Delicious tuna tartare garnished with lychees on a plate

Tuna Tartare with Lychees

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Tuna Tartare with Lychees is a refreshing and delightful dish that combines the rich taste of fresh tuna with the sweet and juicy lychee. This dish is perfect for a light appetizer or as a sophisticated starter for any meal. The mix of flavors and textures will impress your guests and make any occasion feel special.

how to make Tuna Tartare with Lychees

Ingredients:

  • 200 g/7oz sashimi grade tuna (or any other sashimi grade fish) (Note 1)
  • 7 lychees, fresh (Note 2)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp large red chili (not a spicy one), very finely diced (Note 3)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, very finely diced
  • 1 1/2 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus extra)
  • 3 tbsp lime juice (plus extra)
  • 1/2 small avocado, diced (~ 1/2 cup)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Sliced sourdough baguette, toasted
  • Extra coriander/cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges

Directions:

  1. Freeze the tuna for 20 minutes to firm it up. Then, slice it into 3mm / 1/8" strips and cut those strips into 3mm / 1/8" cubes. Place these cubes in a bowl.
  2. Peel the lychees, finely dice the flesh, and add it to the bowl. Make sure to scrape the juices that pool on the cutting board into the bowl as well, to capture all the flavor!
  3. Add the chili, onion, coriander, olive oil, and lime juice into the bowl. Season the mixture with a generous pinch of salt and a good grind of pepper.
  4. Gently toss everything together with your fingers. Taste your tartare and adjust the olive oil, lime juice, and salt to your liking.
  5. Pile the tartare on a platter, top it with diced avocado, and garnish with additional coriander leaves. Drizzle with more olive oil and serve immediately with toasted bread and extra lime wedges.

how to serve Tuna Tartare with Lychees

Serve the Tuna Tartare with Lychees on a beautiful platter. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so present it right after preparing. Pair it with toasted sourdough baguette slices and lime wedges on the side. This dish works wonderfully as an appetizer or a light meal, allowing your guests to savor the vibrant flavors.

how to store Tuna Tartare with Lychees

Tuna Tartare is best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the quality may decline as the fish can lose its freshness. It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as it can affect the texture and taste of the tuna.

tips to make Tuna Tartare with Lychees

  • Make sure to use sashimi grade fish to ensure safety and quality.
  • Adjust the amount of chili to your taste. If you prefer less heat, you can omit it entirely.
  • Always taste and adjust the seasonings before serving to suit your preference.
  • Fresh lychees add a beautiful sweetness; ensure they are ripe for the best flavor.

variation

You can explore other variations by introducing different fruits like mango or pineapple. These fruits will add sweetness and tropical flavors that complement the tuna nicely. You could also experiment by adding avocado or cucumber for a different texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tuna for this recipe?
No, it’s best to use fresh sashimi grade tuna. Canned tuna lacks the quality and freshness needed for tartare.

2. What if I can’t find lychees?
If lychees are unavailable, consider using diced mango or pear for a different fruity twist.

3. Is this dish safe to eat?
As long as you use high-quality sashimi grade fish and fresh ingredients, Tuna Tartare is safe to eat. Always check the freshness of the fish before using it in a raw dish.