blackened ahi tuna with mango salsa.

for dinner last night matt and i had blackened ahi tuna with mango salsa, it was light and fresh, perfect for the summer weather outside.  the combination of sweetness from the mangos and spice from the blackened tuna seasoning were a great balance.  after eating we decided the recipe did need a few modifications which i have noted below.  enjoy!

Ingredients

Mango Salsa

1 fresh mango- peeled, pitted and chopped

1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 green onion, chopped

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

2 tbsp lime juice

1 1/2 tsp olive oil

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Blackened Tuna 

1 tbsp paprika

1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tbsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tbsp garlic powder

4 tbsp olive oil

Preparation

1. Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice and garlic in a bowl.  Rub the tuna steaks with the mixture.  Place the steaks in a sealable container and chill in refrigerator for 3 hours. (if you are in a pinch cut the time back as necessary) 

2. Combine the mango, bell pepper, red onion, green onion, cilantro and jalapeno pepper in a bowl; stir.  Ad the lime juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil and toss to combine.  Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.

3. Stir together the paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme, basil, oregano, and garlic powder in a bowl.  Remove the tuna steaks from the refrigerator and gently rinse with water and then dip each side of steak in the spice mixture to coat. 

4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Gently lay the tuna steaks into the hot oil.  Cook the tuna on one side for 3 minutes; remove to a plate.  Pour remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil into the skillet and let it got hot.  Lay the tuna with the uncooked side down into skillet and cook another 3 minutes; remove from heat immediately. 

5. Spoon about 1/2 cup of mange salsa onto each of the 2 plates.  Lay tuna steaks atop the salsa and serve immediately.