12 Ahi Tuna Side Dishes To Elevate Your Seafood Experience
Sides that pair well with ahi tuna include roasted Brussels sprouts, Italian vinaigrette salad, creamy cavatappi pasta, Moroccan couscous, and air-fried asparagus; along with boiled potatoes, stuffed mushrooms, oven-roasted parsnips, herbed brown rice, broccoli salad, grilled veggie kabobs, and grilled pineapple.
Ahi tuna, a delicacy renowned in the world of seafood, offers unparalleled flavor and versatility in culinary creations. Distinct from canned tuna, ahi tuna boasts a rich taste and tender texture that elevates any dish it graces.
Whether seared, grilled, or used in sushi, ahi tuna captivates the palate with its robust flavor profile and tender consistency. Step into our culinary journey as we explore an array of side dishes crafted to complement the exquisite essence of ahi tuna sides.
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1. Roasted Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
Experience the irresistible allure of Brussels sprouts elevated to new heights with this delectable recipe. Gone are the days of bland boiled vegetables—roasting Brussels sprouts transform them into crispy, caramelized delights bursting with flavor. Enhanced with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar, these roasted Brussels sprouts offer a tantalizing accompaniment to savory ahi tuna. Whether prepared in the air fryer or oven, this dish promises a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
2. Salad with Italian Vinaigrette Dressing
It doesn’t get much simpler than a green salad, but we love this salad with an incredible homemade vinaigrette dressing. What makes this dressing unique is that whole fresh herbs are blended in a food processor with red wine, olive oil, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. The herbs used are oregano, parsley, and basil. Toss the salad with the dressing and add some kalamata olives. With your ahi tuna steak and some crusty bread, you have the perfect meal.
3. Cheesy and Creamy Cavatappi Pasta
If you love macaroni and cheese (and who doesn’t?), creamy cavatappi pasta is like mac ‘n cheese for grownups. Cavatappi is shaped like a corkscrew, so it is perfect for creamy sauces.
This pasta side dish is loaded with flavor. The seasonings are garlic powder, oregano, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. This dish doubles as a veggie side dish, too, because it has spinach, cauliflower (for the sauce), and sundried tomatoes.
4. Easy Moroccan Couscous
Moroccan couscous is a great side dish for ahi tuna, and this version is vegan and dairy-free. This couscous contains wonderful ingredients, such as crunchy almonds and sweet raisins, giving it a different feel from traditional couscous. Since it’s a vegan recipe, this dish calls for vegetable broth. Other ingredients include cumin, garlic, onion, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Air Fryer Asparagus Spears
How did we ever live without the air fryer? It has changed the way so many of us cook, and foods that were out-of-reach before are suddenly everyday staples. This air fryer asparagus is incredibly easy to make, and the ingredients list is short and simple. All you need is asparagus, garlic salt, parsley, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.
6. Boiled New Potatoes
Boiled new potatoes are a classic side dish for hearty main-dish meat dinners. Best of all, they’re super easy to make. You don’t need to peel the potatoes if you don’t want to. The skins add tons of extra nutrients and color. The only ingredients you need are salt, butter, olive oil, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
Because they’re a little extra work, we don’t cook stuffed mushrooms as often as we should. If you’re making a thick ahi tuna steak, it’s worth going to a little extra trouble for the perfect side dish. For these stuffed mushrooms, you need baby bella mushrooms. Other ingredients include garlic cloves, cilantro, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs.
8. Oven-Roasted Parsnips
Parsnips deserve more love than we give them. And if you want a quick and easy side dish that will wow your guests, these oven-roasted parsnips will get you there. To make these roasted parsnips, all you need is fresh rosemary, olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper. You’ll need to peel the parsnips, but it’s worth the extra effort.
9. Herbed Brown Rice
For a starchy side, why not try something unique like this herbed brown rice? It’s a one-pot side dish that will go beautifully with ahi tuna steak. Since brown rice is healthier, it’s also a guilt-free carb side dish. To make this recipe, you need onions, garlic, oregano, rosemary, and red chili flakes.
10. Broccoli Salad
Maybe you want a side dish you can make in advance. If you have this broccoli salad prepared, it’s easy to come home and grill your ahi tuna steaks. For this broccoli salad, you need red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, crispy bacon bits, and dressing. You can use a store-bought coleslaw dressing or you can make the homemade version in the recipe. For that, you need sugar, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar.
11. Grilled Mediterranean Veggie Kabobs
If you’re grilling an ahi tuna steak, why not serve grilled veggies as a side dish? These vegetable kabobs have a bold Mediterranean flavor because of the delicious marinade. For the marinade, you need red pepper flakes, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves, salt, and oregano. Use whatever type of veggies you like.
12. Grilled Pineapple
Ahi tuna is a beloved Hawaiian tradition, and serving your tuna steak with some grilled pineapple brings a delightful Polynesian flair to your dinner. This recipe for grilled pineapple calls for light brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. While your grill is hot from cooking your tuna steak, coat the grates with cooking spray. These sweet little pineapple slices are done in just six minutes.
Nutritional Information
Ahi tuna is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, B vitamins, and selenium. These nutrients support muscle repair, heart health, brain function, and immune system function. When paired with nutrient-dense side dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts or spinach-infused pasta, the meal becomes even more beneficial, providing additional vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Incorporating ahi tuna and its sides into a balanced diet promotes overall health and vitality.
Wine Pairing Recommendations for Ahi Tuna
When serving ahi tuna, opt for light to medium-bodied white wines to complement its delicate flavor and texture. Consider the following recommendations for what goes with tuna:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, Sauvignon Blanc offers citrusy notes and herbal undertones that pair beautifully with the subtle taste of ahi tuna. Its bright acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the fish’s rich flavor.
- Chardonnay: With its buttery texture and hints of tropical fruit, Chardonnay provides a luxurious complement to ahi tuna. Choose unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnays to avoid overpowering the delicate fish.
- Pinot Grigio: Light and zesty, Pinot Grigio offers citrus and green apple flavors that harmonize effortlessly with the delicate taste of ahi tuna. Its crisp acidity cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Selecting the right wine to accompany your ahi tuna can elevate the dining experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances of this exquisite seafood dish. Experiment with different white wine varietals to discover your perfect pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What To Serve With Ahi Tuna?
When serving ahi tuna, consider pairing it with a light citrus salad for contrast or stir-fried veggies like asparagus. Jasmine rice or quinoa make excellent starch options to round out the meal, enhancing the fish’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
What vegetables go well with tuna?
We recommend keeping the vegetable side dishes light when you serve ahi tuna. You can serve any type of vegetable salad. Other great options include veggies cooked in the air fryer or steamer.
What goes good with tuna fish?
A good rule of thumb when planning a meal is to plan with this formula.
- Meat (ahi tuna)
- Carbohydrate side dish (potato or pasta)
- Vegetables (one or two veggie sides)
With this formula, you can consider a meal such as your grilled ahi tuna steak, mashed potatoes, and sauteed green beans.
What is a good side for tuna steak?
If you’re not a fan of potatoes, consider pasta side dishes. You can serve a Greek pasta salad with your ahi tuna steak or make a decadent macaroni and cheese side dish.
Don’t sleep on fruit side dishes. While the grill is fired up, you can make some grilled pineapple for an authentic Polynesian meal.
what vegetables go well with tuna steak?
All vegetables are excellent when served with a tuna steak sides. You can serve grilled vegetables, and steamed vegetables, or you can whip out your air fryer and serve up some crispy veggies.
