• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

La Bella Vita Cucina

delicious | beautiful | Italian | inspiration

  • Home
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Media
      • Media
      • Featured On
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Shop
  • Contact
Home ยป Encrusted Ahi Tuna Pupus ~ ~ Aloha from the islands

Encrusted Ahi Tuna Pupus ~ ~ Aloha from the islands

July 28, 2010 26 Comments


 

Hello from tropical paradise!  My farm sitter is home with all my furry animal family and baking in the 100 degree temperatures while hubby and I escaped!  After a few days of soaking in the sun, taking in the aroma of all the tropical blossoms, listening to the waves gently washing ashore, we decided to venture out and try a new restaurant.  I simply love Thai food, so we chose Singha Thai due to all of the international accolades showered on the chef/owner and his culinary style.
.
Little did we know that one of the appetizers or ‘pupus’ as they call them here in Hawaii, is one of the top favorite dishes that Chef Chai created and serves at both of his award-winning restaurants.  To me, no ingredient represents Hawaiian cuisine more perfectly than Ahi Tuna.  So as curious as I am, after we returned to our room, I googled the recipe!  To my surprise this is one of the recipes that he shares with his fans.  It is simply incredible and even my husband who despises raw fish/sushi/sushimi was impressed.

This delightful appetizer consists of beautiful, fresh, red Ahi Tuna dipped in a tempura batter and then encased in a panko crust.  Then the tuna is fried for just a few seconds only so that the tuna stays raw inside.  Finally, it is plated and beautifully presented in a perfectly spiced curry sauce with a wasabi sauce drizzled around for that extra little Asian bite!  A tropical mango salsa marriage tops it all off!

This is literally a tropical culinary paradise in your mouth!
.

Sitting Buddha and Reclining/Sleeping Buddha statues among the Thai decor
.
 

Encrusted Ahi Tuna "Pupu's"

Ingredients

Tempura Batter

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • ยผ cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ยฝ cup water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Fort the Ahi Tuna Katsu

  • 2 blocks fresh โ€˜ahi (about 1ยฝ-2 lbs.), cut into an inch tube about 6 to 8 inches long
  • 4 sheets nori (Japanese seaweed)
  • 1 cup Tempura Batter (recipe above)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, enough to fill a frying pan a minimum of 1-inch deep

For the Thai Yellow Curry Sauce

  • ยฝ Tbsp. Thai yellow curry paste
  • cups coconut milk
  • Tbsp. fish sauce or Aloha Shoyu
  • ยฝ Tbsp. curry powder
  • ยฝ Tbsp. sugar

Mango-Tomato Salsa

  • Tbsp. ripe mango, diced
  • Tbsp. tomato, diced
  • ยฝ Tbsp. Chinese parsley, chopped
  • ยฝ Tbsp. onion, chopped
  • ยฝ Tbsp. bell pepper, chopped
  • ยผ Tbsp. lemon juice
  • ยผ Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • ยผ Tbsp. sugar
  • Pinch of salt, to taste
  • Dash of Tabasco, to taste

Instructions

For the Tempura Batter

  1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients above until the batter has no lumps; set aside.
  2. Wrap each piece of ‘ahi tuna with two sheets of fresh nori.
  3. Dip them into the tempura batter.
  4. Coat with panko breadcrumbs.
  5. In wok or deep fryer/cast iron pan, preheat oil to 375°F.
  6. Fry fish until golden brown (about 30 to 45 seconds).
  7. Slice into 8 to 10 ¼-inch-thick pieces.

For the Thai Yellow Curry Sauce

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all of the ingredients above; bring to a boil.
  2. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens to the consistency of mustard.

For the Mango-Tomato Curry Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, combine all of the above ingredients.

Presentation

  1. Plate ahi tuna katsu slices on one side of plate.
  2. Spoon some of Mango-Tomato Salsa next to tuna slices.
  3. Ladle/pour some Thai Yellow Curry Sauce on the other side of plate.
  4. Drizzle wasabi sauce around the outside of plate (for both taste/use as well as enhanced presentation).
© Roz

Mahalo (thank you) to Chef Chai and his aloha generosity for sharing this recipe!

.


Previous Post: « Cherry Tomato Basil Pesto Sauce on Farfalle Pasta
Next Post: Orchid’s of Halekulani Sunday Brunch »

Reader Interactions

 

I read each and every comment and respond to questions asap, so ask away!ย  As I always say, “If you’ve made a recipe, please take a photo and I’ll be happy to share your experience and photo of the recipe with all of us in this blog community!”

