BoldChef's Kitchen
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Summer 2025 on a Plate: What’s Hot, What’s Grilled, What’s Next
Friday, June 27, 2025
Fireworks & Flavors: The Ultimate July 4th Food Guide
There’s something magical about the Fourth of July. It’s a day filled with sunshine, laughter, fireworks, and—of course—fantastic food. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a potluck, or just looking to spice up your celebration, this guide has everything you need to make your Independence Day deliciously unforgettable.
All-American Favorites: What’s on Everyone’s Plate?
Every year, millions of Americans fire up the grill and gather around tables stacked with these classic July 4th staples:
Grilled Burgers & Hot Dogs – The undisputed stars of the cookout.
Potato Salad – Creamy, tangy, and nostalgic.
Corn on the Cob – Charred to perfection and dripping with butter.
Coleslaw – A crunchy, refreshing sidekick.
Watermelon – Sweet, juicy, and oh-so-summer.
Berry Desserts – Red, white, and blue treats that are as patriotic as they are tasty.
Now let’s take it up a notch with two standout recipes that will wow your guests.
Mustard-Glazed Mushroom Burgers
A gourmet twist on the backyard classic.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
1 cup sliced mushrooms
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 burger buns
Salt & pepper to taste
Butter or oil for sautéing
Instructions:
Make the glaze: Mix mustard, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
Form patties: Shape beef into 4 patties. Season with salt and pepper.
Grill: Cook burgers over medium-high heat. Brush with glaze during the last 2 minutes.
Sauté mushrooms: In a skillet, cook mushrooms in butter until golden.
Assemble: Top burgers with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and your favorite fixings.
Patriotic Berry Trifle
A no-bake dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
1 angel food cake, cubed
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup blueberries
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
Instructions:
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.
Layer: In a trifle dish or clear bowl, layer cake cubes, cream mixture, and berries.
Repeat: Continue layering until full. Top with extra berries.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Cheers to Freedom: Cocktail Recipes
1. Sparkling Berry Lemonade (with or without vodka)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup simple syrup
1/2 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries)
1 cup soda water
2 oz vodka (optional)
Ice & mint for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle berries in a shaker.
Add lemon juice, syrup, and vodka (if using). Shake with ice.
Strain into a glass, top with soda water, and garnish.
2. Watermelon Mojito
Ingredients:
1 cup cubed watermelon
6 mint leaves
1 oz lime juice
2 oz white rum
Club soda
Ice
Instructions:
Muddle watermelon and mint in a shaker.
Add lime juice and rum. Shake with ice.
Pour into a glass, top with club soda, and garnish with mint
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re flipping burgers, layering trifles, or mixing cocktails, the Fourth of July is all about celebrating freedom—and flavor. These recipes are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any patriotic gathering.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Beyond the Grill: Summer Sides & Sauces That Steal the Show
🌽 Beyond the Grill: Summer Sides & Sauces That Steal the Show
Grill season is heating up, and after last week’s post on top foods to sear, we’re keeping the flavor train rolling. This week, we’re diving into the unsung heroes of summer cookouts—sides and sauces. These are the kinds of bold, vibrant flavors we featured at Bold, and if you remember that chimichurri sauce we served with the sous vide hanger steak… yep, it’s in here too.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just elevating a weeknight dinner, these dishes will steal the spotlight.
🥗 1. Grilled Corn Salad with Lime Crema
Why it works: Smoky-sweet corn meets creamy, citrusy tang—perfect with grilled meats or tacos.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Grill corn until lightly charred, then cut kernels off the cob.
- Mix corn, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and cheese in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk lime juice, sour cream, mayo, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle crema over salad and toss gently.
🌿 2. Chimichurri Sauce (Just like Bold’s!)
Why it works: This Argentinian classic adds a punch of herby, garlicky brightness to steak, chicken, or grilled veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
- Let sit for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve over grilled meats or as a dipping sauce.
🧄 3. Roasted Garlic & Herb Potato Skewers
Why it works: Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt & pepper
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water)
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes until just tender, then cool slightly.
