For something so incredibly simple, it took me a little while to fully master seared Ahi tuna because of the trick with timing and not only knowing and understanding the fish, but my stove top and my cookware. Become one with the culinary universe and you shall have perfectly seared Ahi tuna forever. Or something.
SESAME SEED-CRUSTED SEARED AHI TUNA
Marinade
Stick the tuna steak in a plastic sandwich/Ziplock bag (no bigger than quart sized) and add:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove minced fresh garlic
- a pinch of garlic chili sauce (optional for spice-lovers. Sriracha is my spice of choice)
You can let this marinate overnight as the tuna steak defrosts, or you can just stick it in the fridge for a few hours to one hour prior. I only thought of the marinade maybe an hour prior, and that was enough time for some flavor to sink in. Plenty of time for the spice!
Be sure to flip the bag every now and then so your tuna marinates evenly.
When the tuna is ready, remove tuna from bag and place on a small plate. Discard bag and remaining liquids.
Fire up your non-stick skillet to medium-high/high heat.
In a bowl, pour toasted sesame seeds or your favorite Furikake, as I did. Mine consists of black and tan sesame seeds, nori (seaweed) and seasons like mirin.
Dunk the edges of your tuna steak into the bowl of sesame seeds/Furikake, carefully turning until every side is thoroughly coated and no tuna meat is visible.
Place steak in pan, sear for exactly one minute (two if you want it a little less raw) and then immediately flip the steak onto the other side, sear for another 60 seconds and remove from heat.
Slice the tuna against the grain of the fish, plate up and serve with a side of soba noodles or rice for a light, healthy meal!
When my taste in music first broke off from my parent’s and brother’s influence, Meat Loaf’s Bat of Hell II: Back into Hell had just been released and its #1 single, I would do anything for love (but I won’t do that) was EVERYWHERE. The haunting music video – based on Beauty and the Beast and Phantom of the Opera, two of my favorite classic stories – played nonstop on Mtv and The Box and the radio waves were blaring with Meat Loaf’s astoundingly soulful vocals. To an impressionable eleven year old looking to find her own musical style, Meat Loaf was the perfect order.
Thus began my love of Meat Loaf and all of his music. Bat out of Hell II is by far and wide my favorite album, too, with Objects in the rear view mirror (may appear closer than they are) and Out of the Frying Pan (and into the Fire). Power ballads, impossibly long song titles and rock and roll dreams coming to life! I love you, Meat Loaf <3
After dropping off Boyfriend for a day of class & basketball in Hollywood, my mum and I decided to stick around and go to the Hollywood Farmers Market. I once met Tim Curry here and though I don’t get “star struck” THAT WAS AWESOME because it was Tim freakin’ Curry, the Sweet Transvestite Himself. However, don’t come to celeb-spot because the Farmers Market’s REAL claim to fame is the delicious food, locally grown, organic produce & meat and fabulous L.A. street fashion!
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1. Reserving a room at Acorn House B&B in Cork for the last leg of our Ireland Adventure! Steffie Love and I are going to have such an amazing time, I can’t wait!
2. Bindi Irwin on The Bonnie Hunt Show. I was such a fan of Steve Irwin and I love that his daughter Bindi continues on with animal conservation efforts (along with her mom, Terry, of course!).
3. VIDEO OF THE WEEK: In honor of National Puppy Day, here is an adorable puppy-related video:
thanks for suggesting this vid, Sursh!
4. Discovering that one of my favorite restaurants that sadly closed down is not only going to reopen but in a more accessible, closer location! Welcome to South Pasadena, Radhika Indian Cuisine! I can’t wait to nom you.
My aunt requested a blueberry pie for her birthday and while my mother was content to purchase a pie from a certain chain of mediocre pies, I was not. Pie is SACRED and not to be taken lightly, people. Pie is serious business. Just ask this guy:
Anyway. On with the pie recipe!
BLUEBERRY PIE
CRUST: I used Trader Joe’s double crust pack. It was delicious and I highly recommend it when you’re not feeling up to making crust from scratch.
Place the first crust as bottom layer in a pie pan, crinkle/wave edge of crust over the rim of the pie pan. POUR:
4 cups fresh blueberries in bottom crust. MIX:
3/4th cup organic sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 TBS cornstarch
POUR mixture ON TOP of blueberries
I added 3/4th c. frozen organic wild blueberries (Trader Joe’s)
Dot top of mixture with softened butter – 1 tsp. overall
TOP CRUST:
Take a pizza cutter to slice the second crust into strips to make lattice top, criss-crossing each strip atop filling.
Brush with milk & sprinkle with pinch of organic sugar.
Cover edge of crust with foil.
BAKE: 350F for 40-60 minutes (depending on how your oven runs. The oven I used runs cold, so it took a full 60 minutes to bake)
This was all that was left of the pie before I could snag a pic
I am not a Barbara Streisand fan. *ducks*
Now, this does not mean I dislike her; it simply means I do not go out of my way to listen to or watch her. I’m not even much of a fan of the movie Funny Girl, mostly because it’s a little too liberal with the facts. HOWEVER, I do love, love, love Streisand’s cover of the 1928 Fanny Brice song, I’d Rather be Blue over You (then be happy with somebody else).
There is no denying Babs here. Firstly, yes, her killer pipes trump everything but that drop-waist tutu purple & bronze dress is to die for and the roller skates are just a big, fat bonus! *cough* Back to the song, though. This is a great tune to listen to and sing along with when you’re going through a few bumps in the relationship game, especially the long distance kind.
I’d rather be blue (than be happy with somebody else)
I’d rather be blue, thinking of you
I’d rather be blue over you
Than be happy with somebody else
I’m crazy about ‘ya, without ‘ya
For you I’m strong
I can’t do without ‘ya
Oucha-ma-goucha, don’t stay too long!
I need a little ah, little ooh, little Oh
I’m knocking on wood
Honey hurry up, hurry up, hurry up
It’s so hard to be good
I’d rather be blue, thinking of you
I’d rather be blue over you
Than be happy with somebody else
Will I be good? Will I be bad?
Don’t be a fool, you fool
My little flat, I’m turning that
Into a Sunday school
While you’re away I’m here to say
There’ll be no ice man there
Singing the blues I’m gonna use
Nothing but Frigidaire
I’d rather be blue, thinking of you
I’d rather be blue over you
Than be happy with somebody else
Blue over you
I’d rather be blue over you
Than be Hap-hap-hap-hap-py
With somebody else
Goooooood morning, interwebs! I hope this Saturday finds you well and your tummy filled with delicious breakfast foods. Breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day, it is often the most delicious – especially if you’re doin’ it right! Enjoy these tasty breakfast theme finds from Etsy! Continue reading
I'm Rachael, a Los Angeles based writer specializing in food (glorious food), travel and events. I'm a globe-trekking foodie geek girl extraordinaire. Sometimes I fancy myself an artist.
I'm totally in print!
Check out my articles on the digital editions of Visit the Place Los Angeles, the best magazine guide to all things L.A.
