Spicy Seared Tuna with Balsamic Reduction (inspired by Big Fish) for Movie Inspired #SundaySupper

What a fun theme this weeks #SundaySupper is! Our host this week, Heather at Girl Chef came up with a Movie inspired #SundaySupper. In the beginning, I had a very hard time coming up with a meal which inspiration came from a movie. I almost sat this week out. On Gabe's birthday this past week, he asked me to make seared Tuna. This made me instantly think of Tim Burton's movie Big Fish. I first saw Big Fish on a plane, heading to Vegas. The movie reminded me so much of my Grandfather, a man who won multiple Lions Club trophies for telling the biggest lie. The man was a story teller beyond words and every time I watch Big Fish, I get teared up with memories of my Pop Pop.

I found a recipe for Spice-Rubbed Seared Tuna Steaks with Balsamic Reduction and was intrigued to give it a try. I have always used Asian inspired inspired flavors while making Ahi and this was a new twist. I am very thankful I stirred it up. The Balsamic reduction is so complimentary of the spice rub on this recipe, it made this dish stand out. We liked it so much, I am repeating the recipe this week. Make sure you only sear the tuna for one minute each side so you wont over cook it. Also, it's best to use a cast iron skillet for this recipe so you get a nice sear on the fish.

Makes 4 Servings
Spice-Rubbed Seared Tuna Steaks with Balsamic Reduction
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients: 
1 1/2 pound Sashimi Grade Ahi tuna fillet
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tablespoon coarse black pepper, freshly ground
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 lemon wedges, optional garnish

For the reduction:
6 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
1 lemon, juiced
1 garlic clove, peeled, halved

Preparation:
Place the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer until the mixture reduces by half. Turn off the heat and reserve until needed. This sauce does not have to be hot for service. The reduction will thicken slightly as it cools.

 Slice the tuna fillet into 4 equal size rectangular steaks (I had my butcher cut the Tuna into two 8oz portions). In a small bowl, combine the salt, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Lay the tuna steaks out on a plate, and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on all sides. Evenly coat the tuna steaks with the freshly ground black pepper, and gently press it in, so that it adheres to the surface, being careful not to smash the flesh. Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan. When you see small wisps of smoke, add the tuna to the pan and sear the steaks for about 1 minute per side. Remove to a cutting board. For presentation, cut each steak diagonally into 4-5 slices and fan on a plate. Serve with a small amount of sauce drizzled along side. Garnish with additional lemon if desired.

Note: Seared Ahi tuna is best cooked rare to achieve its wonderfully meaty flavor and buttery texture. Overcooking will make it dry and "fishier" tasting.

Let's take a look at what the rest of the #SundaySupper group is making this week!

Toast (bready things)

• Scones (inspired by Tea with Mussolini) - Country Girl in the Village
• Croque Monsieur (inspired by It's Complicated) - That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
• "Eat Me" Blueberry Lemon Scones (inspired by Alice in Wonderland) - The Messy Baker
• Dog Bone Breadsticks (inspired by Frankenweenie) - The Urban Mrs.
• Individual Deep Dish Pizzas (inspired by Mystic Pizza) - Momma's Meals
• Basic Bread Recipe (inspired by Agora) - Masala Herb
• Mystical Double Cheese Pizza (inspired by Mystic Pizza) - Webicurean
• Vanilla Cinnamon Pancakes (inspired by No Reservations) - Pies and Plots

No Reservations (soups and salads)

• 10-Minute Potato Ham Soup with Pesto Swirl (inspired by Julie & Julia) - Shockingly Delicious
• Alaska Smoked Salmon, Celery, and Apple Salad (inspired by Salmon Fishing in the Yemen) - Pescetarian Journal

Today's Special (fish, chicken, beef, and pork)

• الدار البيضاء Fish Tajine (inspired by Casablanca) - Maroc Mama
• Beef and Onions Braised in Beer (inspired by Julie & Julia) - Magnolia Days
• Spicy Seared Tuna with Balsamic Reduction (inspired by Big Fish) - I Run For Wine
• Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs (inspired by Brave) - Big Bear's Wife
• Puerco Pibil (inspired by Once Upon a Time in Mexico) - From the Bookshelf

Forks Over Knives (veggie-heavy dishes and sides)

• Eggplant in Garlic Sauce (inspired by The Joy Luck Club) - Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Beet Chips (inspired by Food Matters) - girlichef
• Ratatouille (inspired by Ratatouille) - Noshing With The Nolands
• Mushroom and Asparagus Mini Quiches (inspired by Sixteen Candles) - Home Cooking Memories
• Veg Samosas (inspired by Monsoon Wedding) - My Cute Bride
• Not So Fried Green Tomatoes (inspired by Fried Green Tomatoes) - Mama.Mommy.Mom
• Roasted Taters with Bacon (inspired by Lord of the Rings) - Curious Cuisiniere
• Goat Cheese Basil Grits (inspired by Fried Green Tomatoes) - Diabetic Foodie

Udon (pasta and noodles)

• Big Night Timpano (inspired by Big Night) - Kimchi Mom
• Better Baked Mac & Cheese (inspired by Soul Food) - What Smells So Good?
• Spaghetti with Meatballs and Gravy (inspired by Lady and the Tramp) - Juanita's Cocina
• Spicy Sichuan Noodles (inspired by Eat Drink Man Woman) - Food Lust People Love
• Chicken Tchoupitoulas Pasta (inspired by Last Holiday) - Gourmet Drizzles

Just Desserts (sweet treats)

• The Best Chocolate Cake (inspired by Chocolat) - The Foodie Army Wife
• Chocolate Almond Torte with Raspberries (inspired by Chocolat) - Vintage Kitchen
• Iocane-Dusted Brownies of Unusual Size (BOUS') (inspired by The Princess Bride) - The Cooking Actress
• Minny's Chocolate Pie (inspired by The Help) - Daily Dish Recipes
• Pao de Lo | Portuguese Bundt Sponge Cake (inspired by My Big Fat Greek Wedding) - Family Foodie
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie (inspired by Life of Pi) - No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
• Fantasia Cakes (inspired by Disney's Fantasia) - NinjaBaking. com
• Chocolate Dipped Almond Coconut Bars (inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) - Kudos Kitchen By Renee
• (Gluten Free) Orange Soda Pound Cake (inspired by Joe Vs The Volcano) - Blueberries and Blessings
• Peach and Berry Cobbler (inspired by Soul Food) - The Lovely Pantry
• Golden Ticket Peanut Butter-Pretzel Truffles (inspired by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) - Weekend Gourmet
• French Macarons (inspired by Marie Antoinette) - Happy Baking Days
• Pistachio and Cherry Cannoli Cups (inspired by The Godfather) - Peanut Butter and Peppers

Bottle Shock (beverages)

• Raspberry Cordial (inspired by Anne of Green Gables) - NeighborFood
• Grapefruit Flirtini (inspired by Sex and the City) - Ruffles & Truffles
• Wines To Pair With #SundaySupper Movie-Inspired Recipes (inspired by Sideways) - ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday, April 14th to talk all about movies that have inspired us to head into the kitchen - and the food that comes from that inspiration (7pm EST)! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.