- Toss with oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Thread onto skewers and grill until golden and crispy.
🍹 Bonus: Summer Cocktail Pairings
🍉 Basil Watermelon Smash
- 2 cups watermelon chunks
- 4–5 fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lime juice
- Splash of soda water
Muddle watermelon and basil, shake with vodka and lime juice, strain over ice, top with soda.
🍍 Grilled Pineapple Mojito
- 2 slices grilled pineapple
- 6 mint leaves
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- Club soda
Muddle pineapple, mint, sugar, and lime. Add rum, shake, pour over ice, and top with soda.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
🔥 Grill Season Is Here: Top Foods to Sear + 2 Killer Recipes & Summer Cocktails
Because the only thing that should be dry this summer is your martini.
When the temps rise, so does the call of the grill. Whether you're a backyard pit boss or a weekend warrior with a pair of tongs, there’s nothing better than fire-kissed flavor and a cold drink in hand. Let’s break down the most popular foods to grill—and serve up two of my go-to recipes to take your summer menu from basic to badass.
🍖 Top 5 Most Popular Foods to Grill (According to Every BBQ Ever):
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Burgers – Classic, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser
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Steaks – Nothing screams weekend warrior louder
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Chicken thighs or drumsticks – Juicy, forgiving, and full of flavor
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Veggies (zucchini, peppers, corn, mushrooms) – Grilled veggies >>> steamed anything
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Hot dogs & sausages – Because kids and nostalgia are part of the party
🔥 RECIPE 1: Grilled Honey Bourbon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
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8 bone-in chicken thighs
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½ cup bourbon
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⅓ cup honey
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Mix marinade ingredients and pour over chicken. Marinate 4+ hours (overnight = better).
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Grill over medium-high heat, skin-side down first, until nicely charred. Flip and cook through (~20 minutes total).
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Brush with extra marinade during grilling. Let rest, serve with grilled corn or a fresh slaw.
🥩 RECIPE 2: Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Sirloin
Ingredients:
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2 lbs sirloin steak
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2 tbsp ground coffee
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
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Mix rub and coat steak evenly. Let sit for 30 mins.
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Grill over high heat, 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare.
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Let rest 5–10 minutes, slice against the grain. Pairs beautifully with grilled asparagus and chimichurri.
🍹 COCKTAIL 1: Summer Smash (Bourbon + Citrus)
Ingredients:
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2 oz bourbon
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup
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3 mint leaves
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Lemon wheel & mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle mint + syrup + lemon juice. Add bourbon and ice, shake like your summer depends on it. Strain into a rocks glass over ice, garnish, and enjoy.
🍓 COCKTAIL 2: Grilled Strawberry Mezcal Margarita
Ingredients:
-
2 oz mezcal
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1 oz Cointreau
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1 oz lime juice
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2 grilled strawberries (charred 1-2 mins per side)
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Salt or tajín rim
Instructions:
Grill strawberries, muddle with lime juice. Add other ingredients, shake with ice, strain into a tajín-rimmed glass. Smoky, sweet, and stupidly good.
🧊 Final Tip:
Prep your sides and garnishes ahead of time so you can stay present with your people—and out of the kitchen. This is the season of grill, chill, and refill.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
The Recipe Is in the Code: How AI Is Personalizing Your Plate
Imagine walking into your favorite restaurant, and before you even say a word, your go-to meal is already being prepped — with just the right balance of protein, spice, and guilt-free sides. No, this isn’t Black Mirror’s food court episode — this is what happens when AI meets the dinner plate.
As someone who’s worn the apron, coached athletes, and now dives deep into cybersecurity, I’m fascinated by how tech is reshaping industries — especially restaurants. AI isn’t just running back-of-house operations anymore. It’s stepping out of the kitchen and learning your taste buds better than your best friend.
Let’s break it down.
🍔 Personalized Menus: AI Knows You’re Craving Wings… Again
Modern restaurants are leveraging AI to analyze everything from your past orders and dietary restrictions to the time of day and even local weather. You walk in, and it’s like the menu knows you want that blackened salmon bowl — because hey, it’s leg day and 82 degrees.
