If you’re searching for a snack that’s a tantalizing fusion of flavors and textures, look no further. Our Ahi Tuna Nachos recipe is a game-changer. I’ll walk you through why I love this recipe, the ingredients you’ll need, a step-by-step guide, and some handy tips. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love It
Ahi Tuna Nachos hold a special place in my heart because they’re a delightful blend of crunchy, creamy, and zesty. But it’s more than just that; it’s about the experience of making and enjoying them.
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- Versatile dish: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together with friends, enjoying a cozy movie night, or craving a unique appetizer to impress guests, Ahi Tuna Nachos always deliver. They effortlessly transition from a casual snack to an elegant appetizer, making them a go-to choose for various occasions.
- Textures: The contrast of textures is another reason to adore this recipe. The wonton chips turn wonderfully crispy in the oven, providing a satisfying crunch. On top of that, you have the lush, velvety tuna, a canvas for the bold flavors of the picadillo and the zesty sesame mayo sauce. It’s a textural symphony that keeps your palate engaged with every bite.
- Flavors: But perhaps what truly makes this recipe shine is the balance of flavors. The picadillo, a medley of onions, peppers, and corn, brings a hint of sweetness and earthiness. The sesame mayo sauce adds a creamy, savory note with a subtle kick of heat from the sriracha. And then there’s the star of the show, the sushi-grade ahi tuna. When all these elements come together, they create a harmonious flavor profile that’s both satisfying and memorable.
- Nostalgia: What makes this recipe even more special is its origin. The first time I tried Ahi Tuna Nachos was back when I lived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, at a charming restaurant called La Dolcerie Cafe Bistro. Although this dish is no longer on their menu, I always cherished its unique flavors and textures. That’s why I decided to recreate my version of it, allowing me to relive those delightful memories.
- Conversation Starter: What’s more, this dish is a fantastic conversation starter. When you serve Ahi Tuna Nachos, it’s almost guaranteed that your guests will be asking about the recipe. It’s not just a snack; it’s a culinary adventure that sparks curiosity and excitement.
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So, while I love this recipe for its deliciousness, it’s also about the shared moments, the anticipation, and the delightful surprises it brings. It’s about the joy of creating something extraordinary from everyday ingredients. It’s about treating yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable culinary experience. That’s why Ahi Tuna Nachos will always have a special place in my recipe collection.
What Are The Ingredients?
- Avocado Oil Spray: Avocado oil spray is a healthy cooking oil alternative in a convenient spray form. It’s used to coat the wonton wrappers for baking, providing a light and even crispiness.
- Wonton Wrappers: Wonton wrappers are thin sheets of dough commonly used in Asian cuisine. In this recipe, they serve as the crispy base for the nachos.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the wonton chips and balances the overall taste of the dish.
- Refried Beans: Refried beans are mashed and cooked pinto or black beans. They add a creamy and savory element to the nachos.
- Sushi-Grade Ahi Tuna: Sushi-grade ahi tuna is high-quality, fresh tuna that’s safe to eat raw. It’s known for its clean, oceanic flavor and tender texture, making it the star of this dish.
- Cilantro: Cilantro is a fragrant herb that adds a fresh, citrusy note to the nachos.
- Green Onion: Thinly sliced green onion provides a mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
- Jalapeno (Optional): If you like some heat, thinly sliced jalapeno peppers can be added for a spicy kick.
- Black and White Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds, both black and white, add a nutty crunch and visual appeal to the dish.
- Queso Fresco: Queso fresco is a crumbly, mild cheese often used in Mexican cuisine. It adds a creamy and slightly salty element to the nachos.
- Onion: Chopped onions add a subtle, sweet undertone to the picadillo while providing a bit of crunch.
- Cubanelle Pepper: Cubanelle peppers are mild, sweet peppers that contribute a gentle heat and a hint of fruity flavor to the picadillo.
- Red Bell Pepper: Chopped red bell peppers bring a vibrant color and a slightly sweeter taste to the picadillo.
- Kernel Corn: Kernel corn adds a touch of sweetness and a pleasant crunch to the picadillo.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté and soften the vegetables in the picadillo while imparting a subtle fruity richness.
- Vinegar: Vinegar provides a tangy and slightly acidic note, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables in the picadillo.
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are seasoning agents, enhancing the overall flavor of the picadillo and ensuring it’s well-seasoned to taste.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the sauce, providing richness and texture.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil infuses the sauce with a delightful nutty flavor, a characteristic of many Asian cuisines.
- Honey: Honey adds sweetness to the sauce, offering a delightful contrast to the other savory and spicy elements.
- Sriracha: Sriracha sauce is the source of heat and spice in the sauce, adding a zesty kick.
How to Make Ahi Tuna Nachos
1. Prepare the Picadillo:
In a small bowl, combine all the picadillo ingredients.
Cover with a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, preferably overnight.
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2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients, ensuring they are well blended.
Set aside.
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3. Bake-Fry the Wontons:
Preheat your oven and place the wonton slices on a sheet pan.
Spray them with avocado oil and sprinkle with salt.
Bake for 4 minutes, being careful not to let them burn.
Remove the baked wontons from the oven and set them aside.
Repeat the process until all wontons are baked-fried.
