Just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, we have a recipe for tuna tacos that is sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for fresh tuna recipes, we have prepared a dish that is bursting with flavor in every component.
This recipe for grilled tuna tacos with salsa verde and sweet hot cabbage slaw will make an excellent centerpiece for celebrations, food truck menus, or restaurant specials.
Grilled Tuna Tacos with Salsa Verde and Sweet Hot Cabbage Slaw
Recipe by:
Ronne Day
WebstaurantStore Food Stylist
Serves: 4 - 6
Total Time: 45 minutes
Note: To make sure you have the right heat level in your salsa, taste a small piece of the jalapeno before putting it in the food processor.
Ingredients
For the Salsa Verde:
- 1/2 lb. tomatillos, husk removed, blanched for 2 minutes, rinsed in cold water, then coarsely chopped
- 1 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
- 3/4 cup chopped white onion
- 1 - 2 seeded and chopped jalapeno
- 2 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. lime juice
- 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups cabbage slaw mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped hot and sweet jalapenos, such as Mrs. Renfro’s
- 1 Tbsp. chipotle hot sauce, such as Cholula
For the Tuna Tacos:
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. Kosher salt
- 2 1” thick sushi grade grade tuna steaks, bloodline removed, about 2 lbs.
- Cooking spray
- Oil for the grill
- 12 medium corn tortillas, charred on the stove top, wrapped in foil and kept warm
- 1 avocado, cut into thin slices and gently tossed with lime juice
- Cilantro sprigs, for garnish
Directions
- Put the ingredients for the salsa and ½ tsp. salt in a food processor and pulse until somewhat smooth, but still a little chunky.
- In another bowl, combine the slaw ingredients and set aside for at least 30 minutes. If you are making it ahead, refrigerate until using.
- Heat a grill on high and oil the grates just before grilling your fish. You can also pan sear the tuna by using the same cook time as below, and be sure to heat your skillet on high heat.
- Char your tortillas on both sides either directly on a stove top, grill grates, or in a pan until you achieve some char spotting on the surface.
- Press both sides of the tuna steaks into the mixture, lightly coat with cooking spray, then transfer to the grill or skillet.
- Grill or sear for about one minute on each side, flipping to a different spot on the grill until grill marks are achieved.
- Transfer the tuna to a cutting board, and slice into ¼” slices against the grain.
- To serve, put one or two slices of tuna in a tortilla. Top with a slice or two of avocado, some of the salsa and slaw, and a sprig or two of cilantro.
Finished Product
These flavorful and vibrant tuna tacos are simple to make and sure to turn heads at your next cookout. You can find more recipes like this one on the WebstaurantStore blog.
Related Resources
Beer Battered Fish Tacos Recipe
Nothing says summer like refreshing citrus, and our fish taco recipe is bursting with strong tangerine flavor. By seasoning our fish with tangerine zest, the citrus blends with the savory and spicy batter to create a nice depth of flavor. We also added Stone Tangerine Express IPA to our batter because the carbonation makes the batter light, and the tangerine in the beer complements our slaw. Additionally, the jalapeno and cayenne pepper give these fish tacos a spicy kick that cuts through the bitterness of the hoppy IPA. This recipe is quick and simple to make, and the hardest part is not drinking all of the Stone Tangerine Express IPA before you add it to the batter. How to Make Beer Battered Fish Tacos with Stone Tangerine Express IPA <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4AWnuqQRJz0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Ingredients for Slaw 4 cups of red and green cabbage ½ cup chopped pineapple 1 seeded and minced jalapeno 3 tbsp. red onion 2 tbsp. mayonnaise 1 tbsp. fresh cilantro 1 tbsp. lime juice 1 tbsp. agave nectar 1 tsp. tangerine zest Ingredients for Fish Tacos 4 corn tortillas 2 lb. mild white fish cut into chunks 2 cups of Stone Tangerine Express IPA 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup rice flour 1 tbsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 tsp. cilantro (garnish) Avocado slices Pico de gallo Lime wedges Directions Combine the slaw ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly until the contents are coated and set aside. For the batter, combine all-purpose and rice flours, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and Stone Tangerine Express IPA in a bowl and whisk to combine. Season your fish with salt, pepper, and tangerine zest. Dip your seasoned fish into the batter to coat. Fry your fish until it turns golden brown and crispy. Remove your fish to a cooling rack with parchment paper beneath to catch any excess oil. Heat the tortillas in a pan until they are soft. Place the tortillas on your plate and add the fried fish, avocado, and slaw. Garnish with cilantro. Serve your fish tacos with pico de gallo and lime wedges, if desired. While our beer battered fish tacos are inspired by summer, they are great all year round. The sweet flavor from the tangerine and the bitterness of the hops in the Stone Tangerine Express IPA help to set this recipe apart from other fish tacos. This recipe is simple to make and pairs well with any citrus-y IPA, making it a great addition to your bar or restaurant menu.
