Black Sesame Tuna Skewers with Carrot-Miso Sauce

Carrot-Miso Sauce

• 3 tablespoons miso paste (I used shiro miso)
• 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Black Sesame Tuna Skewers

• 1 pound fresh tuna steaks, cut into 24-26 cubes, approximately 3/4 inch
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Pickled ginger for skewers
• 12-13 wooden skewers

1. For the sauce, place all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and whiz until a smooth sauce is formed. Spoon into a small serving bowl. This can be prepared ahead of time and kept chilled. Bring to room temperature before serving.
2. For the tuna, toss the tuna cubes with the soy sauce in a medium sized bowl. Let marinate for about half an hour. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the tuna and stir gently to evenly coat.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the tuna in the skillet in a single layer and sear until it is browned on all sides but still pink inside (use tongs to move the pieces around since it cooks quickly).
4. To prepare the skewers, slide one piece of tuna on a skewer, a slice of pickled ginger and then a second piece of tuna. Repeat with remaining tuna. Arrange the skewers and the sauce on a platter and serve. Pour some bubbly and start your party!