Recipes: Seared Tuna With Black Sesame Seed Crust

SEARED TUNA WITH BLACK SESAME SEED CRUST

Serves 4.

Note: Marlin or salmon could also be used. From "Seafood," by DK Publishing.

• 1/4 c. olive oil, plus more for searing, divided

• 1 garlic clove, grated or finely chopped

• 1 small hot red chile, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp. black sesame seeds, plus extra for sprinkling, if desired, divided

• 2 tuna steaks, about 10 oz. each, halved lengthwise (see Note)

• 2 radishes

• Juice of 1 lemon, divided

• 1/2 bunch chives, chopped into 2-in. lengths

Directions

Meanwhile, cut radishes into matchsticks and put in bowl with half the lemon juice, to prevent browning.

Heat a little extra oil in a frying pan over high heat. Sear tuna for 20 seconds on each side. Leave to rest for 5 minutes.

Put half a tuna steak on each of 4 serving plates and drizzle with remaining lemon juice. Drain radishes and scatter over with chives and extra sesame seeds, if using.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories375Fat28 gSodium150 mg

Protein28 gCholesterol84 mgDietary fiber1 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 4 lean meat, 3 fat.

HALIBUT WITH CHUNKY ROMESCO

Serves 6.

Note: Swordfish or mahi mahi (both from U.S. waters) could be used. From "Seafood," by DK Publishing.

• 21/4 lb. halibut fillets (3/4 -in.) thick, scaled

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped

• 21/2 oz. almonds, coarsely chopped

• 41/2 oz. bread crumbs

• 12 oz. jar roasted red peppers, rinsed, patted dry and coarsely chopped

• 1 tbsp. sherry vinegar

• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

• Pinch smoked paprika

Directions

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy frying pan. Add garlic, almonds and bread crumbs, and fry over medium heat, stirring, for 6 to 8 minutes, until just golden. Do not let nuts burn. Stir in parsley, then spoon mixture over fish.

Bake fish uncovered for 5 minutes, then loosely cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until just cooked through. The fish will flake easily when it is ready. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining olive oil.

Meanwhile, to make the romesco sauce, combine red peppers, vinegar, cayenne pepper and paprika. Either serve fish topped with sauce or with sauce separately in bowl.

To prepare ahead: The sauce can be made, covered and refrigerated for 2 days. The flavors will deepen. The nut and breadcrumb topping can be made 6 hours ahead and stored in airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition information per serving:

Carbohydrates21 gSaturated fat2 gCalcium112 mg

Protein26 gCholesterol74 mgDietary fiber3 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 vegetable, 1 bread/starch, 3 lean meat, 1 1/2 fat.

FISH TACOS WITH CILANTRO TARTAR SAUCE
Makes 12 tacos.

Note: Use any firm fish for this recipe. Mahi mahi and tilapia work well. This batter is thin and doesn't puff up when fried. (If you prefer it puffed up, mix the batter with club soda or beer.) The fish can be fried in a skillet instead of deep-frying. From the Detroit Free Press.

• 1/3 c. chopped cilantro

• 1 tbsp. lime juice

• 2 tbsp. capers, plus a little caper juice

• 1 small jalapeño pepper, minced (with seeds, if desired)

• 11/4 to 11/2 lb. cod fillets

• 1/3 c. flour

• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

•1/2 tsp. chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 c. oil for frying (see Note)

• 2 c. finely shredded cabbage

• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

• 1 avocado, halved, pitted, diced

Directions

To make the tartar sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayo, cilantro, lime juice, capers and jalapeño. Set aside. You can make this one day in advance.

Mix the fry mix with 1/2 to 3/4 cup water. The batter should be very thin, like pancake batter. (See Note above.) On a shallow dish or pie plate, mix the flour, cayenne pepper, chili powder and salt and black pepper.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

When ready to fry, in a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. The oil should cover the bottom and come up at least 1/4 inch in the skillet. (Or if you prefer to pan-fry the fish in a little oil, proceed that way.)

Working in batches, dredge several pieces of fish in the flour mixture and then dip in the batter, allowing the excess batter to drip off.

Place in the hot oil and fry on all sides until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet and place in the oven to keep the fish hot. Repeat with remaining fish.

To assemble, place some cabbage on each tortilla. Top with 2 to 3 pieces of fish and a dollop of tartar. Garnish with green onions and diced avocado.

Nutrition information per taco:

Calories276Fat16 gSodium500 mgSaturated fat3 g

Carbohydrates24 gCalcium66 mg

Protein9 gCholesterol21 mgDietary fiber2 g