Chains like Panera and Starbucks are already using this tech to drive their loyalty apps. Based on your buying habits, AI recommends what you’ll likely want next, creating a smoother, more personal experience. For the business? That’s gold. For the customer? It’s convenience and flavor on autopilot.
💸 Dynamic Pricing: Surge Pricing, But For Your Sandwich
It’s not just Uber rides getting price bumps during rush hour — restaurants are testing AI-powered dynamic pricing too. Think: higher prices for in-demand items at peak hours, or discounts on surplus inventory to reduce waste.
While this might feel like a dystopian cheeseburger tax, it can help restaurants stay profitable and reduce food waste. The key is balance — transparency and fairness will be the difference between smart pricing and customer revolt.
🎯 Smarter Loyalty Programs
Gone are the days of “buy 10, get 1 free” punch cards. AI-driven loyalty programs now tailor deals based on what you like, how often you visit, and what time of day you’re likely to order.
That means instead of blasting everyone with the same promo, AI helps businesses send the right offer to the right person at the right time — which is great for customer retention and bottom lines alike.
🔐 But What About Your Data?
With all this personalization, there’s a trade-off: your data. Restaurants now hold customer info like order history, preferences, and even payment patterns — which means cybersecurity matters more than ever.
If loyalty apps or AI systems aren’t secured properly, they become prime targets for hackers. Restaurants and tech providers need to lock that data down tighter than a walk-in fridge on inventory night.
📌 Final Bite
AI is rapidly changing how we eat, order, and experience restaurants. The tech is powerful — but like any sharp knife in the kitchen, it all depends on how it’s used.
Whether you’re a restaurant owner, a curious foodie, or someone like me who’s lived on both sides of the counter, it’s worth watching where AI is taking our plates — and making sure we’re not just eating smarter, but safer.
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Artificial Ingredients: How AI Is Changing Restaurants — and What You Need to Watch Out For
Artificial Ingredients: How AI Is Changing Restaurants — and What You Need to Watch Out For
By Bill Sell — Former Chef, Cybersecurity Specialist, and AI Cowboy
🧾 1. Front-of-House: POS Systems Are Smarter — and Riskier
Modern AI-powered POS platforms like Peppr are doing way more than ringing up orders. They track customer behavior, recommend upsells, adjust menu pricing in real time, and give managers powerful analytics dashboards.
Sounds like a dream, right?
Until you realize these systems are also collecting sensitive customer data — names, emails, credit cards, loyalty history. Without proper security, your POS system becomes the easiest way for hackers to get their hands on your business.
🔒 Cyber Tip:
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Use encryption on all transactions.
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Enable 2FA for all POS logins.
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Perform regular security audits, especially after software updates.
🍳 2. Back-of-House: AI in the Kitchen Is Booming
Wingstop’s Smart Kitchen is a perfect example of automation done right. Using AI to forecast demand and organize kitchen workflow, they’ve significantly cut down service times — and likely boosted margins.
But let’s be clear: every “smart” fryer, oven, or prep station is an Internet-connected device. These IoT tools can be hacked if they’re not properly secured.
🔒 Cyber Tip:
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Segment your network: Keep kitchen devices on a separate Wi-Fi network from your admin systems.
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Change default passwords on every piece of smart equipment.
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Stay on top of firmware updates — out-of-date software is an open door.
🤖 3. AI Chatbots: 24/7 Service with a Side of Caution
Many restaurants now use AI chatbots to handle reservations, answer FAQs, or take orders after hours. It’s a great way to free up your team and serve your customers around the clock.
But as Klarna recently learned, these bots aren’t perfect. The Swedish fintech giant replaced hundreds of workers with AI — only to rehire many of them when customers started complaining.
🤝 Hospitality Reminder:
AI can answer questions, but it can’t build relationships. Make sure customers still have the option to talk to a real person — especially when something goes wrong.
