Description

Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring sushi-grade tuna cubes marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and honey. Enhanced with fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, this appetizer balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes perfectly for a light yet indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Tuna Tartare

200g fresh sushi-grade tuna, diced into small, even cubes

Chermoula Marinade

1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or substitute with orange juice for a sweeter acidity)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh Additions

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 small shallot, finely chopped
Finely diced chili peppers or pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick (optional)

Optional Garnishes and Alternatives

Diced watermelon or avocado as a vegetarian alternative
Toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios for added crunch
Fresh mint or basil as herb alternatives

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Tuna: Begin by ensuring your sushi-grade tuna is cold and firm, then dice it into small, even cubes to create the ideal texture for the tartare.
Make the Chermoula Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the marinade is well combined and aromatic.
Combine Tuna and Marinade: Gently fold the diced tuna into the chermoula marinade, taking care to coat each piece evenly without breaking down the delicate fish.
Add Fresh Herbs and Shallots: Mix in the finely chopped cilantro, parsley, and shallots to introduce vibrant freshness and a subtle crunch, enhancing the complexity of the tartare.
Chill and Serve: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve elegantly chilled, optionally garnished with diced watermelon or avocado, toasted pine nuts or pistachios, and fresh mint or basil for a delightful presentation.

Notes

Sushi-grade tuna is essential for safety and best texture in this raw preparation.
Adjust chili or cayenne to your preference for heat or omit for a milder dish.
Substituting lemon juice with orange juice will add a sweeter acidity to the marinade.
For vegetarians, diced watermelon or avocado provides a refreshing alternative to tuna.
Chilling the tartare helps the flavors to fully develop and makes the dish more refreshing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean