There are some nights when we simply need a nutritious meal that we can plate up in a matter of minutes. Seared Ahi Tuna is one of my favorite meals to whip up on a busy night.
When pairing wine with Ahi Tuna, there are many varietals that make a good partner. Ahi is a pretty dense, fatty fish, that requires a wine with vibrant acidity. I am opting for an off-dry Riesling to accentuate the five-spice powder on the Ahi. Like many other dishes, you want to focus on the spices and sauces when pairing wines. The best Rieslings in the world come from Germany, particularly from the regions of Mosel and Rheingau. The steep slate slopes add a minerality that can’t be found anywhere else. Riesling is also known for its piercing acidity that make it an incredible partner with an array of dishes.
For an affordable weeknight pairing under $15, here are a few recommended producers.
Recommended Producers
- High-Def Riesling, Mosel, Germany (SRP: $12)
- Dr. Loosen Dr. L” Riesling, Mosel, Germany (SRP: $13)
- Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (SRP: $14)
Recipe: Seared Ahi Tuna
Ingredients
2 6-oz ahi tuna steaks
2 tsp. olive oil
2 tsp. of five-spice powder
1 tsp. of sea salt
Directions
Pat dry tuna steaks. Brush tuna with olive oil and add five-spice powder and sea salt. Heat cast-iron skillet over high heat with a tsp. of light cooking olive oil until very hot. Sear tuna for about 1 minute and a half on each side for medium rare. Slice tuna and place over a bed of greens or mixed veggies.
