Soy-Lime Marinated Grilled Tuna With Cucumber Salad

• soy sauce↗1⁄2 cup
• fresh lime juice↗2⁄3 cup
• extra virgin olive oil↗3 tablespoons
• garlic cloves↗2 cloves

  finely minced

• ginger↗2 tablespoons

  (minced or grated)

• light brown sugar↗2 tablespoons
• fresh tuna fillets↗1 1⁄2 lbs

  (1-inch thick)

• small cucumbers2

  peeled

• carrot↗3⁄4 cup

  peeled and sliced very thin (or grated)

• red jalapeno chiles1 teaspoon

  finely chopped or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• scallion↗1

  finely chopped (1/4 cup)

• sesame seeds↗1 teaspoon
• green leaf lettuce↗1 head

  sliced into fine ribbons 1/4 inch thick (6 cups)

• cilantro leaf1⁄4 cup

  loosely packed

• Thai basil1⁄4 cup

  loosely packed or 1/4 cup regular basil leaves

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger and brown sugar (makes 1 1/2 cups).

2. 2

   Stir well.

3. 3

   Pour half the mixture into a shallow dish large enough to fit the fish.

4. 4

   Add the fish and marinate at room temperature 30 minutes or in the refrigerator 45 minutes.

5. 5

   If refrigerating, remove the fish from the refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling.

6. 6

   Meanwhile, cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise.

7. 7

   Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds.

8. 8

   Cut the cucumbers into 1/4-inch-thick slices crosswise (makes about 2 cups).

9. 9

   Add the cucumbers, carrot, chile pepper, scallion and sesame seeds to the remaining marinade, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

10. 10

    Remove the fish to paper towels and discard the marinade in the dish.

11. 11

    Pat the excess marinade from the tuna.

12. 12

    With a pastry or barbecue brush, brush the fish with additional olive oil.

13. 13

    On an outdoor grill or a grill pan over high heat, lightly brush the grates with olive oil (do not place the fish on the grill until the flames have subsided).

14. 14

    Grill the fish 3 to 5 minutes on both sides for medium rare or 6 to 8 minutes for medium well.

15. 15

    When slightly cooled, cut into thick slices.

16. 16

    Meanwhile, mix the lettuce and herbs with the chilled marinade and transfer to a platter.

17. 17

    Place the fish on top, and drizzle additional marinade over the fish.

18. 18

    Serve immediately.