The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.
Ahi Tuna Tower
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Tuna towers are a popular appetizer item on fancy seafood restaurant menus these days. They are actually really easy to make at home. You absolutely must use fresh sushi grade tuna. Some grocery stores carry it but your best bet is a seafood market or good Asian market. Deep fry some wonton wrappers to use as scoops for the tuna if desired.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
ingredients
Tuna
8 ounces diced saku maguro/sushi grade ahi tuna
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
1 teaspoon tamari soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon chopped green onion
1 teaspoon seasoned rice vinegar
Vegetables
1/4 cup English cucumbers
1/4 cup daikon radish
1/4 cup avocado
2 teaspoons minced cilantro
1/4 teaspoon toasted black sesame seeds
2 teaspoons seasoned rice vinegar
pickled ginger
wasabi
directions
Combine the diced tuna, sesame oil, hot sauce, soy sauce, ginger, green onion, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Adjust the sriracha and soy sauce to taste. Place in the refrigerator to marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
Meanwhile, peel the cucumbers and daikon and cut into small dice. Place in a bowl. Cut the avocado into small dice and add to the bowl. Stir in the cilantro, sesame seeds, and vinegar and coat the vegetables well.
To assemble, use a 2-inch tall by 2-inch diameter cylinder (a small tomato sauce can with both ends removed works well). Place the cylinder on a small appetizer plate. Fill the can halfway with the vegetable mixture then top with the tuna mixture. Press the tuna firmly to pack the ingredients. Lift the cylinder slowly while pressing down on the tuna with the back of the spoon to slide the tower out on to the plate. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Garnish the ahi tuna towers with pickled ginger and wasabi paste and a drizzle of sriracha if desired.
recipe tips
Choose the freshest sushi-grade tuna for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the amount of Sriracha and soy sauce to taste.
Make sure the vegetables are finely and uniformly diced.
Press down on the tower gently but firmly to compact the ingredients so they hold together better.
Try different garnishes like microgreens or a sesame oil drizzle.
Try adding diced mango or pineapple to the vegetable mixture for a sweeter twist.
You can substitute cilantro with fresh mint or basil for a different flavor.
To make the towers spicy, add diced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes to the tuna mixture.
For a little crunch, sprinkle crushed wasabi peas or tempura flakes on top of the towers.
common recipe questions
What is saku maguro?
Saku maguro refers to the loin part of the tuna, typically used for sushi-grade cuts.
What does sushi-grade mean?
Sushi-grade refers to the quality of seafood that is safe to eat raw. It has been handled and stored properly to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Can I use canned tuna instead of sushi-grade tuna?
No, canned tuna is not a suitable substitute for sushi-grade tuna in this recipe as the texture and flavor are vastly different.
What can I substitute for Sriracha hot sauce?
You can substitute Sriracha with another hot sauce of your choice, adjusting the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
Do I have to use a small tomato sauce can for shaping the towers?
No, you can use other cylindrical objects like a cookie cutter or a small glass to shape the tuna towers if you don't have a can available.
How long should I marinate the tuna for?
Marinate the tuna for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. You can marinate it longer for a more pronounced taste but do not marinate for more than 4-6 hours.
Can I prepare the components in advance?
You can marinate the tuna and prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time, but assemble the towers just before serving to maintain freshness.
How should I serve the tuna towers?
Serve the tuna towers on small appetizer plates as an appetizer or starter for a meal.
Can I make the towers in advance and refrigerate them?
It's best to assemble the tuna towers just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy or losing their texture. Also, the towers may "collapse" if made in advance.
Can I make the tuna towers without the wonton wrappers?
You can serve the tuna towers on their own without the wonton wrappers or use another type of crisp accompaniment if desired.
nutrition data
106 calories, 5 grams fat, 2 grams carbohydrates, 14 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in carbs.
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reviews & comments
1/2 cup veg for 4 servings?
It has 3/4 cup total of vegetables and 8 ounces of tuna. Each tower (serving) is 2x2-inches.