This might be the easiest recipe in the book and one you’ll pull out over and over again for its ease and deliciousness. All you need are a few good ingredients and a hot grill. When it comes to buying fresh tuna, the species, or even the bright red color, is not necessarily an indicator of quality. In fact, fatty tuna, which is more desirable, is often paler but of no lesser quality. Fresh tuna is shiny, bright, and redolent of the ocean; it should talk to you. The Provençal vinaigrette is a full-flavored condiment you’ll want to have on hand—always! Use it on everything from grilled fish to crostini and sandwiches. If you want to serve the tuna with another side dish, Sautéed Broccoli Rabe (page 192) is a good choice.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Pat the tuna dry with paper towels and rub with 2 tablespoons of the oil. Sprinkle both sides of the tuna with a fair amount of salt and pepper—you should see the seasoning on the fish. Coat the onions in the remaining tablespoon of oil and season them with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Preheat an outdoor gas or charcoal grill until very hot or put a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the tuna steaks on the grill and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, rotating halfway through cooking to “mark” them. As the tuna cooks, the red meat will become whiter; grill for a total of 5 to 6 minutes for medium-rare. A minute or two before the tuna is cooked, toss the spring onions on the grill and char them, turning often so they soften a bit but don’t burn.
Step 3
To serve, transfer the tuna to a cutting board and cut on a slight angle into 1-inch slices. Fan the pieces on 4 dinner plates, spoon the vinaigrette on top, and serve the spring onions on the side.
