Grilled Albacore, Sesame Ponzu

Grilled Albacore with Sesame Ponzu
Cucumber, Fresh Herbs, Serrano Chile

Albacore offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s much more delicate than other tunas. Grilling enhances its natural savoriness while letting its clean taste shine. The loin is firm yet tender, and just 60 seconds per side is enough to create a beautifully seared crust while leaving the center silky and moist.

A simple four-ingredient sesame ponzu brings umami, citrus, and depth. And even when grilled for only two minutes, the fish still picks up a bold smokiness that adds real character.

Cilantro, mint, and chives keep it vibrant and fresh, serrano chile brings the heat, while crisp cucumber adds texture and a refreshing coolness.

Grilled Albacore Recipe

Albacore

• raw albacore loin, sashimi-quality
• avocado oil
• salt and pepper

Rinse albacore then dry with paper towels. Cut albacore loin into 1 1/2 inch thick slices. Toss lightly with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to grill. The fish should be cold.

Spiralized Cucumber

• english cucumber

I haven’t used my spiralizer in a few years, but it really is a neat gadget, I’m glad I pulled it out for this dish. I usually use the mandoline for thin slices, but this makes such a great presentation and you get the height that you don’t get with slices. The cucumber soaks up the ponzu sauce making tasty refreshing bites with the grilled fish.

Run cucumber through spiralizer on the “angel hair” blade. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Sesame Ponzu

• 1 T. lime juice
• 1 T. soy sauce or low-sodium tamari
• 1 T. dashi
• 1 T. toasted sesame oil

Mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Note: Since only 1 tablespoon of dashi is needed, I use instant dashi granules dissolved in water rather than preparing dashi from scratch.

Fresh Herbs & Serrano Chile

• cilantro
• mint
• chives
• serrano chile

Finely chop equal amounts of the herbs for a generous sprinkling over the dish. Thinly slice a serrano. Set everything aside.

To Grill the Albacore

Heat grill to medium-high. Oil the grates so fish doesn’t stick. Have a timer nearby. Place cold fish on the grill for 60 seconds only. Flip the fish and cook the other side the same. Remove to a platter and let cool for 5 minutes.

To Serve

Pour sesame ponzu over the fish. Arrange spiralized cucumber in the center. Sprinkle the dish with plenty fresh herbs. Place a slice (or more) of chile on each piece of fish. Edible flowers are a nice addition if you have some in your yard next to the BBQ …

MORE ALBACORE RECIPES

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Parisian Albacore Tuna Tartare here

Albacore Tataki, Beluga Lentils, Lemon Soy Emulsion here

Elegant Seared Albacore, Roasted Mushrooms, Demi-Glace here

Flaming Seared Albacore, Peppercorn Brandy Cream Flambé here

Albacore Poke Tostadas, Avocado Crema here

Spicy Albacore Bowl here