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- 15 mins
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Yellowfin Tuna With Spicy Mango Salsa
- 24 mins total
- 20 mins prep
- 4 mins cook
- serves 4 people
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Yellowfin tuna with spicy mango salsa. Fish lovers, be ready! This recipe is for you.
Close your eyes and imagine this: cooked to perfection yellowfin tuna with a beautiful crust of mixed peppercorns, fennel seeds – can you smell them – and coriander.
Cooked to perfection and sitting on a bed of fresh mangoes prepared in a sweet-spicy salsa. Mouthwatering would be the word I would use to describe it.
What is special about Yellowfin Tuna?
They are highly migratory and are found throughout the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
They form schools with other tuna types and are also known to travel along with dolphins.
Yellowfin can breed all year round and have a life span of up to seven years.
A steak that is firm and dense in texture. Excellent for grilling.
The best way to enjoy it is cooked medium-rare, searing it quickly over very high heat. That is what I have done here with this recipe.
Please do not overcook it, as it will lose some fantastic flavors.
Incredibly nutritious
and packed with proteins, it also contains healthy fats, omega-3, and B-complex vitamins such as niacin, B-6, and B-12.
A natural solid source of rich minerals, including iodine, selenium, calcium, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, and magnesium.
However, it is not recommended to be consumed daily due to the higher amount of mercury.
Where do you find yellowfin tuna?
Yellowfin tuna is a tuna species found in pelagic waters of tropical and subtropical ocean waters worldwide.
Sometimes referred to as ahi, from the Hawaiian “ahi,” a name also used for the closely related bigeye tuna.
Yellowfin tuna fun facts
It is one of the fastest swimmers in the ocean. They constantly have to swim to obtain oxygen from the water via their gills, which they cannot do while stopped. Therefore they must continually swim forward with their mouth open to keep their blood oxygenated.
They can reach up to 400 pounds and are one of the most vital predators.
I have paired this excellent fish with a spicy mango salsa. The balance between the two is out of this world.
The fish is covered with spices creating a crust when the tuna is seared.
The spicy mango salsa continues the flavor of the spices and adds a touch of heat with a lot of freshness from the mango.
Quite a combination of freshness, heat, and warmth.
Spicy mango salsa – we cannot get enough of it.
Mangoes are one of the fruits that we enjoy most. Prepared in a salsa, bring any food you will present it with to a new level.
The sweetness of the mango pairs well with the heat of the Sriracha or sambal and ginger, which adds a second spicy layer.
Add the red onion and the jalapeno, and you have this sweet, tangy, spicy hot mix playing with your senses.
Choose ripe mangoes that have a fragrant smell to them. The recipe makes 3 cups and will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
You can also enjoy the spicy mango salsa with roasted chicken or Pork Tenderloins Pan-Seared.
Spices for the rub
While playing with the salsa, adding spices to my yellowtuna fish was just what it needed.
Coriander seeds give it that nutty and cirtus flavor which is intensified when roasted.
Fennel seeds is very aromatic with a mild anise or licorice flavor which become sweet when cooking with it.
Peppercorns give that perfect balance to the fennel and coriander, and adds a bite to it.
Sea salt is the perfect seasoning and when crushed with the above spices add a great flavor to any meat or fish that it is used with.
Cooking tips and step-by-step instructions on making this yellowfin tuna with spicy mango salsa to perfection.
You can find the printable recipe with all the correct ingredient amounts at the bottom of this post. This is just a quick introduction. Please read the full recipe instructions.
- Start with the salsa as the longer the mangoes, onion, jalapeno, ginger, Sriracha, and lemon juice sit together, the better the flavors are infused.
- I enjoy crushing my seeds. I find the flavors are brought out more intensely. However, you do not have to if you have none on hand, and the already ground fennel seeds and coriander seeds will also work fine.
- Use the sea salt, not Kosher salt. Not the same flavor at all, and you need the salt flavor with this dish to bind it well.
- I know it seems like a lot of spices; however, you have four steaks to cover. The seasoning will form a great crust. This crust will maintain the interior nice and soft.
- Heat the skillet with no oils.
- Before adding the yellowfin tuna steaks to the heat, drizzle them with olive oil and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side.
- Once the tuna is done, please remove it from the heat into a plate. Drizzle more olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
The tuna should be crispy on the outside with the help of the rub and perfectly pink and tender on the inside.
Serve over the mango salsa, and I enjoy preparing couscous on the side.
Can you make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the mango salsa the day before and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. The flavors will continue to bind.
Crushing the seeds the day before can be of help.
If you enjoyed this dish, check out these flavorful recipes:
Lime Fish with Garlic Mangoes Sauce
Equipment and ingredients used to make this wonderful recipe
Nutrition Facts
Yellowfin Tuna with Spicy Mango Salsa
Amount Per Serving
Calories 300
Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g3%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 66mg22%
Sodium 166mg7%
Potassium 1104mg32%
Carbohydrates 28g9%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 23g26%
Protein 43g86%
Vitamin A 1795IU36%
Vitamin C 67mg81%
Calcium 46mg5%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Yellowfin Tuna with Spicy Mango Salsa
- 24 mins total
- 20 mins prep
- 4 mins cook
- serves 4 people
Ingredients
-
4 fillets of yellowfin tuna
-
1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
-
1 tablespoon of coriander seeds
-
1 tablespoon whole mixed peppercorns
-
1 tablespoon sea salt
-
ground black pepper
FOR THE SPICY MANGO SALSA (3 cup)
-
3 large ripe mangos, peeled and cut into ¼ inch dice
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1 medium red onion, peeled and cut into small dice
-
1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeds removed, and minced
-
1 ½ teaspoon minced ginger
-
1 tablespoon Sriracha hot chili sauce, or sambal, or hot pepper sauce
-
¼ cup lemon juice
-
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
SPICY MANGO SALSA
-
In a large ceramic bowl combine the mangoes, onions, jalapeno, ginger, Sriracha, and lemon juice, and blend well. Season with salt and pepper. Use or refrigerate.
