You won’t find tuna on every menu in St. Augustine, but it is enough of a local favorite that there are quite a few ways to present it. Of course, you’ll typically find it seared and served rare (after all, that’s the best way to keep its natural flavor), but once the basics are accomplished, there’s a world of culinary options to explore. So whether you tend toward the traditional, are in the mood for tacos, or can’t resist some sushi, here are five ways to get your tuna fix in St. Augustine.
Furikake-Crusted Ahi Tuna
Blackfly the Restaurant
It’s no surprise that Chef Matt Brown’s Ahi Tuna is a favorite on the Blackfly menu. The tuna is seared rare and served with a citrus-garlic jasmine rice, topped with house pickled vegetables, and drizzled with a sweet miso beurre blanc and a soy reduction. Where can we sign up?
www.blackflytherestaurant.com
Cajun-Seared Tuna
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill
For a little heat and a taste of New Orleans, look no further than Harry’s. A blackened yellowfin tuna steak is seared rare and served over creole fried rice and fresh arugula. It’s then finished with sriracha aioli, toasted sesame seeds, and a touch of teriyaki. A whole lot of flavors come together in perfect harmony.
www.hookedonharrys.com
Tuna Nicoise
The Floridian
If you’re on the lookout for the gourmet and slightly adventurous, take a look at the Floridian’s Tuna Nicoise. Lightly-blackened Atlantic tuna steak is served over a green bean and fingerling potato sauté with charred cherry tomatoes, then finished with lemon aioli, kalamata tapenade, and roasted red pepper romesco. It’s pretty far from the typical preparations, but you won’t mind the break with tradition.
www.thefloridianstaug.com
Tuna Trio
Kingfish Grill
With Chef Austin Katoh behind the line, the sushi at Kingfish Grill is always spot on. Get a sampling of all their tuna flavors with the trio – a 6-piece Cajun-seared tuna, an 8-piece spicy tuna roll, and a sashimi martini with goat cheese over pineapple salsa and seaweed salad.
www.kingfishgrill.com
Ahi Tuna Tacos
Sunset Grille
Over on the beach, Sunset Grille serves tuna in one of the best culinary vehicles possible – tacos. Their tuna is sesame-seared rare, sliced, and topped with sweet Asian slaw and spicy wasabi cucumber sauce (also called Cusabi). The dish is served with beans and rice and satisfaction.
www.sunsetgrillea1a.com
Featured image by Brian Miller