Chimichurri and Steak Flatbread Recipe
With global flavors trending in foodservice, chimichurri steak is a great way to add some fresh tastes to your menu. But if you want to put an original twist on this dish and make money doing it, try serving a chimichurri steak flatbread. Keep reading to learn about chimichurri’s origin, find our chimichurri steak flatbread recipe, and see how this dish can be profitable for your restaurant. What Is Chimichurri? Chimichurri is a simple sauce consisting mainly of fresh herbs, garlic, and oil. Traditionally, parsley and oregano are the main ingredients of this sauce, but different herbs can be used, as well. You may also see renditions that incorporate lemon juice, lime juice, or red wine vinegar as an acidic component. The Origin of Chimichurri Chimichurri is widely thought to have originated in Argentina. Historians believe that this sauce may have been invented by cowboys, gauchos, who cooked meats over open fires in the Pampas plains. It is also believed that the original chimichurri sauce likely consisted of dried herbs, instead of fresh ones, to make them easier for cowboys to transport. How Did Chimichurri Get Its Name? As for the origin of the word “chimichurri,” there are a few different speculations about this. The most common theory is that the name came from a mispronunciation of an English nickname for the sauce: Jimmy Curry. What to Serve with Chimichurri Steak Flatbread Potato-based dishes are a traditional choice for sides to serve with chimichurri steak. Roasted potatoes with herbs, baked potatoes, or french fries with olive oil and garlic are easy-to-make sides that you can suggest to customers who order your chimichurri steak flatbread. If you’re looking for the perfect wine to serve with this dish, try an Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit-forward flavors of Argentine varieties make this wine a great complement to the freshness of the chimichurri’s herbs. How to Make Chimichurri Steak Flatbread All you need to make a great chimichurri sauce is some garlic, herbs, oil, spices, and a food processor to mix it all together. We decided to use our sauce both as a steak marinade and as part of our flatbread topping combination. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ifxpIPoWvi8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Ingredients Flatbread Dough Yield: (4) 10-inch flatbreads 4 c flour (plus more for dusting) 1 ½ c warm water 1 envelope (2 ¼ tsp) dry active yeast 1 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. ground cardamom Chimichurri Sauce Yield: 6 cups, enough to marinate 4 5-oz. portions of meat and sauce 4 flatbreads 8 c fresh Italian parsley 4 c fresh oregano 8 peeled garlic cloves 4 c extra virgin olive oil 1 c red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp. crushed red pepper 1 Tbsp. salt 1 Tbsp. black pepper Steak Yield: 20 oz. steak, enough for 4 flatbreads 4 5-oz. portions of beef shoulder tender Cheese Use about 2 oz. of shaved sharp provolone cheese for each flatbread Directions Chimichurri Sauce and Marinade 1. Place all the ingredients in your food processor. Blend for about a minute until everything is mixed well. 2. Cover the beef with some of the chimichurri (about 3 oz.) and place it in a plastic bag to marinate. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Reserve the remaining sauce for flatbread drizzle. Flatbread Dough 1. While the steak marinates, assemble your dough. 2. In your mixer bowl, combine the water and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes. 3. Add the remaining ingredients and mix with dough hook on medium speed until dough forms into a ball, about 5 minutes. 4. On floured workspace, punch dough down for a few minutes and return it to the bowl. 5. Cover the dough in plastic wrap and set it in a warm place for an hour until it doubles in size. 6. Remove your dough from the bowl, and portion it into 4 equal balls. 7. Roll out one portion of the dough into your desired shape. Steak 1. While your dough rises, cook the meat. 2. Grill or roast the beef until its internal temperature reaches 125 degrees Fahrenheit. 3. Allow the beef to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into ¼ inch slices. Chimichurri Steak and Sharp Provolone Flatbread 1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Distribute the rest of the sauce over your flatbread (about 3 oz.) 3. Top with steak and provolone cheese. 4. Bake for about 4 minutes or until cheese is melted and edges of the dough are golden brown. 5. Garnish with finely chopped yellow bell pepper or parsley, if desired. Cost Breakdown of Chimichurri Steak Flatbread Per Serving Dough $0.10 Chimichurri $0.32 5 oz. Beef Shoulder Tender $1.52 Sharp Provolone $0.57 Total cost: $3.50 Menu price: $10.00 Profit per order: $6.50 If you’re looking for a new addition to your lunch menu or appetizer list, consider our chimichurri steak flatbread recipe. The flatbread dough has a texture that’s a perfect combination of chewy and crispy. Chimichurri is fresh and savory, while steak and provolone are hearty toppings that will leave customers happy and satisfied.
