I was strolling the aisles of Aldi(as I do), and I came across some Ahi Tuna in the freezer section. Now, normally I don’t purchase frozen fish as I like it fresh from the counter, however, I’d heard good reviews from the Aldi Facebook groups I’m in(Yes, I’m an Aldi nerd) , so I decided to give it a try. It was perfection! It was so easy to thaw and only took 2 minutes to cook! I came up with an easy citrus soy marinade/dressing for the salad and with some quick pickled cukes, we were on our way to one of the easiest dinners I’ve ever made! Add this one to your list when you need that busy night option!
Ahi Tuna Salad with Mandarin Soy Vinaigrette & Quick Pickled Cukes
2
servings30
minutes2
minutesIngredients
2 2 Small Ahi Tuna Steaks
2 Tbsp 2 Toasted Sesame Seeds
2 Tbsp 2 Black Sesame Seeds
*For the Vinaigrette*
1/2 cup 1/2 Canola Oil
2-3 Tbsp 2-3 Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos
2-3 Tbsp 2-3 Rice Wine Vinegar
2 2 Mandarins, Juiced
2 tsp 2 Honey
1 1 Clove Garlic, Grated
1 tsp 1 Minced Ginger
1 tsp 1 Toasted Sesame Oil
S&P to Taste
*For the Pickled Cucumber*
1/2 cup 1/2 Rice Wine Vinegar
1/2 cup 1/2 Water
3 3 Mini Cucumbers, Sliced
*For the remaining salad fixin’s*
1 1 Avocado, Sliced
1/2 lb 1/2 Mixed Greens
Additional crunch of choice(I used watermelon radish)
Directions
- To begin, thaw your tuna steaks if needed. Mix all ingredients for your vinaigrette in a mason jar and shake well to emulsify. In a small container, add your tuna steaks and pour about a 1/4 of your vinaigrette over your tuna to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to a couple hours. I marinated mine for about 1 and 1/2 hours. Do not marinate longer than 2 hours to prevent your steaks from breaking down
- Slice cucumbers and add to another mason jar with rice vinegar and water. Shake well and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes
- In a shallow bowl, add your sesame seeds and toss to combine. Remove your tuna steaks from the marinade and place in the bowl to coat all over with the sesame seeds
- Preheat a cast iron skillet on high. Add a high smoke point oil, such as grape seed oil or avocado oil. Once your oil is shimmering, add your tuna steaks. Sear for 1 minute per side and about 20 seconds on each edge for a perfect rare tuna steak
- Remove from skillet and rest while you prepare the rest of your salad
- To build your salad, add mixed greens to your platter and toss about 1/4 cup of the dressing in the greens. Top with sliced avocado, pickled cukes and any other toppings you desire.
- Slice tuna steak into thin slices and lay out in the center of your salad. It’s time to DIVE IN!
Notes
- If you prefer a more well done tuna steak, just add additional time on each side in the skillet.
Yes. Will try. I’ll check in my Aldi store. I’m an ALDI girl too…