ChefXi OfficialA vibrant, architectural appetizer where the mineral depth of Maguro tuna meets the compressed sweetness of watermelon, unified by a citrusy yuzu-soy glaze and a whisper of toasted sesame.
Place the cubed watermelon in a vacuum-seal bag or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out all the air to compress the fruit, which intensifies its color and texture. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Compression changes the watermelon's texture to be remarkably similar to raw tuna.
In a small glass bowl, whisk together the yuzu juice, tamari, toasted sesame oil, and grated ginger until the emulsion is harmonious.
Prepare the dressing just before serving to keep the citrus notes vibrant.
Carefully pat the cubed tuna dry with a paper towel and place it in a chilled mixing bowl. Add the compressed watermelon cubes.
Cold ingredients are essential for the integrity of the sashimi.
Gently fold two tablespoons of the yuzu-soy dressing into the tuna and watermelon mixture, ensuring every cube is lightly lacquered but not swimming in liquid.
Use a silicone spatula to avoid breaking the delicate cubes.
Using a ring mold, stack the mixture in the center of chilled plates. Gently press down to ensure it holds its shape before removing the mold.
If you don't have a mold, a small ramekin lined with plastic wrap works beautifully.
Garnish the top with paper-thin radish slices, a sprinkle of black sesame seeds, and a delicate tuft of microgreens. Serve immediately while the temperature is at its crispest.
The visual contrast of the red tuna and pink watermelon is the soul of this dish.
The secret to this dish lies in the temperature contrast. Ensure the tuna is chilled and the watermelon is ice-cold before assembly. If you cannot find high-quality yuzu juice, a mixture of two parts lime juice and one part lemon juice serves as a respectful substitute. Always use a very sharp knife to avoid bruising the delicate fibers of the fish.
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Prices shown reflect the estimated cost of the portion used in this recipe, not the full item price. Actual costs may vary by store and location.