Sesame Seared-Tuna with Mango Jicama Salad

[Ari White, whom we interviewed on our internet radio show this past Wednesday, has graciously allowed us to re-post one of his incredibly delicious recipes. It first appeared on May 22, 2011 on Gourmet Kosher Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ahi Tuna – sushi grade
• 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
• Canola oil for searing
• 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled, seeded and diced
• 1 medium jicama, peeled and diced
• 1/2 lime juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Combine the mango, jicama and lime juice in a bowl; season with salt & pepper to taste.
2. Pat your tuna dry and then cut the loin into 2-inch x 2-inch square segments the length of the loin (or shorter based on your pan size) for appetizer-size portions, or larger for entree portions. Season with salt and pepper and then roll the tuna in white sesame seeds coating as much of the loin as is possible.
   (Chef Andy’s note***Then wrap the tuna loins tightly in plastic wrap and freeze 3 hours – 3 weeks in advance*** When cooking only one loin this may not be entirely necessary, but when producing in mass as we do it regularly; this trick guarantees that every single loin stays perfectly pink and beautiful in the center while allowing for a flawless crust to develop on the outside… it’s idiot proof.)
3. Heat your pan (we love cast iron skillets, but a non-stick will work as well) for a few minutes until scorching hot. Drizzle oil in the pan and sear each side for 30-45 seconds; then set aside. We like the center raw, not rare, raw which requires only the best sushi grade tuna available. (At this point you can either slice and serve your tuna, or wrap it up tightly where it will hold in a fridge for up to 36 hours. When ready to serve, slice the tuna against the grain and present over the mango & jicama salad.
4. Garnish with a smoked garlic aioli (or a spicy mayonnaise) and top with  cilantro.

by Chef Andy Blackman and Ari White, Gemstone Catering

Enjoy, gentle reader, enjoy!