Turks and Caicos Tuna Sandwich

Ingredients

In the original Spanish Bocadillo de atún, the tuna is typically marinated in olive oil, vinegar, and paprika. However, in this adaptation for the cuisine of the Turks and Caicos Islands, we have incorporated Caribbean spices and lime juice to infuse the tuna with a tropical twist. Additionally, the slaw in the original recipe is replaced with a vibrant mix of local tropical fruits and vegetables to enhance the island flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Bocadillo de atún, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh tuna steaks 500g (1.1 lb) fresh tuna steaks
• Juice of 2 limes Juice of 2 limes
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 soft buns 4 soft buns
• 1 cup shredded cabbage 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 ripe mango, diced 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Plantain chips, for serving Plantain chips, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the lime juice, minced garlic, allspice, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the tuna is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the tuna from the marinade and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, diced mango, sliced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, mayonnaise, and lime juice. Mix well to create the slaw.
6. 6.
   Slice the soft buns in half and lightly toast them.
7. 7.
   Spread a generous amount of the slaw on the bottom half of each bun.
8. 8.
   Slice the grilled tuna into thin strips and place them on top of the slaw.
9. 9.
   Cover with the top half of the bun.
10. 10.
    Serve the Turks and Caicos Tuna Sandwich with a side of plantain chips.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tuna — Ensure you choose fresh tuna steaks for the best flavor and texture. If fresh tuna is not available, you can use frozen tuna steaks, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly before marinating.
• Mango — Select a ripe mango for its sweet and juicy flavor. To easily dice the mango, slice off the sides, score the flesh in a crisscross pattern, and then scoop out the diced pieces with a spoon.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the marinade.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the slaw.
• Experiment with different types of buns, such as brioche or ciabatta, to add a unique twist to the sandwich.
• If plantain chips are not available, you can serve the sandwich with sweet potato fries or yuca chips.
• To add a refreshing element, squeeze some extra lime juice over the grilled tuna before assembling the sandwich.

Serving advice

Serve the Turks and Caicos Tuna Sandwich with a side of plantain chips and a refreshing tropical fruit salad for a complete island-inspired meal. It pairs well with a cold glass of passion fruit iced tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the sandwich with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a lime wedge. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a vibrant island-themed plate to capture the essence of the Turks and Caicos Islands.