Herb Encrusted Carpaccio Of Tuna Recipes

HERB CRUSTED SEARED TUNA WITH WASABI MAYONNAISE AND GINGER CONFIT ON ENDIVE

Steps:

• Have tuna sliced as thick as possible cutting against the grain into 1 1/2-inch rectangular pieces. Rub the fish with olive oil and roll in thyme, peppercorns, salt, and pepper. On a very hot grill sear the fish on each side for 30 seconds to 1 minute depending upon the desired doneness. Set aside and slice into 1-inch thick pieces.
• For wasabi mayonnaise, start with 1 tablespoon of wasabi powder mixed with mayonnaise and add more, if desired, to taste.
• Slice ginger into very thin sticks about 1-inch long. Place ginger, sugar, water and lemon juice into heavy saucepan and reduce to thick syrup. Be careful not to boil past medium ball state.
• On individual washed white endive leaves place fish. Garnish with wasabi mayonnaise that has been put in a squeeze bottle and finish with a few pieces of ginger confit.

AHI TUNA CARPACCIO WITH BASIL PESTO FETTUCCINE AND HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

Steps:

• Make Tomato Water
• In electric juicer, juice tomatoes. (Alternatively, purée tomatoes with 1/2 cup water in blender or food processor until liquid.)
• Line sieve with double layer of cheesecloth and set over large bowl. Pour tomato juice/purée into sieve and sprinkle with kosher salt. Refrigerate until tomato water has drained completely, at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Make Heirloom Tomato Salad
• Cut each tomato into 16 wedges, place in large bowl, and generously season with salt and pepper. In medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and shallots. Pour half of mixture over tomatoes, tossing gently to coat. Keep at room temperature, allowing tomatoes to marinate, at least 20 minutes and up to 1 hour.
• Make Tuna
• Lay a long strip of plastic wrap on work surface and brush with olive oil. Place 1 tuna slice on plastic and brush with olive oil. Top with another sheet of plastic wrap.
• Using flat meat mallet or heavy-bottom sauté pan, gently pound tuna starting in the middle and working to outside edges in circular motion. Continue working until tuna is about 1/8 inch thick. Repeat with remaining tuna. Stack tuna slices (leave in plastic) on plate and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Make Fettuccine
• Fill large bowl with ice cubes and water. Have strainer ready in sink. Bring medium pot of water to boil. Add pinch (1/16 teaspoon) of kosher salt and allow to dissolve. Lower basil leaves into water and stir 1 minute. Pour into strainer, then immediately plunge into ice bath to stop cooking. Once leaves are completely cool, drain and dry between layers of paper towel, pressing thoroughly.
• Coarsely chop basil. In blender on high speed, purée basil, garlic, pine nuts, and 2 cups olive oil until smooth. Scrape down sides of blender and add additional oil as needed to achieve smooth purée. Pour into small bowl and stir in cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• In large pot of boiling salted water, boil fettuccine until al dente. While fettucine is cooking, fill large bowl with ice and tomato water. Drain fettuccine in colander, then submerge in iced tomato water to stop cooking and add additional flavor. Gently stir until well chilled. Drain well and place in large bowl. Toss with pesto and garnish with additional grated cheese as desired.
• Assemble dishes
• Carefully remove top layer of plastic from each tuna carpaccio and invert onto large chilled plate. Generously season with salt and pepper. Use 8 tomato wedges to form a circle around tuna. Use fork to twirl fettuccine into small, tight bunches and place in center of each tomato circle, on top of tuna. Garnish with sprigs of watercress and drizzle with remaining balsamic vinegar mixture and any pesto left in bottom of fettuccine bowl.