Ina Garten Tuna Tartare Recipe is a fresh, simple and bright dish. It is perfect for warm days or light meals. This dish feels fancy but is very easy to make at home.
The fresh tuna, lime, herbs and spices create a clean and bold flavor. You only need a few ingredients and a few minutes. In this guide, I will explain the full Ina Garten Tuna Tartare Recipe in very easy words.
You will learn how to make Ina Garten Tuna Tartare, what ingredients you need and how to mix everything the right way. This recipe is great for parties, dinners or a light lunch. If you love clean, fresh flavors, this dish will make you very happy.
My Experience With This Recipe
The first time I made this recipe, I was surprised by how fast it was. The tuna tasted fresh and soft. The lime and herbs added bright flavor. The dish looked fancy but was very simple to prepare.
My friends loved it and asked for more. Now I make it often for dinner nights. It always impresses guests.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Tuna Tartare
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Course: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Citrus juicer
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon for mixing
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Tuna Tartare
- 1 pound sushi-grade tuna, diced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp diced cucumber
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
- Dice the tuna
Cut the tuna into small cubes. Make sure the pieces are even for better mixing. - Prepare the bowl
Add tuna, scallions, cucumber and cilantro into a clean mixing bowl. - Add the liquids
Pour lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil and olive oil over the tuna mix gently. - Add ginger and seeds
Add ginger and sesame seeds. Mix slowly to keep the tuna shape strong. - Season the mix
Add a little salt if needed. Taste and adjust the flavors gently. - Chill before serving
Place the tuna tartare in the fridge for 10 minutes for better flavor. - Serve fresh
Plate the tartare nicely. Serve it with crackers or toast for a crisp bite.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Tuna Tartare
- Always use sushi-grade tuna for safety.
- Keep the tuna cold until mixing.
- Add lime juice slowly and taste often.
- Use fresh herbs for bright flavor.
- Mix gently to avoid breaking the tuna.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not use old or low-quality tuna.
- Do not add too much soy sauce.
- Do not leave the tuna out too long.
- Do not over-mix the mixture.
- Do not skip chilling time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tuna tartare fresh and cold. It tastes great with crispy crackers, toasted bread or rice chips.
You can also serve it with sliced avocado or cucumber ribbons. The fresh flavors make it perfect for parties, dinner starters or a light meal on a warm day.
Variations You Can Try
- Add diced avocado for creaminess.
- Add chili flakes for heat.
- Use lemon instead of lime.
- Add mango for a sweet note.
- Add wasabi for bold flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Eat tuna tartare the same day.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for four hours only.
- Do not freeze tuna tartare.
- Do not reheat; serve cold only.
- Keep ingredients chilled before mixing.
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Health Benefits
Tuna is rich in lean protein, which helps build and repair muscles. It also contains omega-3 fats that support heart and brain health. Lime and herbs add vitamin C and antioxidants. This dish is light, fresh and fits well in a healthy lifestyle when eaten in moderation.
Ina Garten Tuna Tartare Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound sushi-grade tuna diced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp diced cucumber
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Dice the tuna
- Cut the tuna into small cubes. Make sure the pieces are even for better mixing.
Prepare the bowl
- Add tuna, scallions, cucumber and cilantro into a clean mixing bowl.
Add the liquids
- Pour lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil and olive oil over the tuna mix gently.
Add ginger and seeds
- Add ginger and sesame seeds. Mix slowly to keep the tuna shape strong.
Season the mix
- Add a little salt if needed. Taste and adjust the flavors gently.
Chill before serving
- Place the tuna tartare in the fridge for 10 minutes for better flavor.
Serve fresh
- Plate the tartare nicely. Serve it with crackers or toast for a crisp bite.
Notes
- Always use sushi-grade tuna for safety.
- Keep the tuna cold until mixing.
- Add lime juice slowly and taste often.
- Use fresh herbs for bright flavor.
- Mix gently to avoid breaking the tuna.
FAQs about Ina Garten Tuna Tartare
1. Can I make tuna tartare ahead of time?
You can cut the tuna earlier, but do not mix everything early. Mix right before serving to keep it fresh and safe.
2. Can I use frozen tuna for this recipe?
You can use frozen tuna only if it is sushi-grade. Thaw it in the fridge and keep it very cold before dicing.
3. What can I serve with tuna tartare?
You can serve it with crackers, toasted bread, rice chips or cucumber slices. Fresh sides help balance the flavor very well.
4. How do I know if my tuna is sushi-grade?
Buy from trusted stores. Ask the seller directly. Sushi-grade tuna is safe for raw eating and handled under strict rules.
5. Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Yes. You can add avocado, mango, radish or chili. These add more flavor and texture without changing the dish too much.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Tuna Tartare Recipe is fresh, bright and very easy to make. The flavors are clean and delicious. You only need simple ingredients and a few minutes.
This recipe is great for anyone who loves light and fresh dishes. Try it once and it may become your favorite quick appetizer.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!