Tuna and avocado tossed in a wasabi soy dressing — a classic Japanese izakaya dish that pairs beautifully with sake or shochu.
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About This Recipe
At Japanese izakaya, dishes made with fresh fish are a beloved staple among the small plates enjoyed with drinks. Tuna and avocado tossed in a wasabi soy dressing is one such classic.
Rich, savory tuna paired with creamy avocado is a combination that works remarkably well together. Cut into cubes and tossed in the dressing, the glossy tuna and smooth avocado come together in a beautifully cohesive bite.
The sharp heat of wasabi and the depth of soy sauce, lifted by the nutty aroma of sesame oil, give this dish a flavor that is greater than the sum of its parts. It pairs beautifully with sake or shochu, making it an ideal accompaniment to an evening at home.
Food That Makes Drinking Better
Small, intensely flavored dishes made to be enjoyed alongside drinks are found in cultures around the world. Spain has its tapas — a tradition of sharing small plates — while Korea has anju (안주) and China has xiàjiǔcài (下酒菜), both terms referring to food eaten with alcohol or dishes that pair particularly well with a drink. The idea of food that enhances the drinking experience, rather than simply accompanying a meal, is a surprisingly universal one.
In Japan, this role belongs to otsumami — small, deeply flavored dishes served at izakaya. Tuna and avocado in wasabi soy dressing is a perfect example. Rich in umami and bold in flavor, just a few bites are enough to keep a glass of sake or shochu moving.
Ingredients
- Tuna, sashimi-grade 3.2 oz / 90g
- Avocado 1/2
- Wasabi to taste
- Soy sauce 1 tsp / 5g
- Mirin 1 tsp / 2g
- Sesame oil 1 tsp / 5g
- White sesame seeds to taste
- Green onion to taste
- Roasted nori (dried seaweed) to taste, optional
Instructions
| 1 |
| In a bowl, combine the wasabi, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Mix well. |
| 2 |
 
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Cut the tuna and avocado into bite-sized cubes. Tip Choose an avocado that is slightly firm. An overripe avocado will break apart when mixed, so look for one that still has a little give. |
| 3 |
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Add to the bowl and give everything a quick toss. Add the white sesame seeds and green onion (if using), then fold gently using a spoon Tip Tuna and avocado break apart easily, so take care to keep everything intact for a clean, restaurant-quality finish. |
| 4 |
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Transfer to a serving plate. If desired, serve with roasted nori on the side and wrap a piece around each bite as you eat. |