I came across a rockin’ deal the other day for ahi tuna and I jumped on it. I was in the mood for an Asian flare (I know, so typical for tuna…but still so delicious) and I whipped up an easy marinade.

We are fans of cilantro in this house…I know it’s a love it-or hate-it herb but it pairs well with this fish. If you can’t stand the thought of cilantro, finely chopped 2 green onions for a different flavor variation. I bet this marinade would also be delicious with steak, chicken or tofu as well 🙂

To complete our meal, I roasted winter root vegetables and sweet potatoes for an easy side dish. No real recipe to share since I eyeballed everything — simply cube your favorite vegetables and potatoes — such as parsnips, carrots, turnips, yams, onions– toss them in with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and cilantro (herb is optional). Spread onto a large baking sheet and roast them at 450 for about 45 minutes, stirring once while cooking. (FYI – I also tossed the potato-vegetable mixture with 1/3 cup of sauteed red bell pepper and zucchini I had in the fridge from the night before).

Dinner is served!

Pan-Seared Cilantro-Soy Tuna (adapted from Tyler Florence)

Ingredients

3 Tbsp reduced sodium gluten free soy sauce or Braggs liquid aminos
1 tsp freshly minced ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
juice from 1/2 fresh lime (lemon could also work for a different flavor)
handful of cilantro leaves (about 1/4 cup), chopped
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp grapeseed oil (or other neutral oil), divided
dash of crushed red pepper flakes
2 ahi tuna steaks (about 5-6 oz)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients except for tuna. Stir to combine.
2. In a baking dish (I used a loaf pan), add tuna steaks and pour marinade over the fish. Flip over so both sides are coated. Let sit for 8-10 minutes (don’t let sit for too long or the acid will start cooking the fish)
3. Heat the remaining one teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat. Lay tuna in pan and sear for 1 minute to 90 secs on each side (depending on how pink you want it inside). Serve while warm and enjoy!

Serves 2 (can be doubled or tripled)