Tuna steak
What are the greatest recipes deriving from traditional Mediterranean seafaring? Well, there are many delicious dishes, all tasty and healthy, that come from this huge sea of teeming life which has been so fundamental to the lives of all the people living near it, and who understand profoundly the traditions associated with it. Today, so as not to forget our immense good fortune in this resource, we are going to make a specialty of the islands of Sicily and Sardinia in particular: a gorgeous tuna steak, the main character of all the most popular festivals in vogue in these regions, and which we will dress in an imaginative and flavourful way. Are you ready to create flavour and originality for your dining table by making one of the most traditional fish recipes of Italian cuisine? If you follow our tips you will stun and impress your guests!
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
With a suitable knife for cutting meat and fish (I prefer Yanagi-ba knives) portion your tuna steak and sprinkle with whole sea salt. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and crush together some basil, olives and capers with a pestle and mortar. Heat about a finger and a half depth of oil in a frying pan and plunge in the tuna steaks. You'll have to cook them for about 30 seconds on each side on a high heat so that they are seared brown on the outside but remain raw inside. Once nicely browned, remove them from the pan and let them rest on some paper towels. Meanwhile, add to the remaining oil - which contains all the flavour from the tuna - the tomatoes and the mashed up basil, capers and olives, sauté well and sprinkle with a dash of wine. Salt and sweeten to taste and remove from the heat when you see that the juices begin to thicken into a sauce. Cut the tuna into not-too-thin slices, and arrange them like a fan on a long narrow plate. Serve the slices smeared with the tomato sauce.
Step by step
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Cut the tomatoes into segments
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Add some coarse sea salt to both sides of the tuna fillet
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Coarsely chop the olives
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Heat some olive oil and then briefly brown the tuna on both sides
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Once the tuna is seared, remove it from the pan and let it rest on some kitchen paper. In the meantime, make the sauce by putting the tomatoes in the frying pan where you cooked the tuna
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Add the olives and a dash of white wine to the sauce in the pan
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The tuna steaks with cherry tomatoes and olives are ready!
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Additional information
Tuna Tagliata with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Pesto
One of the tastiest variations of Tuna Tagliata includes the addition of fresh cherry tomatoes and a delicious basil pesto, capers, and olives. This preparation enhances the flavors of the fish, creating a fresh and colorful dish, perfect for summer. To make this recipe, it is essential to use high-quality cherry tomatoes, which bring sweetness and acidity, perfectly balancing the intense flavor of the tuna. The pesto, made with fresh basil, Taggiasca olives, and capers, adds a touch of savoriness that makes every bite even more appetizing. Serve the Tuna Tagliata with cherry tomatoes as a main course, paired with a good white wine, and you will impress your guests with a dish that combines simplicity and refinement.
Sardinian Tuna Tagliata with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The Sardinian Tuna Tagliata is a preparation that best expresses the flavors of the sea of Sardinia. In this variation, the tuna is enhanced by the use of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a fundamental ingredient of Sardinian cuisine. To achieve perfect cooking, the tuna must be quickly seared over high heat, keeping the center raw and juicy. The extra virgin olive oil not only enriches the dish with its aroma and flavor but also helps preserve the freshness of the tuna. This recipe is ideal for those who want to enjoy a fish dish that reflects the culinary traditions of the island, perfect for a summer dinner outdoors.
Light Tuna Tagliata with Grilling
For those looking for a lighter alternative, the Light Tuna Tagliata is the ideal choice. In this version, the tuna is grilled instead of pan-fried, thus reducing the use of oil and maintaining the benefits of the fish. Grilling gives the tuna a smoky flavor and a juicy texture without weighing down the dish. Additionally, it is possible to accompany the tagliata with a light sauce made of lemon and pepper, to further enhance the taste of the tuna without adding unnecessary calories. This preparation is perfect for those following a balanced diet but who do not want to give up the pleasure of a good fish dish.
Nutritional Benefits of Tuna Tagliata and Approximate Calories
The Tuna Tagliata is a dish rich in health benefits, thanks to the high protein content and omega-3 fatty acids present in tuna. These nutrients are important for the proper functioning of the heart and brain, helping to keep cholesterol levels in check. Additionally, tuna is a source of B vitamins, which support energy metabolism. In terms of calories, a serving of Tuna Tagliata (about 150 grams) provides approximately 200-250 calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice for a light lunch or dinner. It is advisable to pair the dish with fresh vegetable side dishes for an even more balanced meal.
Can Tuna Tagliata be Frozen?
The question of whether Tuna Tagliata can be frozen is common among those who love to prepare this dish. In general, fresh tuna is a fish that can be frozen, but it is essential to do so before cooking to preserve quality and flavor. If you have prepared a cooked Tuna Tagliata, it is advisable to consume it fresh to fully enjoy its texture and flavors. However, if you wish to freeze it, make sure to do so in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. Once thawed, the tuna can be reused in salads or other preparations, although its quality may be slightly affected.