Instagram for Restaurants
Instagram is one of the most influential marketing tools a business could use. For many, it’s the first page people check out to understand what your restaurant is all about, even before looking at your restaurant’s website. It’s also how a lot of people find your restaurant in the first place! Below, we’ll go over the best practices for using this social media tool so your Instagram profile can attract new customers and lock in returning ones. 9 Restaurant Instagram Marketing Strategies If you have an Instagram account for your restaurant, we recommend integrating these best practices into your Instagram restaurant marketing. 1. Post High-Quality Images As a photo-sharing app, this is the most important aspect of Instagram. Your profile showcases all of your photos at once to viewers, so this is your time to convince them that your food and hospitality are worth their time and investment. If you have a professional camera, great. If you don’t, there is no need to go out and purchase one. You can take high-quality pictures from your phone with a few photography techniques. Plus, photographing from your phone makes it easier to post the images. Here are tips to keep in mind when taking photos of your food, private events, and front-of-house area to post on Instagram: Use Natural Lighting - Food is photographed best in natural lighting. Try to avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows. Do not photograph your food in fluorescent lighting. If you’re taking pictures of your front of house, use natural or mood lighting. Clutter-Free Table - Gone are the days of photographing finished meals with their ingredients spread out around them. Keep your area clutter-free and as close to what the customers can expect when dining at one of your tables. Do Not Take Pictures of Customers - As tempting as it may be to show people how much guests love their time at your place, they did not sign up for the exposure. In fact, that really takes away from their experience. Instead, take pictures of what your restaurant looks like all set up and ready to go before any guests arrive. That way, potential customers can visualize themselves in your space. Be Creative - Keeping creativity at the forefront of your content means it’s more likely to garner attention and stop people from scrolling. Instagrammers are used to seeing tons of photos of food every single day, so post something scroll-stopping. 2. Create Reels Lately, Instagram has been trying to keep up with the video-based social platform TikTok and its growing popularity, so Instagram introduced a feature called Reels. Reels is Instagram’s version of video-sharing, and it’s been rivaling standalone feed pictures for a while now. Because Instagram is pushing its Reels feature, it’s in your best interest to use it. Make video content just as you would for one of your restaurant’s TikTok videos, and feel free to post the same videos on both apps. Restaurant Instagram Reel Ideas Try out one of these Reel ideas to market your restaurant. Check out our complete restaurant TikTok video ideas list for more, but here are our top three: Spotlight Your Menu - String together different clips of the dishes on your current menu. You can showcase just your brunch menu, wine list, or dessert options, too. Or, show an entire dinner course from start to finish. We also recommend making a video with your wine and food pairing suggestions! Walkthrough of Restaurant - Take your guests through the journey of what they can expect when visiting your restaurant. A clip of the outside of your business, walking in, being seated, a scan of the menu, and the food at the table. This allows potential customers to visualize themselves having this experience. Make a Recipe Video - If your restaurant has a beloved recipe, show users how to make it. Chances are they probably won't go to the trouble to make it themselves, but they will see the attention, care, and expertise your restaurant takes to make the dish. Document Special Events - Whenever your business is putting on a special event, make sure to record small clips from the event to make them into a Reel! That way your customers know what kind of events you put on throughout the year or that you're able to rent out your space for private parties. 3. Share On Your Instagram Story The “Story” feature on Instagram is a separate feature on your profile that does not post in your feed. Instead, the Stories are linked in the profile photo of your page. Here, you can post new photos and videos (that don’t have to be so perfect and curated as your feed posts), information about upcoming events, announcements about new menu items, alternative hours for that week, or shareable content that you have been tagged in by guests. These Stories are only up for 24 hours, but you can save the Stories long-term for people to click through by creating “Highlights”. Highlights show as small circles on your profile under your name and bio but above your feed. You can create multiple different Highlights and organize what content appears in which Highlights. For example, you can create a “Winter Menu” Highlight and put all of your content that has to do with your winter menu from your past Stories into this Highlight. 