Looking for new recipes ideas for Ahi tuna? Try this amazing new concoction created by John Loshuertos. Ahi Tuna Meatballs using Jana Brands ground Ahi tuna. (attached) Contact BayWest Marketing for more info.
Ahi Tuna Meatballs with Ponzu Dipping Sauce
Created by John Loshuertos and John Finley
Being a food broker for the past 12 years has had its challenges. When I was asked to help move some ground Sushi-grade Ahi tuna, there were only 2 applications that came to mind: spice tuna rolls and ahi tuna burgers. I knew there had to be more, so I shared an idea with my friend and chef John Finley from Aramark. I thought using the Asian ?avors in traditional poke recipes, but combining them with a more European (or middle eastern) presentation (i.e. deep frying like falafel), so it?s crispy outside, yet still rare and slightly chilled inside. Here?s what we came up with.. delish!
Ahi Tuna Meatballs:
- 1 lb – Sushi grade Ahi Tuna ground
- 4 Tbls – Panko, plus 1 cup for dredging
- 4 scallions finely chopped
- 2 Tbls – Lemon Juice
- 2 Tbls – Srirachi
- 1 Tbbs – Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp – pressed Ginger w juice
- 1 Tbsp – Rice Wine
- 1 Tbsp – Soy Sauce
Hand mix all ingredients (except 1 c panko) until thoroughly distributed. Chill for 30-60 min. Form into 1.5-2oz balls, then roll into panko crumbs. Freeze overnight.
Heat 2 cups oil in iron skillet (or deep fryer) to 375 degrees. Drop frozen meatballs into oil and fry approx 7-10min (turning 1x), until golden brown on outside. The inside should remain rare in order to get the full effect: Crispy, crunchy outside, with tender poke-style tuna inside!
Ponzu Dipping Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp – Fish sauce
- ¼ cup – Soy sauce
- 1/8 cup – sugar
- 2 Tbsp – sesame oil
- 5 Tbsp – Lemon juice (concentrate)
- Pinch of black pepper
- ½ Tbsp corn starch, ½ tbsp – water (slurry)
Bring to simmer, then add tbsp of corn starch slurry. Stir until the consistency of syrup. Cool.
Plating: Place a handful of micro-greens (tossed in a rice wine vinagrette), cut 2 meatballs in ½ place on top, then drizzle with Ponzu sauce.
Other creative Ahi Meatball serving ideas:
- Ahi Meatball Falafel w asian slaw, wasabi creme fraise, pita bread
- Ahi Meatball Roll on fresh rice paper, rice noodle, ponzu, bean sprouts
- Ahi Meatballs with Soba Noodle in Ponzu gravy