🔐 Ask These 3 Questions Before You Add AI to Your Restaurant
Whether you're investing in smart equipment or upgrading your POS, ask yourself:
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Is this AI tool making my team better — or just replacing them?
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What kind of data is being collected, and how is it protected?
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If the system crashes mid-service, do we have a backup plan?
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t the enemy. It’s not coming for your job — but it is changing the game. If you’re going to bring AI into your restaurant, bring it in with intention. Train your team, protect your systems, and think about the guest experience first.
Technology can elevate hospitality. But it can also destroy trust if you’re not careful.
Hold the line. Stay sharp. And don’t let the robots run the kitchen unsupervised.
—
Bill Sell
Host of Hold the Line, Kitchen Talk
Cybersecurity Specialist | Former Fine Dining Chef
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
"Delicious Easter Lamb: History, Traditions, and Recipes to Try"
Monday, April 3, 2023
"Easter Dinner: Origins, Popular Food Items, and Delicious Recipes to Try"
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
7 Key Consumer Advice for the Food Industry in 2023: How to Meet the Evolving Demands of Health, Sustainability, and Convenience
Monday, March 20, 2023
"Beyond Cash: Navigating the Complexities of Tipping in the Digital Age"
Tipping is the act of giving a gratuity, usually in the form of money, to a service worker, such as a waiter or bartender, in recognition of their service. The history of tipping can be traced back to Europe in the 17th century, where it was a common practice among the aristocracy to tip their servants.
The custom of tipping spread to the United States in the late 19th century, where it was embraced by the emerging middle class as a way to show appreciation for good service. At the time, many restaurants did not pay their waitstaff a living wage, and tipping became an informal way for customers to supplement their income.
In the early 20th century, tipping became more widespread in the United States as the service industry expanded. Tipping became a cultural norm, with many people feeling obligated to leave a gratuity even for mediocre service. Tipping was also seen as a way to establish social status, with more affluent customers leaving larger tips to signal their wealth.
Today, tipping is still a common practice in many countries, particularly in the United States. However, attitudes towards tipping are evolving, with some people calling for an end to the practice or for a higher minimum wage for service workers. In some places, such as Japan, tipping is not customary and may even be seen as insulting.
Has tipping increased in the digital age? Yes, tipping services has increased with digital payments. The rise of digital payments has made it easier and more convenient for customers to leave a tip, particularly in situations where they may not have cash on hand.
Many businesses and service providers have integrated digital tipping into their payment systems, allowing customers to add a gratuity directly to their bill when paying with a credit or debit card. Additionally, mobile payment apps like Venmo and PayPal make it simple to send a tip electronically to someone's account.
The use of digital payments has also made it easier for service providers to receive tips. In the past, cash tips could be difficult to track and report for tax purposes, but digital tips are automatically recorded and can be easily reported as income.
However, while digital tipping may be more convenient, it's important to note that it doesn't necessarily solve the underlying issues with tipping culture, such as the reliance on tips as a source of income for service workers and the inequitable distribution of tips among different types of workers.
Has tipping become out of control because of the ease of digital payments?
Whether tipping has become out of control with the increase of the digital market is a matter of debate. On the one hand, the rise of digital payments has made it easier and more convenient for customers to leave a tip, leading to an increase in tipping frequency in some cases.
On the other hand, some argue that the practice of tipping has become too widespread and expected in many industries, to the point where it is no longer a true reward for exceptional service but rather an obligation. This can create pressure on customers to tip even when they feel that the service they received did not warrant it.
Moreover, some argue that the practice of tipping is inherently flawed, as it relies on customers to compensate service workers instead of employers paying a living wage. This can create a system where workers are reliant on the whims of customers for their income, leading to income instability and inequitable distribution of tips among different types of workers.
Overall, whether tipping has become out of control with the increase of the digital market is a complex issue that depends on a variety of factors, including cultural norms, industry practices, and economic factors.
