
Caribbean Seared Tuna with Passion Fruit-Ginger Mojo, Breadfruit Purée, and Cucumber Salad with Toasted Coconut
An original Caribbean-inspired recipe featuring quickly seared tuna loins with a bright passion fruit, ginger, and garlic mojo. It is served over silky breadfruit purée and paired with a fresh cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and toasted coconut salad for a tropical, citrusy, and aromatic contrast.
Ingredients
- 680 g fresh tuna loins (cut en 4 porciones)
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 120 ml passion fruit pulp (with semillas if desired)
- 45 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 12 g fresh ginger (grated fino)
- 9 g garlic (chopped fino)
- 15 ml honey (for equilibrar the acidez)
- 40 g sweet pepper (chopped muy fino)
- 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
- 700 g breadfruit (pelado and diced)
- 30 g butter (for the puree)
- 180 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
- 250 g cucumber (en medias lunas finas)
- 80 g red onion (en pluma fina)
- 15 ml rice vinegar (for the ensalada)
- 25 g unsweetened shredded coconut (for tostar)
- 750 ml water (approx. for cocer the panapén)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Season the tuna loins with 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt and the black pepper. Let them rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining elements.
- 2
2. In a bowl, mix the passion fruit pulp, lime juice, ginger, garlic, honey, sweet pepper, 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt, and half of the cilantro. Set this mojo aside.
- 3
3. Place the breadfruit in a pot with the water and 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat for 15 to 18 minutes until very tender. Drain well.
- 4
4. Transfer the cooked breadfruit to a bowl and mash or blend it with the butter and coconut milk until smooth. Adjust with an extra pinch of salt if needed. Keep warm.
- 5
5. In a small dry skillet, toast the shredded coconut over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant. Remove immediately so it does not burn.
- 6
6. In another bowl, combine the cucumber, red onion, rice vinegar, 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, the remaining cilantro, and the toasted coconut. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes.
- 7
7. Heat a large skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot. If you prefer to finish the tuna in the oven, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), though this is usually unnecessary.
- 8
8. Add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil to the skillet and sear the tuna for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness. If the loins are especially thick, transfer them to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- 9
9. Let the tuna rest for 2 minutes, then brush or spoon some of the passion fruit-ginger mojo over it.
- 10
10. Serve a base of breadfruit purée on each plate, place the seared tuna on top, spoon over more mojo, and serve with the cucumber, red onion, and toasted coconut salad on the side.
Chef tips
For the best sear, pat the tuna very dry with paper towels before seasoning. The breadfruit purée should be silky but still hold its shape; if you want it looser, add a bit more coconut milk. Serve the mojo at room temperature to keep it bright and fresh.
Substitutions
You can substitute the tuna with swordfish or mahi mahi. If breadfruit is unavailable, use cooked cassava or taro for a different purée. The honey can be replaced with agave syrup, and the rice vinegar with mild apple cider vinegar.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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