Seared Tuna Symphony Salad

At the heart of this ensemble is succulent seared ahi tuna, perfectly cooked to tender perfection. Each bite is like a crescendo of flavor, with a hint of smokiness from the sear and a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth quality that leaves you craving more.

But the symphony doesn't stop there. Enter the stage, sweet mandarin oranges, bursting with citrusy freshness. Their juicy, vibrant notes provide a lively contrast to the rich tuna, creating a delightful balance that's both refreshing and indulgent.

INGREDIENTS: 

2 large fresh ahi tuna steak filets
1 teaspoon garlic infused olive oil
1 large head butter lettuce
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
1 small package of goat cheese
1 can of Mandarin Oranges
4 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon roasted sesame oil
2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon black or white sesame seeds
1 Meyer Lemon
salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION:

Clean and thoroughly dry the lettuce and toss with chopped basil. Open the can of mandarin oranges, drain excess juice and set aside. Season tuna with garlic oil and salt and pepper. Sprinkle a coating of sesame seeds on the large surfaces of the tuna and press them into the fish. 

Preheat the grill griddle or pan to high heat. Pour oil onto the griddle and let it heat up, then place tuna onto the hot griddle and sear on each side for about 60 seconds. Remove them and let rest while you make the rest of the salad.

Whisk in the sesame oil, sugar, seasoned rice wine vinegar, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the oranges and toss the dressing with the lettuce. Start with half the dressing and add more to taste.

Place lettuce servings on plates. Slice tuna and serve over the salad. Garnish with goat cheese crumbles, and sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds and squeeze the Meyer lemon over fish. 

With every forkful, you'll savor the delightful notes of this Seared Tuna Symphony Salad, a culinary masterpiece that's both fun and delicious. It's a dish that deserves a standing ovation at every meal, a gastronomic performance that will leave you wanting an encore. So, dig in and let the symphony of flavors begin!