Ahi Tuna with Pine Nuts

Normally, sesame seed is a good ingredient for encrusting seared ahi tuna, but I didn't have any and used pine nuts and flax seeds instead.

IT WAS THE BOMB!!!! Sear some pine nuts and taste for yourself. The flavor just explodes and totally compliments the ahi like no other. 

Seriously. Easy. Fast. Delicious. 

Simply mix the marinade. 

Mix nuts and seeds to coat the tuna.

Sear on a super hot griddle.

Let some of the nuts get over browned.

Rest the tuna; then slice it.

I paired the tuna with grilled mango and used some of the mango from pit trimming to make a quick chutney* to top the tuna. (recipe below)

Pine Nut Encrusted Ahi Tuna 

Ingredients

• 1 Ahi tuna steak
• ¼ cup ponzu
• ¼ cup wasabi sauce
• ¼ cup sesame seed oil, for marinade and more for searing
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for sprinkling
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• ¼ cup flax seeds
• Balsamic glaze, or a mango chutney

Instructions

1. Whisk ponzu, wasabi sauce, oil, and paprika in a bowl.
2. Place tuna into marinade mixture, flipping it to allow the marinade to get into the fish on all sides. 
3. Heat the griddle on high, adding sesame seed oil. Allow the heat to get hot.
4. Mix seeds and nuts on a plate. 
5. Roll the tuna into the seeds and nuts to coat.
6. Sear the tuna for one minute on all sides but not on the ends. 
7. Let the tuna rest, then hold firmly to slice. 
8. Top with a balsamic glaze or chutney. 

*Quick Mango Chutney

1/2 Cup cubed mango

1/4 cup mango vinaigrette

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1. Mix vinaigrette, pepper, and paprika in small saucepan.
2. Heat to almost boil, reduce to simmer. 
3. Add mango, stirring to combine. 
4. Simmer for one minute, remove from heat. 
5. Pour onto fish, chicken, etc. 

Have fun and enjoy!