Grilled Tuna Steaks with Strawberry Salsa Recipe

Tuna is flavored with a mixture of basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce. It is grilled and served with fresh strawberry salsa. If you are unable to grill the tuna, you may broil it or pan-sear it in a heavy skillet on the stove-top. Plan ahead to marinate the tuna for 3 to 4 hours.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves
• 2/3 cup mild olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon soy sauce, preferably Kikkoman
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• Strawberry Salsa (recipe link below)
• 4 sprigs fresh basil

Preparation:

Place the basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons hot water in a blender and puree.

Arrange the tuna steaks in a baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the tuna. Cover and marinate for 3 to 4 hours in the refrigerator, turning the steaks occasionally.

Prepare coals for grilling or preheat the broiler. Drain the tuna steaks and grill them over medium-hot coals or broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat until charred on the outside but still pink in the center, about 3 minutes, turning the steaks once. Do not overcook. Remove from the heat and place the steaks on warmed dinner plates.

Spoon the strawberry salsa over the tuna, garnish each with a sprig of basil, and serve immediately.

Yield: 4 entree servings

• Strawberry Salsa Recipe

Recipe Source: Nicole Routhier's Fruit Cookbook by Nicole Routhier (Workman Publishing)
Reprinted with permission.