Asian Ahi Tuna Panini Recipes

SEARED AHI TUNA WITH ASIAN SLAW

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the cabbages, green beans, red bell pepper, pickled ginger, and cilantro. Cover and refrigerate.
• In a small saucepan heat the canola oil to 325 degrees F and carefully fry the wonton strips for 3 to 4 seconds, until golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the strips to a paper towel to drain. Set aside.
• For the dressing:
• In a blender or food processor, blend together the ginger, green onion, garlic, and cilantro.
• For the Tuna:
• Coat the tuna with the oil and season with the salt and pepper. On a plate scatter the sesame seeds and press the tuna into the seeds on both sides, gently shaking off the excess.
• Heat a large grill or saute pan over high heat and sear the tuna for 3 minutes on each side. Remove the fish from the pan and let rest for several minutes before slicing. The tuna will be medium-rare.
• Toss the vegetables with half of the dressing and mix well. Add half of the wonton strips and gently combine. Mound the slaw onto a platter or indivisual plates. Place the sliced tuna on top of the salad and drizzle the remaining dressing on top. Garnish with the remaining wonton strips.

ASIAN AHI TUNA PANINI

Steps:

• In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and wasabi powder until well blended, then stir in green onion; set aside.
• Rub the tuna steaks with 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil, then sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the five-spice powder.
• Let the wasabi mayonnaise and the tuna steaks stand for 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to blend, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1hour; if refrigerating, return to room temperature before grilling the tuna and assembling the panini.
• Preheat the sandwich grill.
• Arrange the tuna steaks in the grill, close the top plate and cook until seared on the outside and about 1/4 inch into the interior, 8-10 minutes (time may be less, so watch closely).
• Transfer immediately to a plate; leave the grill on and clean the grill plates.
• Place the rolls, cut side down, on a work surface and brush the crust sides with the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder.
• Turn and spread the wasabi mayonnaise on the cut side of each roll, then layer 1 tuna steak, half of the pickled ginger, and half of the watercress over the mayonnaise on the bottom half of each roll.
• Cover with the top halves of the rolls, mayo side down, and press to pack gently.
• Place the panini on the grill, close the top plate, and cook until the bread is golden and toasted, the ginger and tuna are warmed through, and the watercress is just slightly wilted, 2-4 minutes.
• The tuna should not cook much further; place on warmed plates and serve at once.