Seared Tuna over Baby Bok Choy with Black Rice Ramen

I've been teaching so much that I haven't cooked anything new and different lately. I was checking my postings and realized that I forgot to post this one - so here it finally about a month late!  I'll be posting more new recipes soon. 

One of the impromptu meals I made while I was down in Portland was a delicious Seared Tuna over a bed of Baby Bok Choi and surrounded with Black Rice Ramen. We got the Ramen at an International Grocery Store and I have seen it before at Whole Foods but never tried it. This Ramen is completely gluten free and has that wonderful chewy texture and it just soaked up the flavor of the dressing we served on it. And, it's beautiful too, setting off the rosy colors of the Tuna and the green of the Baby Bok Choy. You know how much I love beautiful food!  Of course you can use regular Ramen if you are not going Gluten Free.  This meal was incredibly easy to make and so delicious!  It's one of those meals that can be whipped up easily and makes lunch or dinner special.

Seared Tuna over Baby Bok Choy with Black Rice Ramen

1 pound of Ahi Tuna, cut into 2 pieces

1/2 teaspoon Salt

3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil - divided

4 - 6 Baby Bok Choi (depending on the size)
1/4 cup Chicken Broth or water

3 Black Rice Ramen squares (I used Forbidden Rice Ramen by Lotus Foods) or 2 regular Ramen packages (remove seasoning packet)

1/4 cup Tamari

2 Tablespoons toasted Sesame Oil

2 Tablespoons Mirin 

2 Tablespoons Black Sesame Seeds

Mix together the Tamari, Sesame Oil and Mirin

Sprinkle the Ahi Tuna with salt. Heat a frying pan with the oil and then lay the tuna pieces onto the hot pan. Sear until browned and turn over, searing the other side as well. Remove to a plate. Clean the frying pan and add the additional 1 Tablespoon of Oil. Heat and add the Baby Bok Choi, stirring frequently until softened. Add in Chicken Broth and cook until the broth reduces slightly.  Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, heat a small pot of water to boiling and add in the Forbidden Rice Ramen. Cook until tender and drain.  

Then, place 1/2 of the Baby Bok Choi in the center of a plate. Surround with 1/2 of the Black Rice Ramen.  Lay the Tuna on top of the Baby Bok Choi and then drizzle 1/2 of the sauce over the entire plate. Sprinkle with the Black Sesame Seeds. Repeat with the other plate and serve.

Five Element Analysis

Tuna belongs to the Water Element and although Rice is part of the Metal Element, the fact that it is Black Rice gives it some Water Element too. Then the Tamari, Sesame Oil and Black Sesame Seeds add even more Water. This is a good meal for your Kidneys! The Bok Choi contributes the Wood Element and the Mirin brings in a little bit of the Fire Element. Only the Earth Element is missing so be sure to serve some dessert and if you make it with  Berries, the Fire Element will be supported too!