared Tuna Tacos (Delicious!) featured image above

Table of Contents

Grab your swimsuit! We’re diving deep into the tasty world of Seared Tuna Tacos today. Imagine crunching into a crisp tortilla shell, biting into juicy seared ahi tuna, tasting the creamy diced avocado, and getting that zing from some citrus zest. It’s a catch worth waiting for.

Now, if you’re all about Mexican cuisine, you might say, “Hey, kinda reminds me of good old fish tacos.” And you would not be wrong. But the seared ahi tuna is the game changer here, making these hand-held delicacies stand out. It’s totally on par with our favorite Low-Carb Fish Taco Bowls and Shredded Chicken Tacos, but with a gourmet twist. So, ready to whip up this foodie fantasy? Let’s spill the beans on how to craft the most stellar Seared Tuna Tacos!

Does This Recipe Work With My Diet?

With this meal, you’re getting your lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the yummy ahi tuna. Add in a tasty avocado full of health benefits and a slice of zest from citrus fruits and girl, you’ve got yourself one heck of a nutrient-packed dish.

The dish is gluten-free (just be sure to get corn tortillas) and can be low-carb/keto friendly if you substitute lettuce leaves for the tortillas. Vegans/vegetarians will want to set aside the fish and use marinated tofu or tempeh. If you want to make this a Paleo-friendly dish, use lettuce for tortillas, coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and coconut oil or ghee instead of vegetable oil.

INGREDIENTS

To make the tacos as I like to assemble them, here’s what you’ll need…

1/2 lb. ahi tuna steak
1/2 avocado, diced
1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 lime, zested and juiced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small shallot, diced
pinch of black pepper
1/2″ fresh ginger, grated
handful coriander leaves
4 corn tortillas
sesame seeds and lime wedges (for garnish)

Seared Tuna Tacos (Delicious!) ingredients

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk

In a small bowl, whisk together the zest and juice from the lemon and the lime. Whisk in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger, and season with the black pepper.

Combine

In a separate bowl combine the avocado, chopped shallot, and season with a dash of lime juice. Mash lightly with a fork and set aside.

Marinate

Place the tuna steak in a plastic bag and pour the marinade over. Seal the bag and let it stand at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.

Sear

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet on MED-HIGH. Pat dry the tuna steaks with paper towels and place them in the hot skillet. Sear for 1 minute, then carefully flip over and sear for another minute.

Slice

Transfer the cooked tuna to a cutting board and thinly slice.

Assemble

Place the tortilla wraps on a clean surface. Spread the avocado over. Top with the sliced tuna.

Garnish

Garnish with coriander leaves, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges.

DEVOUR!

Tips & Tricks to Making Perfect Seared Tuna Tacos

Choose tuna that smells clean and slightly briny, not fishy.
When zesting your lemon and lime, take care only to scrape off the outermost layer of the skin.
Sear your tuna on very high heat for just about a minute per side to seal in the juices.
Let the tuna rest before slicing to redistribute the juices.

Seared Tuna Tacos (Delicious!) below image

FAQs

Can I use canned tuna for this recipe?

Although you can use canned tuna if you’re in a bind, just be aware it won’t have that fresh flavor and firm texture that we’re really going for here.

What if I can’t handle it too spicy?

If you’re more of a ‘mild salsa’ person, just skip or take it easy with the ginger and black pepper.

Any other fun tweaks I can make to this recipe?

Try other seafoods, like salmon or even shrimp. For greens, ditch the coriander and sub in basil or mint. Add some heat with sliced jalapenos or give it a different crunch with diced radishes or shredded cabbage.

Can I make this without a griddle or skillet?

If you can’t get your hands on a griddle or skillet, no worries. You can still sear your tuna in a heavy-bottomed frying pan over HIGH heat.

Serving Suggestions

I like to pair these tacos with a crisp side salad or a refreshing coleslaw. But if that’s not your thing, try them with grilled veggies, sweet potato fries, or even a light gazpacho. Don’t forget a cold glass of a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Margarita to complete the feast.

how to prep and store your tuna tacos

You can make the avocado goodness and marinade ahead of time. When you’re done, keep them in the fridge (separately, of course) until you’re ready to cook. Bundle any leftovers in the fridge. They should last for two days, just make sure to keep them in an airtight container. To heat them back up, play it gentle. Either a quick warm-up in a skillet or a zap in the microwave will do fine.

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