Blackened Tuna Bites with Cajun Mustard Recipe
Overview:
This delightful dish of Blackened Tuna Bites with Cajun Mustard is perfect whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or an impressive appetizer to kick off a meal. Inspired by a local New Jersey restaurant favorite, this recipe promises bold flavors and a satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Blackened Tuna Bites with Cajun Mustard:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | tuna steaks |
| 3-4 tbsp | olive oil |
| 1/4 cup | sour cream |
| 1/2 cup | mayonnaise |
| 1/2 cup | spicy mustard |
| 1 1/2 tsp | horseradish |
| 1 tsp | paprika |
| 2 tbsp | Cajun blackening seasoning |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Cajun Mustard:
- In a small saucepan, combine the spicy mustard, sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, and paprika.
- Stir the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle boil.
- Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
-
Cook the Blackened Tuna:
- Cut the tuna steaks into large bite-sized pieces.
- Coat each piece generously with Cajun blackening seasoning, ensuring all sides are covered.
-
Sear the Tuna:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot but not smoking.
- Carefully add the seasoned tuna pieces to the skillet.
- Sear each piece for about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the pieces, until the exterior is blackened and crispy, and the inside is slightly pink (avoid overcooking for best results).
-
Serve:
- Immediately transfer the blackened tuna bites to a serving platter.
- Serve hot, accompanied by the prepared Cajun Mustard sauce for dipping or drizzling.
-
Optional Variation:
- Instead of tuna, you can also prepare this dish with peeled jumbo shrimp following the same seasoning and cooking instructions for a delicious seafood alternative.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 341.1 per serving
- Fat Content: 20.4g
- Saturated Fat: 5.4g
- Cholesterol: 67.4mg
- Sodium: 132.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 1.9g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 1.3g
- Protein: 35.9g
Tips for Success:
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough to achieve a good sear on the tuna without overcooking the interior.
- Adjust the spiciness of the Cajun Mustard by varying the amount of horseradish or adding a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Serve the dish immediately after cooking to enjoy the tuna at its freshest and most flavorful.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even a side of rice pilaf. For appetizer servings, consider arranging the tuna bites on skewers with colorful vegetable garnishes for an eye-catching presentation.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of restaurant-inspired cuisine at home, these Blackened Tuna Bites with Cajun Mustard are sure to impress. The combination of bold Cajun flavors with perfectly seared tuna creates a dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Enjoy this recipe and share it with friends and family to spread the joy of good food! 🍽️