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4. Prepare the Tuna:
Mix the tuna with 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce and set it aside.
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5. Build the Plate:
On a large platter, spread a layer of refried beans as the base.
Arrange the baked wonton chips on top.
Add the marinated tuna and picadillo, ensuring you only include the peppers and tomatoes, not the liquid.
Drizzle with the sesame mayonnaise sauce.
Top with cilantro, green onion, queso fresco, and jalapenos if desired.
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6. Serve & Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Ahi Tuna Nachos – a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings!
Tips
- Choose Quality Tuna: When it comes to the star of the dish, sushi-grade ahi tuna is essential. Look for the freshest, high-quality tuna available. It should have a deep red color and a clean, oceanic aroma. Don’t compromise on this ingredient.
- Mind the Wonton Chips: Be attentive when baking the wonton chips. They should be crispy but not overcooked or burnt. Keep an eye on them in the oven to achieve the perfect crunch.
- Customize Your Toppings: Ahi Tuna Nachos are highly customizable. If you love spice, add extra jalapeno slices. If you’re a cilantro enthusiast, don’t be shy with it. Tailor the toppings to your preferences to make the dish your own.
- Prepare Picadillo in Advance: For optimal flavor, prepare the picadillo ahead of time and let it marinate in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, creating a tastier topping for your nachos.
- Master the Sesame Mayo Sauce: The sesame mayo sauce is a key element. Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the level of heat according to your taste. Start with a small amount and add more if you prefer it spicier.
- Serve Immediately: While some components can be prepared in advance, it’s best to assemble and serve the nachos immediately. This ensures the wonton chips remain crispy, and the tuna stays fresh and vibrant.
- Practice Food Safety: When handling raw tuna, practice food safety by ensuring your work surfaces, utensils, and hands are clean. Also, refrigerate the tuna until you’re ready to use it to maintain freshness.
Ahi Tuna Nachos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re searching for a snack that’s a tantalizing fusion of flavors and textures, look no further. Our Ahi Tuna Nachos recipe is a game-changer. I’ll walk you through why I love this recipe, the ingredients you’ll need, a step-by-step guide, and some handy tips. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Picadillo Ingredients
- 1/4 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cubanelle peppers, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/4 cup kernel corn
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- Salt/Pepper to Taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup of Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of Sesame Oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
Ingredients:
- Avocado Oil Spray, as needed.
- 25 wonton wrappers, cut in half diagonally.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/2 pound of sushi-grade ahi tuna, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons of cilantro
- 2 tablespoons of thinly sliced green onion.
- 1 medium jalapeno thinly sliced (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons black and white sesame seeds
- 1 cup Queso Fresco, crumbled.
Instructions
- Prepare the picadillo: In a small bowl, mix all the picadillo ingredients, cover with lid and refrigerate for 1 hour minimum. Preferably over-night.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients, blending well. Set aside.
- Baked Fried the Wontons: In a Sheet Pan, add the wonton slices. Spray with Avocado Oil and sprinkle with salt. Baked for 4 minutes in oven making sure they do not burn. When done, remove wontons and set aside. Repeat the process until all wontons are baked-fried.
- Prepare the tuna:Â Mix the tuna with 1 tablespoon of sauce and set aside.
- Build the Plate: On a large platter, spread refried beans on the bottom. Add Wonton Chips and top with tuna and picadillo (Make sure to only scoop the peppers and tomatoes, not the water). Drizzle with Sesame Mayonnaise, then top with cilantro, green onion, queso fresco and jalapenos.
- Â Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinade Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Toss
- Cuisine: n/a
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 808
- Sugar: 15.6
- Sodium: 824.5
- Fat: 66
- Saturated Fat: 12.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0.3
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 11.9
- Protein: 34.5
- Cholesterol: 70.6
Keywords: Ahi tuna Nachos, Ahit Tuna, Tuna Nachos, Nachos, Tuna Wonton Nachos,
FAQs
Q1: What does “sushi-grade” mean for the ahi tuna, and where can I find it?
A: Sushi-grade ahi tuna is fish that has been frozen at a very low temperature to kill parasites and ensure it’s safe to eat raw. You can find it at specialty seafood markets or in the frozen seafood section of well-stocked grocery stores. Make sure to ask for sushi-grade when purchasing.
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Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
A: While you can prepare some components in advance (like the picadillo and sauce), it’s best to assemble the nachos just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the wonton chips and the freshness of the tuna.
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Q3: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
A: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the tuna. Simply enjoy the crispy wonton chips with the refried beans, picadillo, and sesame mayo sauce for a flavorful meat-free option.
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Q4: Can I substitute other types of fish for the ahi tuna?
A: While ahi tuna is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other sushi-grade fish like yellowtail or salmon for different flavor profiles.
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Q5: What if I can’t find wonton wrappers? Are there alternatives?
A: If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can try using tortilla chips or even crispy pita triangles as a substitute. While it won’t be exactly the same, it can still be delicious.
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Q6: How spicy is the sriracha in the sesame mayo sauce?
A: The level of spiciness from sriracha can vary depending on personal tolerance. The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon, which provides a mild to moderate level of heat. You can adjust the amount to make it spicier or milder to suit your preference.
