Vietnamese-Style Grilled Tuna with Zesty Nuoc Cham Dressing

Savor the Flavor: A Simple yet Stunning Grilled Tuna Recipe

When it comes to grilling, quality tuna needs minimal fuss to shine. A quick sear on each side, and you’re left with a pescatarian delight that rivals a perfectly cooked rare steak. To take this dish to the next level, we’ll be incorporating a flavorful Vietnamese-inspired dressing, crunchy cold rice noodles, and a refreshing salad.

The Secret to a Successful Grill

To prevent the fish from sticking to the grill, make sure to clean the grates thoroughly before cooking. Use a scraper to remove any residue from previous grilling sessions, and then oil the grill just before adding the tuna.

Flavor-Packed Salad

Our salad is built around a zesty nuoc cham-inspired dressing, which combines the savory flavors of fish sauce, fresh ginger, and lime juice. To make the dressing, whisk together:

  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon grated, peeled fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 medium garlic clove, minced
  • 1 Thai bird chile, stemmed and minced

Slowly add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, whisking until combined. Then, add:

  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 English cucumber, sliced into 1/8-inch-thick rounds

Stir until the vegetables are evenly coated, and set the salad aside.

Grilled Tuna Perfection

For the tuna, you’ll need:

  • 4 (1-inch-thick) sushi-grade tuna steaks (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • Vegetable oil, for oiling the tuna and the grill
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high (about 450°F to 550°F). Pat the tuna dry with paper towels, rub with a thin layer of vegetable oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Grill the tuna for 2 minutes per side, or until dark grill marks appear.

Assembly and Serve

To serve, add 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro to the salad and stir to combine. Divide the salad among 4 plates, and top each plate with a slice of grilled tuna. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped roasted, salted peanuts and serve immediately.

This recipe yields 4 servings, with a total cooking time of 45 minutes. With its bold flavors and refreshing crunch, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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