Black truffle and bluefin tuna: an unexpected union
The black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) is the black diamond of gastronomy, a unique ingredient that elevates any dish. Its intense aroma and elegance make it the star of haute cuisine. If you want to learn more about this gastronomic treasure and its history, we recommend reading our article on the history of the black truffle and its place in gourmet cuisine.
This time, we've paired it with bluefin tuna, a prized and oily fish, highly valued in both Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine. The result is a sophisticated tataki that unites the best of the sea with the unmistakable aroma of black truffle.
What is tataki?
Tataki is a Japanese technique that involves briefly searing fish or meat in a very hot pan, so that it is sealed on the outside and raw on the inside. It is then sliced thinly and served with fresh, aromatic sauces.
If you enjoy fusion cuisine, you'll surely also love our recipe for hake with a side of mushrooms and truffled onion sauce , another example of how black truffle can transform a dish into a gourmet experience.
Ingredients for red tuna tataki with black truffle
- 400g of top quality bluefin tuna loin.
- 20g of fresh black truffle (grated and sliced).
- 30 ml of low-salt soy sauce.
- 15 ml of toasted sesame oil.
- Juice of 1 fresh lime.
- 1 teaspoon of mild honey.
- 1 organic egg yolk.
- 100 ml of extra virgin olive oil.
- Flaky salt.
- Freshly ground black pepper.
- White and black sesame seeds.
- Fresh sprouts for decoration (arugula, mizuna or germinated seeds).
Step by step: how to prepare bluefin tuna tataki with black truffle
1. Marinate the tuna
Place the tuna loin in a container and cover it with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and a few slivers of black truffle. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This brief marinade will enhance the fish's freshness and intensify its umami flavor, which is perfectly balanced by the black truffle.
2. Seal the tataki
In a very hot pan, sear the tuna loin for 30 seconds on each side. The inside should remain raw and juicy, while the outside gets a light browning. Remove and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Prepare the citrus truffle emulsion
Whisk the egg yolk with the lime juice and gradually add the olive oil until you obtain a light emulsion. Stir in grated black truffle, a pinch of salt, and pepper. This creamy and fresh sauce will be the perfect complement to the tuna.
4. Cut and plate
Slice the tuna thinly and arrange the slices on an oblong plate. Add a few shavings of black truffle on top and grate a little more just before serving. Serve with the citrus emulsion, and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh sprouts.
Tips for a perfect result
One of the secrets is using fresh black truffles . At Sentidos Truferos, we select each piece at its optimal point of ripeness, as we explain in our article on how to enjoy black truffles at their best.
Also, remember that preservation is key: even in simpler recipes, such as warm salad with black truffle , quality and timing of use make all the difference.
The perfect pairing for tataki with black truffle
The intensity of bluefin tuna and the unmistakable aroma of black truffle deserve a wine to match. We already explained this in detail in our article on how to pair wine with black truffle. For this tataki, a barrel-fermented Chardonnay or a brut nature sparkling wine are excellent choices. If you prefer a red, a young Pinot Noir with fruity notes would also be perfect.
Creative variations of the recipe
This tataki allows for many variations without losing its essence:
- You can substitute the tuna with beef tenderloin for a beef tataki with truffle.
- Add some thin slices of fresh mango to provide a tropical contrast.
- Add salmon or trout roe as an elegant topping.
If you're looking for more inspiration, try Christmas cannelloni with black truffle or classic beef carpaccio with black truffle . Both are examples of how this ingredient can elevate any recipe.
Enjoy the black truffle at its best
The black truffle season runs from November to March. It's during the colder months that it reaches its peak ripeness, unleashing its full aroma and flavor. If you'd like to enjoy this black diamond at home, you can do so with the highest quality directly from our website.
To organize your purchase and understand the difference between campaigns, we recommend reading our article on what to expect when buying black truffles in 2025 .
