Tender, succulent tuna braised in a fragrant coconut milk broth – this dish is a delightful departure from the usual grilled or seared preparations. Imagine flaky, melt-in-your-mouth tuna infused with the rich creaminess of coconut milk, subtly spiced with hints of ginger and garlic. The subtle sweetness of the coconut perfectly complements the delicate flavor of the tuna, creating a harmonious blend that's both satisfying and surprisingly sophisticated. This recipe is surprisingly easy to execute, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy marinades; this braised tuna recipe is incredibly straightforward yet delivers exceptional results. The simple yet flavorful broth transforms ordinary tuna steaks into a culinary masterpiece. Ready to transform your tuna dinner? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this delicious dish.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Bowl
- Pot
Ingredients
- Tuna: 400g
- Chili peppers: 4
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Shallots: 5
- Fresh coconut: 1
- Sugar: 1 spoon
- MSG: 1 teaspoon
- Ground pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Caramel water: 1.5 spoons
- Cooking oil
- Green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Tuna and Marinade
- Gut and cut the tuna into 2-3cm thick strips. Wash and drain.
- Pound the chili peppers slightly in a mortar and pestle.
- Finely crush the shallots and garlic in the mortar and pestle.
- Marinate the fish with half of the crushed garlic, sugar, MSG, pepper, salt, fish sauce, and caramel water for 20 minutes.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Braise the Tuna
- Heat cooking oil in a pot. Add the remaining crushed garlic, shallots, and chili peppers. Fry until golden and fragrant.
- Add the marinated fish to the pot. Stir evenly to ensure both sides are firm.
- Add 300ml of fresh coconut water. Cover and cook on high heat for 5 minutes.
- Season to taste. Flip the fish to ensure even coloring and absorption of braising liquid. Reduce heat to medium and continue braising.
Step 3. Finish and Serve
- Reduce heat to low and add green onions. Cook for 1 minute.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Crushing the garlic and shallots instead of chopping them makes the braised dish more delicious.
- Stirring the fish evenly prevents it from becoming fishy and ensures firmness.
- The caramel water adds a beautiful color to the dish. Recipe link is in the description.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tuna instead of fresh tuna steaks?
No, canned tuna has a different texture and won't braise as well. This recipe requires fresh tuna steaks for optimal results.
2. What can I substitute for coconut milk if I have an allergy?
You could try using full-fat cream or even chicken broth for a lighter flavor, but the richness of the coconut milk is key to the dish's flavor profile.
3. How do I know when the tuna is cooked?
The tuna is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking will result in dry tuna, so it's best to slightly undercook it.
This simple braised tuna recipe delivers a surprisingly elegant and flavorful meal with minimal effort. The tender tuna, bathed in creamy coconut milk, is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined perfectly. Enjoy this delicious dish, and don't hesitate to experiment with different spices and aromatics to create your own unique version!