YELLOWFIN TUNA
-
In a mortar, crush together the fennel seeds, coriander seeds, mixed peppercorn, sea salt, and regular pepper until all seeds are crushed.
Place the rub on a plate, add the yellowfin tuna and coat them well on both sides.
-
Meanwhile, heat to high heat a non-stick skillet. Once the skillet is hot, rub some olive oil over the yellowfin tuna and place the oiled side into the pan. Sear on high for 1 ½ to 2 minutes per side.
-
Remove from the skillet when done: they should be pink in the middle, sprinkle more olive oil over it, and gently squeeze lemon over each tuna.
-
Spread some of the spicy mango salsa in the middle of the plate and place the yellowfin tuna over it.
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Originally published on February 25, 2021. Updated on January 24, 2023.
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this looks ABSOLUTELY delicious 🤤 I love yellowfin tuna, so I can’t wait to try this new recipe. I’ve never had a mango salsa before, but the addition of lemon and sriracha sounds like a match made in heaven! Thank you for sharing
Thank you so much Celeste! You will love this savory recipe. Full of flavor and yet so easy to put together.
Bon Appetit!
This recipe sounds absolutely heavenly. Mango is one of my favorite fruit, so this dish is perfect. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure Kalu, anytime.
Enjoy!
Absolutely delicious and very easy to make. I was so shocked that even my kids enjoyed it. It was their first fish dish too!
WOW!!! Super excited that your kids enjoyed it too. That is a heartfelt compliment, thank you.
Thank you for making my recipe.
xoxo
I love yellowfin tuna but never know what to do with it. I’ll be trying this for sure!
Sue, You will love this recipe then. Quick and easy with lots of flavors.
Enjoy!
What a beautiful and simple meal. Love the bright flavors in the mango salsa!
never thought of adding yellow mangoes as salsa before, interesting and sounds delicious. I wanna give it a try!
You will love them. Sweet and juicy and the perfect combination with any onion or spice.
Enjoy it!
Oh my word the vibrant colors in this brilliant and delicious recipe are just out of this world.
Thank you, Gabriela. You will enjoy the flavors too. Spicy and sweet with a hint of freshness. A love affair with your palate.
Enjoy!
This looks incredible! So fast and easy! I love mango salad. I’ve never cooked tuna at home, but now that I have your recipe, I would like to try it. That’s amazing that you only sheer the tuna for 1 1/2 minutes to 2 minutes for medium-rare; I need to remember that. Thanks for the tips!
My pleasure Colette. I love fish and anyway I can prepare it is a gift to me. Yes, this yellowfin tuna only takes less than 2 minutes per side. Of course, you can cook it a bit longer, be careful not to overcook it as it becomes dry.
Enjoy!!
You had me at mango (the tuna is just a bonus). 🙂 Love, love, love the flavors in this mango salsa.
You will LOVE it!! So tasty! Sweet, spicy and refreshing and savory combination. Make extra and try it with grilled chicken, yummy!!
Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by,
The perfect spring lunch!!
Thank you! So easy to make and the mango salsa can be used with chicken as well.
Enjoy!
I haven’t tried Yellowfin Tuna before but this recipe makes me want to give it a try! The salsa itself sounds amazing!
You will love the salsa and you can enjoy it also with chicken and pork. The tuna melts in your mouth.
Enjoy!
Love the sound of this tropical meal. It makes me feel like I am on vacation. Seafood and fruit really do work well together.
Thank you, Gloria! Sometimes we do need to be transported somewhere fun.
Enjoy!
This looks great for grilling, and the mango salsa is always a hit with our family. We will most definitely add this one to the summer rotation!
Thank you for giving it a try. I want your feedback as to the grilling.
Enjoy!
loved this yellowfin tuna! It was such a light and refreshing dish that turned out so easy to make! The perfect Summer dinner!
Thank you, Kayla. I am so happy you enjoyed it.
I love the salsa with this so good!
Thank you!
Looks really healthy. I love tuna. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing 😁
Thank you!
Looks really healthy. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing 😁
The pleasure is all mine, Enjoy it!
Delicious! I’m always looking for ways to cook Yellowfin tuna and glad I found this recipe. We loved the spicy mango too!
Thank you, Rosanna, for your feedback. I am glad you enjoyed it.
mango salsa was lovely with this tuna! so summer like
Thank you, Nancy! So glad you enjoyed it.
The flavors in this were absolutely delicious, plus it was really simple and easy to make. Everyone loved it. Looking forward to making it again soon.
Thank you for your kind feedback. I am so happy everyone enjoyed it.
I love tuna so much! I can’t wait to try it with that spicy mango salsa!
I hope you will enjoy it.
never would have thought to add mango to tuna, but this was fabulous!
Thank you, Katie, I am glad you like it.
That spicy mango salsa is just the perfect addition to the tuna! Will definitely be making this again!
Thank you for your feedback and so happy you enjoyed it.
Fish and mango salsa,byoure speaking my language.
I am glad! Enjoy it!
I made the tuna last night and it was amazing. I couldn’t believe how delicious the tuna was along with mango. I will make it again.
Thank you, Fede, I am so happy you enjoyed it.