Tuna tartare is a delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer or as a main course. It’s made with fresh, raw tuna and typically includes chopped onions, capers, citrus juice, and sometimes avocado. But what to serve with tuna tartare?
Let’s Explore, some of the best Side dishes to eat with Tuna Tartare.
What type of food is tuna tartare, and what does tuna tartare taste like?
Tuna tartare is a raw seafood dish usually made with fresh, sushi-grade tuna. It’s typically served as an appetizer and can also be served as a main course.
To prepare tuna tartare, the fish is diced into small pieces and mixed with seasonings, such as sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, wasabi paste, scallions and other spices of your choice. The mixture is then spooned onto a bed of greens or avocado slices and often topped with crunchy elements like toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.
Tuna tartare has a fresh and mild flavor that’s slightly sweet from the sesame oil while still having some heat from the ginger and wasabi paste.
The tuna is slightly chewy, and the crunchy toppings add texture to the dish. It’s a light yet flavorful dish that pairs well with white wine or sake.
37 Amazing dishes to serve with tuna tartare
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are great to serve with tuna tartare. They go especially well with tuna tartare. Whether you’re serving sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, roasting them brings out their sweetness and flavor.
Roasted vegetables also add texture and color to your plate, making it look more appetizing.
Additionally, roasted vegetables are healthy and packed with vitamins and minerals. So you can feel right about serving them alongside your tuna tartare.
Know More: What To Serve With Tuna Patties
2. Salads
Another great way to enjoy your tuna tartare is by adding a salad on the side. Salads provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the tuna while adding an extra burst of nutrients as well.
Leafy greens like spinach or kale are especially nutritious choices for your salads; add some seasonal fruits or nuts for an extra dose of flavor. For an even heartier salad, top it off with quinoa or farro for a protein boost!
3. Rice Dishes
Rice dishes are another great accompaniment for tuna tartare—they provide a neutral backdrop that allows you to really taste all of the flavors in the dish.
Sushi rice is another classic choice, but if you’re looking for something more unique like me, try wild rice or forbidden black rice for an added pop of color on your plate.
You can also opt for one-pot options like jambalaya or paella, which offer plenty of flavor without overwhelming the taste of your main course.
4. Crispy Fried Capers
Add a crunchy pop of flavor to your tuna tartare by adding crispy fried capers. To make them, simply heat up some olive oil in a pan and add the capers.
Fry until they’re golden brown, and then remove them from the heat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve alongside your tuna tartare for an extra dose of flavor.
5. Avocado and Mango Salad
Avocado and Mango Salad is eaten well with tuna tartare. This tropical twist on a classic salad pair perfectly with tuna tartare.
To make it, cut up some avocado and mango into cubes and combine them in a bowl with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt to taste. The creamy avocado complements the texture of the tuna, while the sweet mango adds a unique flavor profile that’s sure to be enjoyed by all.
6. Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that can be cooked in so many different ways, but grilling really brings out its best flavors.
To make grilled asparagus as a side dish for your tuna tartare, just season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, and olive oil before throwing it on the grill until just tender. This simple yet flavorful side pairs nicely with the delicate flavors of raw tuna.
Know More: What to Serve with Fish Sticks
7. Eggplant Fries
Eggplant fries are great to serve with tuna tartare. For a unique twist on tater tots, try making eggplant fries instead! These crispy bite-sized treats add exciting texture and flavor variation to the appetizer course.
8. Quinoa Pilaf
Quinoa pilaf goes excellent with tuna tartare. This hearty grain dish fills up any plate with its nutty flavor and is packed with protein; perfect for those looking for a healthy accompaniment to their tuna tartare!
9. Seaweed Salad
Seaweed salad eats well with tuna tartare. It bursts with minerals from the sea, and this salty seaweed salad offsets the mild taste of tuna tartare with its bold umami flavor profile.
Know More: Best Salads to Complement Salmon Dishes
10. Potato Galette
Thinly sliced potatoes layered into galette form create an elegant side dish that pairs well with the spicy kick of garlic and chili flakes in the tuna tartare recipe.
11. Rice Noodle Bowls
For another light yet satisfying side, try using rice noodles as an alternative to traditional wheat-based noodles for your bowl dish! The delicate flavors won’t overpower the more subtle tastes of your tuna tartare topping, either!
12. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is simple but delicious and eaten well with tuna tartare. It is another crowd-pleaser that goes well alongside any type of seafood entree; it adds bulk to your plate if you’re looking for something heavier than lighter sides like salads or soups!
13. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts pair well with tuna tartare. It is tender, yet crisp roasted Brussels sprouts bring balance to heavier meals like fish recipes, especially when paired with tangy Dijon mustard or balsamic vinegar dressings!
14. Seared Shrimp Skewers
Seared Shrimp Skewers are excellent to serve with tuna tartare. Sweet seared shrimp served on skewers not only looks beautiful but also adds more seafood goodness next to your tuna tartare appetizer!
15. Crispy Polenta Bites
Crispy Polenta Bites is one of the best companions for tuna tartare. It is a heartier option than regular toast points, polenta slices fried until crispy are perfect for scooping up creamy pates such as cream cheese mixtures used in certain variations of this fish recipe!
16. Warm Quinoa & Kale Salad
Warm Quinoa & Kale Salad is an excellent choice for tuna tartare. Nutrient-packed kale adds extra color and pizzazz when combined with warm quinoa in this vibrant side dish that pairs brilliantly with other seafood starters too!
17. Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks
Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks eat well with tuna tartare. For those who don’t eat fish, these smoky grilled tofu steaks are just as delicious as traditional sashimi-style cuts like those used in our recipe here — just be sure to slather them heavily in sesame oil before grilling for maximum flavor impact!
18. Pickled Onions
Pickled Onions are excellent to serve with tuna tartare. The contrasting sweetness and sharpness of pickled onions provide a perfect balance to the richness of tuna tartare.
19. Wasabi
For those who enjoy a bit of spice and heat, wasabi is an excellent addition to tuna tartare. The strong kick of wasabi adds a great flavor contrast.
20. Dill
With its fresh, bright flavor, dill is the perfect foil for tuna tartare’s delicate taste. Adding it as a garnish or in the form of pickles will elevate the dish wonderfully.
21. Sesame Seeds
Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and nuttiness that work well with the mildness of tuna tartare.
22. Peppers
Bell peppers provide texture and color while also spicing up the flavor profile of your tuna tartare dish.
23. Red Onion
The mild and slightly sweet flavor of red onion brings a pleasant contrast to the saltiness of tuna tartare.
24. Radishes
Adding a subtle hint of spice, radishes are great for those who want a bit of crunch with their dish.
25. Tomatoes
Juicy, ripe tomatoes provide sweetness and acidity that balance out the flavors in tuna tartare.
26. Olives
Olives add an earthy, salty flavor that pairs well with the delicate taste of tuna tartare.
27. Lemon Juice
A squeeze of lemon juice can bring out all the flavors in your tuna tartare dish, adding brightness and acidity at the same time.
28. Shiso Leaves
Also known as perilla, these leaves bring a unique flavor to tuna tartare that is unlike any other ingredient.
29. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk adds creaminess and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the mildness of tuna tartare. It’s an unexpected but delicious addition.
30. Microgreens
Microgreens add vibrancy to your plate and provide additional nutrition as well as visual appeal to tuna tartare.
31. Capers
The sharp and salty taste of capers is perfect for bringing out flavor nuances in the tuna without overshadowing its delicate taste.
32. Lemon Wedges
Bright lemon wedges add zest and zing to your plate while making sure that you don’t need any extra condiments like hot sauce or ketchup, which could overpower your tuna tartare!
33. Crackers
Lightly salted crackers give you an indulgent snack on the go when paired with tuna tartare – perfect for lunchtime meetings!
34. Green Apples
Sweet green apples balance out tartare’s savory flavors while providing essential vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy living!
35. Soy Sauce
Those who want more traditional accompanying flavors in tuna tartare, like me, may opt for some soy sauce – just make sure not to drown out all its delicate flavors!
36. Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar has a subtle sweetness that helps enhance all kinds of seafood dishes, including Tuna Tartar!
37. Edamame
Edamame goes well with tuna tartare. It is a side serving of edamame beans that adds fiber and protein and makes sure you get enough greens into your day’s diet too!
What is tuna tartare made of?
Tuna tartare is often made with fresh, raw tuna that is diced and mixed with seasonings and other ingredients.
Commonly used ingredients include finely chopped sweet onion, celery, capers, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise or yogurt, chives or green onions for color and heat from chili peppers.
Some variations also add avocado for creaminess or cucumbers for crunch. The end result is a colorful dish of protein-packed tuna tartare served as an appetizer or light meal. It can be enjoyed on its own or served over crackers or toast points. It is also a great addition to tacos, burritos and other Mexican dishes.
