Seared Tuna with Basil Oil

(Originally posted on August 19th, 2007)

This one is adapted from the Food Network website -- which, by the way, has a lot of great recipes. Make sure the middle of the tuna is nearly raw, otherwise it’s not "seared". Also, if you're too lazy to make the basil oil as described below (like I am), just buy and use basil oil.

Ingredients

• 4 quarts water
• Salt
• 2 cups packed basil leaves
• 1 cup plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 4 (6-ounce) sashimi grade tuna steaks
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Instructions

1. Bring 4 quarts water to a boil and add 3 tablespoons salt. Set up an ice bath. Blanch basil for 2 minutes in boiling water, then transfer immediately to an ice bath. Cool for 2 minutes, drain, then squeeze excess water from basil. Blend basil and 1 cup olive oil in a blender until well mixed. Strain in a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
2. Heat cast iron pan over high heat until very hot. Season tuna with salt and pepper. Brush lightly with olive oil. Place steaks in pan and cook until bottom is brown and crusty, about 3 minutes. Flip tuna and cook for 1 minute. (Tuna will be just seared on the outside and raw in the middle.)
3. Remove to a plate. Drizzle with basil oil and garnish with lemon juice and zest.

Eat one. Serves 4.