If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s both fresh and full of flavor, look no further than Spicy Tuna Crudo! Imagine tender, buttery tuna, thinly sliced and drizzled with a spicy, tangy sauce that perfectly complements its natural sweetness. It’s light, refreshing, and just the right amount of kick. Perfect for impressing your guests, or better yet, treating yourself to a vibrant, no-cook meal. Trust me, this one’s a showstopper!

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Why You’ll Love Spicy Tuna Crudo

This dish is a total game-changer. Here’s why it’s destined to become your new favorite appetizer or light meal:

Fresh and Flavorful: The fresh tuna is the star, and the spicy, zesty sauce adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the delicate fish.
Quick and Easy: If you’re looking for something that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this is it. A few simple ingredients, a sharp knife, and you’re good to go.
Impressive: Even though this dish is simple to make, it’s undeniably sophisticated. Serve it at your next dinner party or special occasion, and everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Light and Refreshing: The clean, fresh flavors of the tuna paired with the bright acidity of the sauce make this dish feel like a breath of fresh air, perfect for warm weather or whenever you need something light but satisfying.
Customizable: Love heat? Add more chili. Prefer a milder version? Skip the spicy mayo and go for a simple soy-sesame drizzle. It’s easy to adjust to your personal taste.

Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients. This dish comes together quickly with just a few key components. No need for anything complicated—just fresh, high-quality tuna and a few pantry staples.

Tuna: The star of the dish. You’ll want sushi-grade tuna to ensure it’s fresh and safe to eat raw.
Chili Oil: Adds heat and a touch of smokiness to the dish. The chili oil really brings the spice factor to life.
Soy Sauce: For that salty umami depth that pairs perfectly with the tuna.
Sesame Oil: Just a little for that nutty flavor that complements the tuna so beautifully.
Sriracha: For a spicy, tangy kick that gives the dish its signature heat.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime adds a bright, citrusy note to balance the richness of the tuna.
Avocado: Creamy avocado adds texture and balances out the spice and acidity.
Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber gives the dish a refreshing crunch.
Scallions: Fresh scallions for a burst of sharpness and color.
Sesame Seeds: These toasted seeds add a little crunch and extra nuttiness.
Microgreens or Cilantro: For garnish, adding color and a fresh finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to the fun part—putting everything together! This dish is all about simplicity and freshness, so follow these easy steps:

Prepare the Tuna: Start by slicing your tuna into thin, bite-sized pieces. A sharp knife is key here, so the tuna slices are clean and smooth. Arrange the tuna slices on a serving plate in a single layer.
Make the Spicy Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the chili oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and lime juice. Taste and adjust if you’d like more heat or more acidity. This is the sauce that will bring all the flavors together!
Assemble the Dish: Drizzle the spicy sauce generously over the tuna slices. You want to make sure every piece gets a little of that flavorful kick.
Add the Toppings: Scatter the thin cucumber slices, diced avocado, and chopped scallions over the tuna. These fresh ingredients add texture and balance to the dish.
Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few microgreens or fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Spicy Tuna Crudo

This dish is a showstopper on its own, but you can pair it with a few things to make it even more special:

Crispy Wontons: Serve with some crispy wonton chips on the side to add texture and a little extra crunch.
Miso Soup: A light miso soup pairs perfectly with this refreshing dish, giving you a bit of warmth alongside the cool, fresh tuna.
Sushi Rice: If you want to turn this into a full meal, serve it alongside sushi rice for a more substantial dish.
Citrusy Salad: A crisp salad with orange segments, mint, and a light dressing is a refreshing sidekick to this tuna crudo.

Additional Tips

Freshness is Key: Since this dish is all about the tuna, make sure you’re using the freshest, highest-quality fish you can find. Sushi-grade tuna is ideal for raw preparations.
Adjust the Heat: If you’re not into super spicy foods, start with a small amount of sriracha and chili oil, then taste and adjust to your liking.
Prep Ahead: The tuna can be sliced ahead of time, but don’t dress it until just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
For a Creamier Touch: If you love avocado, mash some and spread it on the plate before layering the tuna on top. This creates a smooth, creamy base for the crudo.
Storage Tips: This dish is best served immediately, but if you need to store leftovers, keep the tuna covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure not to drizzle the sauce on until you’re ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of fish instead of tuna?
- A1: Yes! You can use salmon or yellowtail if you prefer. Just make sure it’s sushi-grade and fresh.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- A2: It’s best to assemble this dish right before serving to keep the tuna fresh. You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, though.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
- A3: Store the tuna separately in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 24 hours for maximum freshness.
Q4: Can I add other toppings?
- A4: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Thinly sliced radishes, jalapeños, or a drizzle of wasabi mayo would all be delicious.
Q5: How spicy is this dish?
- A5: It has a good amount of heat, but you can control it by adjusting the amount of sriracha and chili oil. For a milder version, you can skip the spicy mayo and just use the soy sauce and sesame oil.
Q6: Can I make this without the avocado?
- A6: Of course! The avocado adds creaminess, but it’s totally optional. You can skip it or try adding another creamy ingredient like a little bit of cream cheese or coconut cream for a twist.
Q7: Can I freeze the tuna for this recipe?
- A7: It’s best to use fresh, never-frozen tuna for this dish, as freezing can change the texture of the fish.
Q8: Can I use a store-bought spicy mayo?
- A8: Yes, if you’re in a pinch, store-bought spicy mayo works perfectly. Just make sure it’s a high-quality one!
Q9: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- A9: Yes! You can skip the tuna and use sliced avocado, cucumber, and a drizzle of soy sauce as the base. It’ll still be delicious!
Q10: How can I make this dish more filling?
- A10: You can serve the spicy tuna crudo over a bed of sushi rice to make it more filling and turn it into a full meal.

Conclusion

This Spicy Tuna Crudo is the perfect way to bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your table in a matter of minutes. It’s a simple yet stunning dish that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a light meal, it’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone coming back for more. So go ahead, treat yourself to something fresh, spicy, and totally delicious! Enjoy!

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Spicy Tuna Crudo

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition