Tuna Skewers With Olives And Capers Recipe

As I stood at my grill, the sizzle of skewered tuna mingling with olives, capers, and vibrant veggies felt like the perfect culinary adventure for my inner foodie, ready to spice up a weeknight dinner or impress at my next backyard gathering.

I love creating dishes that bring vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients to life, and my Tuna Skewers with Olives and Capers do just that. Featuring succulent tuna cubes marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh oregano, these skewers are complemented by the briny punch of olives and capers.

Nutrient-rich and full of Mediterranean flair, they offer a wholesome meal perfect for any summer gathering.

Tuna Skewers With Olives And Capers Recipe Ingredients

• Tuna: Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats, beneficial for cardiovascular wellness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty flavor and is high in vitamin C, boosting immune health.
• Garlic: Provides antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Olives: High in healthy fats and antioxidants, offering heart benefits.
• Capers: Add a tangy burst, low in calories, rich in antioxidants.
• Oregano: Offers aromatic flavor and has antibacterial properties.

Tuna Skewers With Olives And Capers Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound fresh tuna, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup mixed olives, pitted
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• Skewers, soaked in water if wooden

How to Make this Tuna Skewers With Olives And Capers Recipe

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

2. Add the tuna cubes to the marinade, stirring well to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

3. While the tuna marinates, prepare the skewers. Thread a piece of red bell pepper, tuna cube, wedge of red onion, mixed olive, and caper onto a skewer. Repeat until the ingredients are used up, aiming for an even distribution of ingredients on each skewer.

4. Preheat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.

5. Place the prepared skewers on the hot grill, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.

6. Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the tuna is just cooked through and the vegetables are lightly charred.

7. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.

8. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter, garnishing with additional fresh oregano if desired.

9. Serve the skewers warm, alongside lemon wedges for squeezing over the top just before eating, if desired.

10. Enjoy the flavorful combination of grilled tuna, olives, capers, and vegetables as a delightful appetizer or main dish.

Tuna Skewers With Olives And Capers Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium bowl
2. Whisk
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Skewers
6. Grill or grill pan
7. Tongs
8. Serving platter

FAQ

• Q: Can I use canned tuna instead of fresh tuna for this recipe? A: It’s best to use fresh tuna for skewers as it maintains the texture needed for grilling. Canned tuna is not suitable for this preparation.
• Q: What can I use if I don’t have fresh oregano? A: You can substitute fresh oregano with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
• Q: How long should I grill the tuna skewers? A: Grill the tuna skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Q: Are there any other vegetables I can add to the skewers? A: Yes, you can add vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the skewers.
• Q: Can these skewers be cooked in an oven instead of grilling? A: Yes, you can cook them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through.
• Q: How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning? A: Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Q: What can be served with these tuna skewers? A: These skewers pair well with a side of rice pilaf, quinoa salad, or a fresh green salad.

Tuna Skewers With Olives And Capers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Fresh tuna: Swap with fresh salmon or swordfish for a similar texture and taste.
• Olive oil: Can be replaced with avocado oil or grape seed oil.
• Lemon juice: Use lime juice or white wine vinegar as a substitute.
• Fresh oregano: Can be substituted with fresh basil or thyme.
• Red bell pepper: Use yellow or green bell pepper for a different color and similar flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Tuna in the Freezer for Easy Slicing Before cubing the tuna, place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This will firm up the fish, making it easier to cut into uniform cubes.

2. Balance the Skewers for Even Cooking When assembling the skewers, try to keep similar-sized ingredients next to each other. This ensures that each component cooks at the same rate, preventing smaller items from overcooking while larger items finish.

3. Use a Thermometer for Perfect Tuna To avoid overcooking, aim for an internal temperature of 115°F (46°C) for medium-rare tuna. Tuna cooks very quickly and can become dry if overcooked, so a quick check with a meat thermometer can help achieve the perfect result.

4. Enhance the Marinade with Zest Consider adding lemon zest to the marinade for an extra burst of citrus flavor. The zest contains essential oils that provide a fresh and intense lemon aroma without adding more acidity.

5. Serve with a Fresh Herb Sauce Complement the skewers with a fresh herb sauce, such as a parsley or basil pesto, for an extra layer of flavor. This can be drizzled over the skewers just before serving for additional taste and visual appeal.