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Tuna Tartare

A restaurant-quality raw tuna appetizer dressed with citrus, soy, and sesame that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Fusion, Japanese-inspired
Calories: 95

Ingredients
  

Tuna Tartare
  • Sashimi-grade ahi tuna 12 ounces, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
  • Extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons
  • Fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons
  • Fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon
  • Soy sauce 1 tablespoon
  • Sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon
  • Shallot 1 small, minced very fine
  • Kosher salt to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Sriracha or chili paste 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Fresh chives 1 tablespoon, chopped
  • Sesame seeds 1 teaspoon, toasted
  • Microgreens or fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Small offset spatula or palette knife
  • Serving spoons or small ice cream scoops
  • Zester or microplane grater
  • Plate or serving board

Method
 

  1. Place your cutting board and chef's knife in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill.
  2. Inspect the sashimi-grade tuna for freshness, then pat dry and keep refrigerated until ready to cut.
  3. Using the chilled knife, dice the tuna into 1/4-inch cubes in one clean motion per cut, wiping the blade between slices.
  4. In a small mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil to form a light dressing (about 30 seconds).
  5. Add diced tuna, minced shallot, and optional sriracha to the bowl and fold gently 10–15 times until every cube is lightly coated.
  6. Season with kosher salt and black pepper a pinch at a time, tasting after each addition until balanced.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the tartare for 5–10 minutes to let flavors meld while you chill serving plates.
  8. Portion the tartare onto chilled plates with an ice cream scoop, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped chives, and microgreens immediately before serving.

Notes

Keep all tools and ingredients as cold as possible and serve the tartare within 15 minutes of plating for optimum texture and food safety.