4. Work With Influencers Influencers, AKA Instagram users that have a large following, can help you reach their followers by posting about your restaurant. Based on the deal you work out beforehand, they will create a social post that influences their followers to dine at your restaurant. To do this, start by finding a local influencer that often posts about eating at restaurants in your area. Once you have found a person you'd like to work with, reach out to them. When you message them, ask if they have an exchange rate in place. Usually, the restaurant will provide a free dinner for them and a friend as well as further compensation for their time and transport, in exchange for a Reel, TikTok, Instagram post, and/or Story about your restaurant. But again, ask them first if they have rates in place for this kind of partnership. 5. Link Your Website in Your Bio Now that you have influenced potential customers to dine at your restaurant through a post, Reel, Story, or partnership with an influencer, they will want to view your menu and make a reservation. Give these potential customers direct access to those features by adding your website to your bio. You are only able to link one URL in your bio. You can link your website, or you can use a third-party social media tool like Link In Bio. This tool acts as a URL that allows you to house multiple URLs instead of just one. So, this one URL can house a direct link to your menu, reservation page, online ordering, or events calendar to really make it easy for potential customers. 6. Stay On Brand When you create posts for your various social media accounts, it’s important to stick with one tone of voice. This tone of voice should reflect your business’s brand. Think to yourself what your business’s brand might be: informative and calm, witty and funny, colorful and loud, moody and sultry, chic and sophisticated, etc. Whatever it may be, your content, captions, and comments need to reflect this voice. What is most important is that you are consistent on your page. This way, guests and followers will feel fulfilled when they see that your restaurant brand continues to offer what they have grown to expect of it. 7. Be Searchable Yes, hashtags are still important to use when posting! Hashtags expand your reach by having your post show when people search for the same hashtag that you used. Below are hashtag best practices to use on your Instagram posts and Reels: Try to use 8-15 hashtags per post. Put the hashtags in a comment, not in the main caption. Use hashtags with various volumes to capture a range of audiences. When you think of a hashtag to use, look it up on Instagram and see how many people have used it. Select from a range of high-volume (100,000+), medium-volume (50,000 - 100,000), and low-volume (0 - 50,000) hashtags to throw a large net. It’s tempting to only go for high-volume hashtags, but you are competing with hundreds of thousands of other people for the top spot, so do a range. Use relevant-to-you hashtags that describe your business. For example, if you own an oyster bar, use hashtags like #oysterbar #oysterbar[your city here], #freshoysters, and #oysterrestaurant. Do not keep using the same hashtags every time. Switch them up to reach more people! 8. Interact with Followers to Build A Community Making and posting content isn’t the only task you need to keep up with on Instagram. If your content is engaging, then people will comment, and that’s a great thing. When people comment, you should comment back to foster a place where peoples' voices are heard. By fostering these relationships with commenters, you are creating a community within your profile. We also recommend reposting on your Instagram Story. When a customer posts on their feed or Story about their experience at your restaurant, they can tag your account, which allows you to repost on your Story. Reposting their post shows your customers that you appreciate their business and the shoutout. Plus, free content! 9. Stay On Top of New Features Lastly, stay on top of new features that Instagram puts out. Features like Reels and Instagram Story were not always a part of Instagram, but users embraced these new features and utilized them to their advantage. Also, Instagram rewards profiles that use their features by making your profile more present in the algorithm and Explore page (a tab on Instagram where you can discover tons of different profiles you don't already follow). So, keep your eye out for new features as they come out, and definitely use them! Instagram is an excellent opportunity to advertise your business for free. Use our tips to increase your following, expand your brand's reach, and welcome new and returning customers.