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Seared Ahi Tuna au Poivre with Shaved Fennel & White Peach Salade

Seared Ahi Tuna au Poivre with Shaved Fennel & White Peach Salade

I love the drama of a classic Parisian steak au poivre, but on a balmy evening in California, heavy cream and beef just feel too heavy. Instead, we’re swapping the filet mignon for stunning, ruby-red ahi tuna and giving it that signature crushed-peppercorn crust. Paired with a juicy, sun-drenched salad of white peaches, fennel, and a Meyer lemon-shallot vinaigrette, this dish is a quick-seared sunset on a plate.

Marguerite Lavigne
Marguerite Lavigne
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 3 minutes
2
easy
dinnersalad
ahi tunaau poivrebistrocalifornia+1

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Timeline

18 minutes
0m5m10m15m18m
Make Vinaigrette
5m
Prep Salad
5m
Crust Tuna
2m
Sear Tuna
3m
Compose Dish
3m

Ingredients

  • 2 steaks ahi tuna steaks(sushi-grade, about 6 oz each, 1-inch thick)
  • 2 tbsp mixed peppercorns(coarsely crushed (a mix of black, pink, and green is lovely))
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 4 tbsp olive oil(divided (1 tbsp for searing, 3 tbsp for dressing))
  • 1 shallot(finely minced)
  • 1 Meyer lemon(juiced and zested)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 fennel bulb(very thinly shaved)
  • 2 white peaches(pitted and sliced into wedges)
  • 1 avocado(halved and sliced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint(torn)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil(torn)
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt(to finish)

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, whisk together 1 finely minced shallot, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and the juice and zest of 1 Meyer lemon. Slowly whisk in 3 tbsp olive oil until perfectly emulsified. Let it sit so the sharp bite of the shallot melts beautifully into the citrus.

    5 min

    Tip: Letting the shallot sit in the acid (macerating) is my favorite trick to sweeten its flavor.

  2. 2

    In a wide mixing bowl, gently toss the 1 very thinly shaved fennel bulb and 2 sliced white peaches with about half of your vinaigrette. We want them to just begin to soften and soak up that sunny lemon dressing. Set aside.

    5 min

    Tip: Use a mandoline for the fennel if you have one. You want it almost translucent so it’s delicate, not tough.

  3. 3

    Pat the 2 ahi tuna steaks completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt, then press the 2 tbsp coarsely crushed mixed peppercorns firmly into the flesh, ensuring a beautiful, even crust.

    2 min

    Tip: Don't be shy with the peppercorns. Press down hard so they adhere properly.

  4. 4

    Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is perfect here) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully lay the tuna in the pan. Give it a quick, aggressive sear—exactly 60 to 90 seconds per side. We want a deeply toasted pepper crust but a cool, ruby-rare center. Transfer immediately to a cutting board.

    3 min

    Tip: Do not walk away! Tuna cooks in a flash. An overcooked piece of ahi is a minor tragedy.

  5. 5

    Now, we compose! Slice the seared tuna against the grain into thick ribbons. Spread the dressed fennel and peaches across a large platter. Tuck slices of 1 sliced avocado throughout the salad. Drape the seared tuna ribbons over the top. Drizzle the entire platter with the remaining vinaigrette, scatter over the 1/4 cup torn fresh mint and 1/4 cup torn fresh basil, and finish with a generous pinch of 1 pinch flaky sea salt.

    3 min

    Tip: Composing rather than tossing keeps the avocado pristine and lets every ingredient shine like a jewel.

Chef's Notes

Pour a chilled, slightly funky skin-contact Pinot Gris or a crisp Rosé de Provence with this. The subtle tannins and stone fruit notes in a good orange wine will sing harmoniously with the fresh peaches and the spicy, peppery crust of the tuna. Also, if white peaches aren't at the market yet, sweet Santa Rosa plums work miracles here!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Seared Ahi Tuna au Poivre with Shaved Fennel & White Peach Salade take to make?

Seared Ahi Tuna au Poivre with Shaved Fennel & White Peach Salade takes about 18 minutes total. That includes 15 minutes of prep and 3 minutes of cooking.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 2 servings.

What skill level is needed for Seared Ahi Tuna au Poivre with Shaved Fennel & White Peach Salade?

This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.

What ingredients do I need for Seared Ahi Tuna au Poivre with Shaved Fennel & White Peach Salade?

The main ingredients are: ahi tuna steaks, mixed peppercorns, kosher salt, olive oil, shallot, Meyer lemon, Dijon mustard, fennel bulb, white peaches, avocado, fresh mint, fresh basil, flaky sea salt.

What type of meal is Seared Ahi Tuna au Poivre with Shaved Fennel & White Peach Salade?

Seared Ahi Tuna au Poivre with Shaved Fennel & White Peach Salade is categorized as: dinner, salad.