Fennel-Crusted Ahi Tuna with Lemon Aïoli Over Couscous

Ingredients for Fennel-Crusted Ahi Tuna with Lemon Aïoli Over Couscous

• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds

• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds

• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

• 80ml mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

• 4 garlic cloves, minced, divided

• 120ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 1 carrot, peeled, coarsely chopped

• 40g chopped red onion

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

• 550ml water

• 230g sugar snap peas

• 2 cups couscous

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

• 1.1kg ahi tuna steaks (about 1 1/4 inches thick)

Combine first 3 ingredients in heavy small skillet. Toast over medium heat until fragrant, shaking skillet occasionally, about 3 minutes. Grind spice mixture in spice grinder. Transfer to bowl; mix in 1 teaspoon salt.

Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, and half of garlic in small bowl. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store spice mixture airtight at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate lemon aioli.)

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrot and onion and sauté until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add thyme and remaining garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add 550ml water and remaining 1/2 teaspoons salt; bring to boil. Add sugar snap peas and cook until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Using slotted spoon, transfer peas to plate. Immediately add couscous to water in skillet and stir to combine. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with fork. Transfer to bowl and cool completely. Mix in sugar snap peas and dill. Season to taste with pepper. (Couscous can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)

Prepare barbecue (high heat). Coat tuna with 6 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle with spice mixture. Grill tuna until seared outside and rare in centre, about 4 minutes per side. Refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour, then cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Spoon couscous onto plates. Top with tuna and drizzle with lemon aioli.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.