Monday, March 13, 2023
"Exploring the World of Tuna: Varieties, Recipes, and Best Restaurants to Try"
Tuna is one of the most popular fish worldwide, known for its mild flavor and versatility in various dishes. There are several different varieties of tuna available in the market, each with unique characteristics and culinary uses. In this blog post, we'll explore the different varieties of tuna and their distinct features.
Albacore Tuna: Albacore, also known as "white tuna," is a mild-flavored fish with a firm texture. It has a high oil content, making it perfect for canning and is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and casseroles.
Yellowfin Tuna: Yellowfin, also known as Ahi, is a lean fish with a rich, meaty flavor. It is commonly used in sushi, sashimi, and grilled dishes. Yellowfin tuna has a pinkish color when raw and turns beige when cooked.
Skipjack Tuna: Skipjack is the most commonly caught tuna species worldwide, known for its strong flavor and darker color. It is usually sold canned and is popular in salads, sandwiches, and other prepared dishes.
Bluefin Tuna: Bluefin is the largest and most expensive of all tuna varieties. It is known for its rich, buttery flavor and high fat content, making it perfect for sushi and sashimi. Bluefin tuna is available in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and is a popular choice among high-end restaurants.
Bigeye Tuna: Bigeye tuna is similar to yellowfin in flavor and texture but has a higher fat content. It is often used in sashimi, grilled dishes, and stews.
Bonito Tuna: Bonito is a smaller, milder species of tuna commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It has a grayish color and is typically sold canned or dried.
In conclusion, the variety of tuna you choose depends on your taste preferences and the culinary use. Whether you're making sushi or a tuna salad, there is a tuna variety that is perfect for your dish. It is always essential to know where your fish comes from and ensure that it is sourced sustainably to protect the health of our oceans and the species within them.
Here are some of the top-rated restaurants serving tuna dishes across the country based on reviews and recommendations from various sources:
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill (New York, NY): This acclaimed sushi restaurant is known for its high-quality seafood, including a variety of tuna dishes such as tuna tartare and tuna sashimi.
Sotto (Los Angeles, CA): This Italian-inspired restaurant features a variety of seafood dishes, including seared tuna served with capers, olives, and a citrus sauce.
Fisherman's Market & Grill (San Diego, CA): This seafood restaurant is known for its fresh catches, including a variety of tuna dishes such as seared ahi tuna and tuna poke bowls.
The Ordinary (Charleston, SC): This seafood restaurant features a raw bar and a variety of seafood dishes, including tuna tartare served with avocado, soy sauce, and crispy rice.
Pacific Catch (San Francisco, CA): This seafood restaurant offers a variety of tuna dishes, including tuna poke bowls, seared ahi tuna, and grilled tuna tacos.
O-Ku Sushi (Atlanta, GA): This upscale sushi restaurant features a variety of tuna dishes, including tuna tartare, tuna sashimi, and seared tuna nigiri.
In conclusion, the United States offers a wide range of restaurants serving delicious tuna dishes. These are just a few examples of the top-rated restaurants across the country, and there are many other great options to explore.
Here are three delicious tuna recipes to try at home:
Tuna Poke Bowl
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh sushi-grade tuna, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 avocado, diced
1 cucumber, diced
2 scallions, sliced
2 cups cooked rice
Directions:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey.
Add the tuna cubes to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the diced avocado, cucumber, and scallions.
To assemble the poke bowls, divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the marinated tuna and the avocado-cucumber mixture. Serve immediately.
Seared Tuna Steak
Ingredients:
2 tuna steaks, about 1 inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Heat a skillet over high heat.
Rub the tuna steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
When the skillet is hot, add the tuna steaks and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until browned on the outside but still pink on the inside.
Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tuna Nicoise Salad
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh tuna steak
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
4 cups mixed greens
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup blanched green beans
1/4 cup sliced red onion
Directions:
Season the tuna steak with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the tuna steak and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned on the outside but still pink on the inside. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, sliced hard-boiled eggs, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, blanched green beans, and sliced red onion.
Slice the seared tuna steak and add it to the salad bowl.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Enjoy these delicious tuna recipes in the comfort of your own home!