Peppered Tuna Steak
- 1/2 cup day-old white bread
- 4 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh tuna loin, cut into 4 equal portions, each 1-inch thick
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons pure olive oil
- 4 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup Fish Stock or low-sodium canned chicken broth
- Place the day-old bread in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade and process into fine crumbs.
- Combine the pepper and bread crumbs on a plate large enough for dredging the tuna steaks.
- Allow the tuna to come to room temperature just prior to cooking.
- This will ensure that the center of the steaks are warmed, not overcooked, and yet not icy cold.
- Lightly season the steaks with salt, then dredge them in the bread crumb mixture.
- Coat the tuna uniformly on all sides, pressing the coating in with your fingertips so that it adheres evenly.
- Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until hot enough to brown a sprinkling of test crumbs.
- Add the fish steaks, being careful not to overcrowd them.
- Sear to form a crusty exterior on all sides, cooking approximately 3 minutes on each side, turning them to avoid burning.
- Remember that they will cook to medium rare in about 6 to 8 minutes.
- A gentle poke with your index finger at the center is a good way to judge doneness: The softer the interior feels, the rarer it is; the firmer, the more well done.
- When the steaks have cooked to your preference, remove them from the skillet with a slotted spatula and keep them warm--but not hot, or they will overcook.
- Add the shallots to the skillet, return to the heat, and quickly saute them until they begin to brown.
- Deglaze the pan with the wine, allowing it to reduce until nearly dry before adding the stock.
- Bring to a boil and reduce by half.
- The entire sauce-making process takes only a few moments.
- Pour the shallot sauce over the tuna steaks and serve quickly.
- Accompany with Tomato and Zucchini Gratin
white bread, ground black pepper, tuna loin, salt, olive oil, shallots, white wine, chicken broth
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/peppered-tuna-steak.html (may not work)