ASIAN SLAW AND SOMEN SALAD WITH SPICE-RUBBED TUNA

Asian Slaw and Somen Salad with Spice-Rubbed Tuna image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 20

Previous Next

3 tablespoons grated ginger
2 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
3/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (or more for a spicier version)
2 teaspoons unrefined sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons canola oil
8 ounces whole-wheat somen noodles
3 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1/2 medium head Napa cabbage, halved lengthwise, cored, thinly sliced
2 large carrots, grated
1 large cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, thinly sliced
6 radishes, thinly sliced
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves; whole sprigs for garnish
1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds
1 1/2 pounds sushi-quality tuna steaks, 1-inch thick
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
Sea salt
2 tablespoons five-spice powder (optional)

Steps:

Cook somen noodles in large pot of boiling water until done, 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together ginger, garlic, red-pepper flakes, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oils; set aside. Drain noodles in a colander, rinse with cold water, and shake to drain noodles well. Place noodles in large bowl, toss with scallions and half of dressing, about 1/3 cup. Place on large round serving platter on one-third of the plate and set aside.
Place cabbage, carrots, cucumber, radishes, cilantro leaves, and sesame seeds in the empty bowl and toss with remaining dressing. Place on serving platter adjacent to the noodles, covering another third of the platter; set aside.
Dry tuna with paper towel, rub with oil, season with salt and five-spice powder, if using. Grill or pan-sear tuna over medium-high heat, about 1 1/2 to 3 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare steaks. Cut into 1/4-inch slices and place in a number of rows in fan pattern on remaining third section of serving platter. Place cilantro sprigs in center of platter and serve immediately.