Tuna Carpaccio

This easy Tuna Carpaccio recipe showcases the flavor of fresh ahi tuna in a beautiful and simple presentation.

About the Recipe

Tuna carpaccio is a delicious appetizer featuring thinly sliced tuna topped with diced shallots, briny capers, and peppery arugula, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve this with slices of a crusty baguette for a perfect accompaniment that will become one of your favorite recipes to make.

Ideal for a dinner party, special occasions, or a light meal at home, this dish shines with its beautiful presentation and delicate flavors. This is a stunning appetizer that will undoubtedly impress your friends and family. It's easy to make but has the appearance and flavor of a gourmet dish.

If you are looking for more tuna recipes, check out our: Tuna Carbonara, Ahi Tuna Lettuce Cups or Healthy Seared Sesame Ahi Tuna Recipe.

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About the Recipe
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Directions
Expert Tips and Tricks
Kitchen Equipment
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
What To Serve With
Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Other Recipes to Try
Tuna Carpaccio

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Simple - This recipe is easy and quick to prepare. It is ideal for both new and experienced home cooks who are looking to show off their culinary skills. You can easily add on any other ingredients you have on hand - avocado slices, flaky sea salt, sliced fennel, or pine nuts would all be great additions!

Impressive - Once assembled, this recipe looks beautiful on a serving plate. It is a great choice for impressing guests at dinner parties or special occasions.

Delicious - The combination of fresh ahi tuna slices, zesty lemon, peppery arugula, and briny capers results in a delicious and well balanced flavor profile.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for this raw tuna recipe:

Tuna - Two fresh ahi sushi-grade tuna steaks sliced very thin with a very sharp knife.
Shallot - Substitue shallot with sliced red onion.
Capers
Arugula
Olive oil - Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Lemon - You will use both lemon zest and lemon juice.
Salt & black pepper - Use flaky salt for the best flavor and an appealing presentation.
Baguette

Directions

Let's make this tuna recipe together!

Step 1: Place the tuna on a plate and top with the shallot and capers.

Step 2: Drizzle the tuna with the olive oil and lemon juice.

Step 3: Top with the arugula, lemon zest, salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Serve with sliced baguette and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Here are some expert tips to make this appetizer:

Tuna - Since the tuna is the star of the dish, choose fresh, sushi-grade ahi tuna for the best flavor and texture. For authentic carpaccio, slice the tuna as thinly as possible. A sharp knife works best for achieving thin slices.

Serve chilled - For the best flavor and texture, serve the tuna carpaccio chilled. You can refrigerate the assembled dish for a short time before serving to ensure it's cold and refreshing.

Pair with wine - Consider serving a crisp white wine or a light rosé to complement the flavors of the dish.

Kitchen Equipment

Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.

Serving Tray - This set of serving trays is perfect for a variety of different dishes.

Sharp knife - A sharp knife is essential in making sure you are able to get those thin, uniform slices of tuna.

Recipe Substitutions/Variations

Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this simple recipe.

Tuna - Instead of ahi tuna, you can use other sushi grade fish such as salmon, yellowtail or swordfish. You can also use a bluefin tuna steak instead of a yellowfin tuna steak.

Lemon - Experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange instead of lemon for a unique twist on the dressing.

Arugula - Swap out the arugula for other fresh herbs like basil, cilantro or dill to change the flavor of the dish.

Additions - For a creamy texture, add thinly sliced avocado on top of the tuna carpaccio before drizzling with dressing. Add a touch of heat by sprinkling some red pepper flakes.

What To Serve With

Here are some recipes to serve alongside this tuna carpaccio recipe:

Caprese Empanada - These easy Caprese Empanadas are a delicious combination of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil all packed inside a delicious pocket of flaky crust.

Simple Charcuterie Board - This simple charcuterie board is perfect for entertaining! Try making your own charcuterie board at your next party for super easy entertaining!

Broccolini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Crispy Shallots - This Broccolini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Crispy Shallots Recipe is a perfect easy entertaining appetizer! While this recipe looks fancy, it's actually super easy AND so delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tuna instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen tuna instead of fresh for this Tuna Carpaccio recipe. However, it's important to ensure that the frozen tuna is of high quality and sushi grade. Freezing may slightly alter the texture of the tuna, so keep this in mind when preparing the dish.

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?

This is best served freshly made, but you could prepare all of the ingredients so assembly is quick and simple when you are ready to serve it.

Are there any variations I could try for the dressing?

Certainly! Here are some variations: a soy ginger dressing with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, a citrus vinaigrette with lemon or lime juice and Dijon mustard, a creamy wasabi aioli with mayo and wasabi paste, a sesame miso dressing with miso paste and sesame oil, or a cilantro lime dressing with fresh cilantro and lime juice.