What are the best flavors to go with tuna tartare?
There are many flavor combinations that can be used to create a delicious tuna Tartare. Some classic flavors that pair well with tuna tartare include capers, lemon juice, shallots, garlic, fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, and ginger.
Other Twisting options are diced avocado or mango for a tropical touch, dicing some jalapeño peppers, or adding a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Another great way to give your tuna tartare extra flavor is by pairing it with pickled vegetables like radishes or sweet onions.
How do you jazz up tuna tartare?
It’s easy! Start by creating a flavorful marinade. Mix together some olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs such as thyme or oregano. Allow the tuna to sit in this mix for about 20 minutes before assembling your tartare.
To assemble your tartare, dice the tuna into small cubes and place them on top of toast points or crackers. Top with diced vegetables such as red onion, cucumber, and tomatoes. For an extra flavor burst, add capers and olives to the mix. Finally, finish it off with a drizzle of your marinade or a dollop of mayonnaise (or both!).
For added texture and crunch, try adding nuts or crispy fried shallots to your tuna tartare. You could also top it with a runny poached egg for an extra special touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try topping the tartare with caviar or adding a kick of spice with some minced jalapeno peppers.
Depending on your choices, tuna tartare will surely be a delicious and unique appetizer that everyone will love! With the right ingredients and flavors, it can be transformed into an unforgettable dish. Now get creative and have fun making your own version of this classic starter!
How should tuna tartare be served?
Tuna tartare should be served cold, usually with an accompaniment of a tangy citrus-based dressing such as a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. It is often garnished with crispy vegetables, greens like seaweed salad, and other seasonings like wasabi mayonnaise or a drizzle of sesame oil.
Additionally, it can also be served on top of toasted crostini for added crunch and flavor. To make the tuna tartare more interesting, you can also add diced avocado and capers for color and texture contrast.
Wrap Up
Tuna tartare is an amazing dish, but it’s important not to forget about its sides! With these creative options, you’ll be able to take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in no time at all! From roasted vegetables and salads to one-pot rice dishes, there’s something here for everyone. These sides will make your party even more special! Now all you need to do is cook and enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQs
What is the difference between ceviche and tartare?
Ceviche and tartare are both dishes consisting of raw fish or seafood marinated in a mixture of acidic liquids such as lime juice.
The difference between the two dishes lies in the way they are prepared. Ceviche is typically prepared by marinating thinly sliced pieces of fish or seafood for several hours in citrus juices and then served with vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Tartare is usually made using larger chunks of fish or seafood that have been finely chopped or blended into a paste and then combined with other ingredients, such as seasonings, herbs, capers, mustard, etc., to create a dish that can be eaten safely without needing to be cooked first.
Additionally, ceviche is often served cold, while tartare is typically served at room temperature.
Overall, ceviche and tartare are both delicious dishes that make great meals or appetizers, but they differ in their preparation methods and the type of fish or seafood used. If you’re searching for a unique way to enjoy raw fish, give either one a try!
Is tuna tartare raw or cooked?
Tuna tartare is typically served raw, as it consists of raw tuna that has been finely chopped or minced and combined with various ingredients such as mayonnaise, ginger, sesame oil and soy sauce.
However, some recipes call for lightly searing the tuna before adding the other ingredients to create a cooked version of the dish. This adds flavor while still preserving the unique texture of a classic tartare.
For safety reasons, always choose sushi-grade tuna when preparing this dish to ensure that any potential contaminants have been eliminated. If you’re concerned about consuming uncooked fish, you can lightly cook the tuna in a pan over medium heat. Be sure not to overcook it so that you don’t lose its delicate flavor.
How long will tuna tartare keep?
Tuna tartare is best enjoyed when it is freshly prepared. If you need to store it, make sure to do so properly. It will last for 2-3 days in an airtight container if stored in the fridge. To ensure optimum safety, make sure to consume it within 1-2 days of preparation.
When reheating tuna tartare, be sure to do so thoroughly and quickly to prevent bacteria growth. For optimal flavor and texture, consumption as soon as possible after preparation is recommended.
Good food safety practices should be followed when handling and consuming tuna tartare. Make sure to wash your hands properly before and after preparing or eating the dish and clean all surfaces that have come into contact with raw ingredients such as fish.
Additionally, it is important to purchase fresh and of high quality for the best results. Do not consume if any signs of spoilage are present. If unsure, discard and do not risk consuming expired or contaminated products.
