Discover how to make Mikuni pepperfin tuna recipe at home with this easy-to-follow and delicious recipe. Perfect for seafood lovers and Japanese food enthusiast!
Mikuni Pepperfin Tuna
Publisher: Pithy Recipe
Cuisine: Japanese
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Prep Time: Cook Time: Servings: 4
Mikuni pepperfin tuna is a popular dish served in many Japanese restaurants, particularly at the Mikuni restaurant chain based in California. The dish consists of bite-sized cubes of raw or lightly seared pepperfin tuna that has been marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, garlic, and sugar.
Pepperfin tuna, also known as albacore tuna or longfin tuna, is a type of tuna that is commonly found in the Pacific Ocean. It is a smaller and milder-tasting tuna compared to other species, and it is often used in sushi and sashimi dishes.
To make this Mikuni pepperfin tuna, the tuna is first cut into small cubes and then marinated in the flavorful mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, garlic, and sugar. The marinade helps to infuse the tuna with delicious flavors and also tenderizes it slightly.
The marinated tuna is then either served raw or lightly seared on the outside to create a crispy, flavorful crust while still keeping the inside rare. The searing helps to add another layer of texture and flavor to the dish.
Mikuni pepperfin tuna is typically served as an appetizer or small plate, either on its own or with other accompaniments such as rice, avocado, or seaweed salad. It is a delicious and popular dish that showcases the delicate flavor and texture of pepperfin tuna while also highlighting the bold and complex flavors of Japanese cuisine.
Recipe
Learn how to make the popular Mikuni pepperfin tuna dish at home with this easy and flavorful recipe. Marinated in soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, garlic, and sugar, and seared to perfection, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers and Japanese food enthusiasts. Serve it on its own or with rice, avocado, or salad for a delicious and impressive appetizer or small plate.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. pepperfin tuna
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sake
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1 tsp. grated ginger
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 tbsp. sesame oil
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- Green onions, sliced (optional)
Method Instructions
- Mix together soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, garlic, and sugar in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. This is your marinade.
- Cut the pepperfin tuna into bite-sized cubes.
- Place the tuna into the marinade and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Heat a skillet over high heat and add the sesame oil and vegetable oil.
- Once the skillet is hot, remove the tuna from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Sear the tuna cubes in the skillet for 30-60 seconds on each side. You want the tuna to be seared on the outside, but still rare on the inside.
- Serve the seared tuna cubes on a plate, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Mikuni-style pepperfin tuna!
Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 9 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Mikuni Pepperfin Tuna, Mikuni Pepperfin Tuna Recipe, Recipe
Servings
- On its own: The seared tuna cubes are delicious on their own, served hot or at room temperature. Arrange them on a plate and garnish with sliced green onions or other toppings.
- With rice: You can serve the seared tuna cubes on a bed of steamed rice for a more substantial meal. The rice can also absorb some of the marinade and provide a nice contrast to the flavorful tuna.
- With avocado: Avocado pairs well with the flavors of the marinade and can be served alongside the tuna cubes. You can cut the avocado into slices or cubes and arrange them on the same plate as the tuna.
- With salad: You can serve the seared tuna cubes on a bed of salad greens for a light and refreshing meal. Toss the greens with some sesame dressing or vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the tuna.
- In a sushi roll: You can also use the seared tuna cubes as a filling for sushi rolls. Place the tuna on a sheet of nori, along with some rice and other fillings, and roll it up into a sushi roll.
Tips
- Use fresh pepperfin tuna: It is important to use fresh pepperfin tuna for this dish. If possible, buy the tuna from a reputable fishmonger or seafood market to ensure its freshness.
- Marinate the tuna for at least 30 minutes: To allow the marinade to penetrate the tuna and enhance its flavor, it is recommended to marinate the tuna for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Don’t overcook the tuna: The key to a perfect Mikuni-style pepperfin tuna is to cook it just enough to sear the outside while keeping the inside rare. Overcooking the tuna can make it tough and dry.
- Heat the skillet properly: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the tuna. The skillet should be heated over high heat for a few minutes before adding the oil and tuna cubes.
- Pat the tuna dry before searing: Before searing the tuna, make sure to pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess marinade. This helps to prevent the tuna from sticking to the skillet and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Serve it with appropriate garnish: Serve the seared tuna cubes on a plate, garnished with sliced green onions if desired. Other garnishes that go well with Mikuni pepperfin tuna include avocado, microgreens, or toasted sesame seeds.
- Experiment with the marinade: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the marinade to create your own unique twist on this dish. For example, you can add a splash of lime juice for a tangy flavor or some red pepper flakes for some heat.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Pepperfin tuna (substitute: yellowfin tuna, ahi tuna)
- Soy sauce (substitute: tamari sauce, coconut aminos)
- Sake (substitute: dry white wine, rice vinegar)
- Mirin (substitute: sweet sherry, rice vinegar)
- Grated ginger (substitute: ground ginger)
- Garlic clove (substitute: garlic powder)
- Sugar (substitute: honey, maple syrup)
- Vegetable oil (substitute: canola oil, grapeseed oil)
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Note: While the substitutes may alter the flavor profile of the dish slightly, they can still provide a delicious result. However, it is recommended to use the original ingredients for the best flavor and authenticity.
Remarks
In conclusion, Mikuni pepperfin tuna is a delectable and flavorful dish that showcases the delicate taste and texture of pepperfin tuna. The simple yet flavorful marinade of soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, garlic, and sugar helps to enhance the flavor of the tuna while tenderizing it slightly.
Searing the tuna on the outside creates a crispy crust while still keeping the inside rare, which adds another layer of texture and flavor to the dish. Whether you serve it on its own or with rice, salad, or other accompaniments, Mikuni pepperfin tuna is a must-try for seafood lovers and Japanese food enthusiasts alike.
With the tips and ideas provided, you can easily recreate this dish at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
