Seared Ahi Tuna with Sesame Noodles

I know on Monday I was all like, "go away summer", but now I'm like, "make all the summery foods"! It's my blog. I'm allowed to change my mind. Right? Today I bring to you a simple seared ahi steak, which might not be the prettiest thing I've ever photographed, but it's sure felt good as I devoured it alongside some creamy udon noodles and spicy cucumber spears. The tuna is just barely warmed through, and the cool noodles and cucumber are the perfect pairings for the end of summer. Today, I'm traveling to some local Sonoita wineries with some of my co-workers to enjoy some wine and cooler weather. It's a tough job, but someones gotta do it. My motto: Love the Wine You're With. 

Seared Ahi Tuna with Sesame Noodles

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ahi tuna steak
• 2 tbsp. sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp. coconut oil
• salt & pepper to taste

 Sesame Noodles

• 1 pkg. pre-packaged/cooked udon noodles
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1.4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp. sesame oil
• 1/2 tbsp. sriracha

Heat up the pre-cooked udon noodles in the water for 2-3 minutes, until loosened up. Drain the water and add the noodles to a medium mixing bowl. 

To make the sesame noodles, add the garlic, ginger, tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha into a food processor and blend until smooth. Pour the dressing over the noodles in the mixing bowl and stir until the noodles are completely covered. Place into the fridge while you cook the tuna.

Pour sesame seeds into a shallow dish large enough to fit the tuna steak. Coat both sides of the tuna in 1/2 tbsp. of oil, salt, and pepper. Press each side of the fish firmly into the sesame seeds. To sear the tuna, heat the remaining coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 1 minute on each side. Remove from heat and set on a large cutting board. 

Cut the tuna across the grain diagonally with a very sharp knife and place a few slices on each plate. Serve alongside the sesame noodles, and some spicy cucumbers if you would like for some added texture!

To make spicy cucumbers, cut 1 large cucumber into matchsticks and toss with 2 tsp. soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and salt. Serve cold.