Seared Ahi Tuna with Asparagus

I remember when I first moved to Kansas City, Aaron giddily drug me around to a gajillion restaurants, introducing my face to all kinds of new tastes and textures.

I’d be embarrassed to admit what I’d not eaten before moving here, so let’s just pretend that I told you and you gasped and I was all, “I KNOW.”

One afternoon we dropped in on a swanky plaza restaurant. Moments after being seated at a cozy window booth, and without a second glance, Aaron grinned at the waiter and mouthed, “we’ll have the seared ahi tuna please.”

I elbowed him, “the seared wha-y wha-wha?” In the sweet, trust-me-because-I-know-you-love-food-and-I’m-trying-to-impress-you-because-we’ve-only-been-together-20-minutes face, he replied, “you’ll see.”

Minutes later, our fancy little ahi tuna dish arrived. I glanced at it, “This is raw.” Aaron shot me a daring look and smirked, “I know. Eat up!”

I took a nibble. Looked at Aaron. Took another nibble. Looked at Aaron again. Smiled. Took another nibble. Nibble turned into a bite. Smiled again. Bite turned into what looked like a ravenous lion on something not necessarily appetizing for a food blog.

You get the picture.

I’m a fan.

Seared Ahi Tuna with Asparagus:

What it took for 2:

* 1 pound fresh ahi tuna
* 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
* 2 Tbs. freshly ground pepper
* coarse salt
* 1/2 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
* 2 cups arugula
* 1/2 lemon

Liberally salt and pepper both sides of the ahi tuna. Yum. I’m already salivating.

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil over medium-high. Add the asparagus, sprinkle with salt and saute about 4 minutes, until crisp-tender. Remove from pan to keep warm.

Heat another Tbs. oil in a medium skillet over high heat. Once you see the oil shimmer, add the tuna to the pan and sear for maybe 2 minutes. But no more. Flip and sear 1 more minute. You’re done. Don’t be nervous. Just do it. Remove from pan and let rest a few minutes. Slice thinly.

Serve tuna over asparagus with arugula and spritzed lemon.

I know.

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