Honduran-style Tuna with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Tonno alla stemperata to Honduran cuisine, we incorporate traditional Honduran chili peppers into the spicy tomato sauce to add a distinct heat and flavor profile. Additionally, we marinate the tuna in lime juice and garlic, which are commonly used in Honduran cuisine to enhance the freshness and tanginess of seafood dishes. We alse have the original recipe for Tonno alla stemperata, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh tuna steaks 500g (1.1 lb) fresh tuna steaks
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 Honduran chili peppers, seeded and finely chopped 2 Honduran chili peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and Honduran chili peppers. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes and water to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and the sauce has thickened.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, remove the tuna steaks from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels.
6. 6.
   Heat a separate skillet over high heat. Add the tuna steaks and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
7. 7.
   Transfer the seared tuna steaks to the skillet with the spicy tomato sauce. Gently simmer for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Honduran-style tuna with spicy tomato sauce garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tuna — Make sure to choose fresh tuna steaks for the best flavor and texture. If fresh tuna is not available, you can use frozen tuna steaks, but thaw them completely before marinating.
• Honduran chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder sauce, use fewer chili peppers or remove the seeds before chopping.
• Tomatoes — Opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes for a flavorful sauce. If fresh tomatoes are not in season, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice over the finished dish before serving.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the spicy tomato sauce using a blender or food processor.
• Serve the Honduran-style tuna with steamed rice or boiled yuca for a complete meal.
• If you can't find Honduran chili peppers, you can substitute them with other spicy peppers like jalapenos or serranos.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers to the sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Honduran-style tuna with spicy tomato sauce as a main course. Plate the tuna steaks and spoon the sauce over them. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place the seared tuna steaks on a bed of steamed rice or boiled yuca. Drizzle some of the spicy tomato sauce around the plate and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of sliced avocado for added creaminess.