GRILLED YELLOW FIN TUNA WITH GRILLED PINEAPPLE SALSA

Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna with Grilled Pineapple Salsa image

Provided by Food Network

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 pineapple, peeled and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices
6 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus 1 teaspoon
4 (6-ounce) tuna steaks
1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows
Fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Steps:

Brush the pineapple slices lightly with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, then place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until softened slightly and nicely marked by the grill, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and allow to cool to room temperature. Dice the pineapple slices (discard the tough core portions) and place in a medium nonreactive bowl. Add the red onion, bell pepper, vinegar, jalapenos, lime juice, cilantro and minced garlic. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and stir well to combine. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and set aside as you prepare the tuna.
Set a grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the tuna steaks with remaining salt and Essence and brush with the 2 remaining tablespoons of the olive oil. Place steaks on the grill, turning 45 degrees after 2 minutes. Repeat on the other side for an additional 2 minutes or until medium-rare. Remove from heat and set aside. Serve with the Grilled Pineapple Salsa.
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch
Published by William Morrow, 1993.