Seared Ahi Tuna Salad with Miso Ginger Dressing

What can I say but YUM! Ahi tuna is one of my favorite things and you can get it at Kroger in their frozen section for a very good price. I topped this delicious salad with a traditional miso ginger dressing, which I have been trying to make forever. Although it is not completely like the restaurants I think I am getting close. As a note, you can find miso in the international section of most grocery stores in a bottle on the shelf.

For the cocktail lover: If you would like to enjoy a cocktail when making this salad save the juice from the mandarin oranges and mix it with any liquor you have in your house! Gin or vodka works best, tequila probably would not be bad either! I just put the juice and a shot of vodka in a shaker with ice and poured a nice martini…mmmmm!

Ahi Tuna Salad

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 tbs peanut oil, olive oil will work fine

1 large ahi tuna steak

2 tbs toasted sesame seeds

2 cup mixed greens, or greens of your choice

½ cup frozen, shelled edamame, cooked to package directions

¾ cup shredded carrots

1 can mandarin oranges in juice, drained (save the juice and see above)

½ cup Chinese crunchy noodles

Directions

1. 1.     Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Coat the ahi tuna steak in sesame seeds. Once the oil is hot put the steak in the oil and sear on both sides, about 3 minutes a side.
2. 2.     Divide the greens among 2 plates and evenly top with edamame, carrots, and oranges. Top with the tuna, noodles, and dressing (recipe follows). 

Miso Ginger Dressing

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

1/4 cup peanut oil

1/4 cup rice vinegar

4 tablespoons miso, yellow or white

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 carrots, roughly chopped

1 inch long piece fresh ginger, cut into coins

Salt and pepper

Directions

Put all ingredients except salt and pepper into a food processor and run for a minute or so, until mixture is chunky-smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.