The kindness of giving a thumbs up 5-star rating is greatly appreciated!

~ Roz

Comments

  1. elra says

    July 28, 2010 at 2:02 PM

    Appealing presentation and absolutely delicious looking tuna.

    Reply
  2. Kristin says

    July 28, 2010 at 2:10 PM

    Wow, thanks for sharing the recipe! That dish looks delicious. It is picture perfect too! I hope you are having fun on your vacation.

    Reply
  3. Meg O. says

    July 28, 2010 at 3:08 PM

    Incredible! All of the flavors sound amazing!

    Reply
  4. anniebakes says

    July 28, 2010 at 3:34 PM

    OH WOW!! I am green with envy! Just kidding, have a great time and thanks for sharing it with us!

    anne
    http://www.anniebakes.net

    Reply
  5. Kim says

    July 28, 2010 at 9:44 PM

    That is a gorgeous meal brimming with fresh and delicious flavors! I hope you have the most wonderful time in Hawaii!! Enjoy.

    Reply
  6. Mary at Deep South Dish says

    July 29, 2010 at 2:20 AM

    Such a pretty plate too! Have fun!!

    Reply
  7. Zia Elle says

    July 29, 2010 at 3:31 AM

    Lovely recipe! Enjoy!!!

    Reply
  8. Java says

    July 29, 2010 at 9:43 PM

    Hi Roz!!

    Have a wonderful vacation and just let me know a couple of days before the Friday that you want to co-host!!

    Aloha!!
    Java

    Reply
  9. Maureen Makes It says

    July 30, 2010 at 12:26 AM

    What a beautiful page. The Panko tuna looks incredible. Terrific blog! Happy to have found you via the Friday follows. I’m pleased to be following you. Come by and see me, too! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Maureen

    http://maureenmakesit.com

    Reply
  10. New Jersey Memories says

    July 30, 2010 at 12:47 AM

    Your blog is beautifully designed and makes me so hungry!

    I’ve got an award for you! You can get it at:

    http://www.newjerseymemories.com/2010/07/my-first-award.html

    Reply
  11. Teresa says

    July 30, 2010 at 1:14 AM

    all this food looks freaking delicious!
    new follower from FF
    xx

    Reply
  12. Anestazia says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:59 AM

    Heyy! I’m a new follower from New Friend Friday! Your recipes look delicious and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

    http://yourworkistodiscoveryourworld.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  13. Design It Chic says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:48 AM

    OMG!!! that dish looks oh so yummy!!! I am following you thanks to New Friend Friday! It would be nice if you could share the love back on my blog! Also we have a brand new blog-hop… no rules just fun and would love you to join in:) Oh and if you need any blog help or easy HTML tips, you know where to come!Happy Friday!

    Reply
  14. Nan Bennett says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:56 AM

    Happy Friday!! Stopping by to say Hi!.

    If I’m your newest follower? Yes, I am.

    Thank you for share nice blog,

    http://beonefineday.blogspot.com/

    my community is http://theblogfrog.com/1233755

    Have a nice day.

    Nan
    PS. From Follow Friday 40 and over

    Reply
  15. BowWowPet says

    July 30, 2010 at 10:08 AM

    Oh wow the recipes look delicious!!
    Love your blog
    newest follower:)
    http://www.bowwowpet.blogspot.com

    Reply
  16. Pam Ponder says

    July 30, 2010 at 10:32 AM

    stopping by from friday follow 40 and over,, I am your newest follower, love your blog..

    http://www.livelaughlovewiththeponderingprincess.com/2010/07/follow-friday-40-and-over.html

    that looks so good can’t wait to check out all your other recipes….

    Reply
  17. Cakeblast says

    July 30, 2010 at 12:29 PM

    Oh wow, the Ahi Tuna Katsu sounds delicious! I am a new follower from Friday Follow! http://cakeblast.com

    Reply
  18. Peggy says

    July 30, 2010 at 1:47 PM

    Looks wonderful!!
    I am now following you through
    Follow Friday 40+!!
    Peggy Gorman
    http://pegsplay.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  19. ~SHANNON~ says

    July 30, 2010 at 5:30 PM

    I want that TUNA!!

    Found you through Friday follow- and am your newest follower! I hope you’ll come follow me back! Please? With a cherry on top?? ๐Ÿ™‚

    Shannon
    milkandcuddles.com

    Reply
  20. Terrell says

    July 30, 2010 at 8:41 PM

    Your blog is just delightful!!! I’m visiting from NFF and wanted to say I’m happy to be your newest follower! I’d love for you to swing by FrouFrouDecor…I love new friends!!
    All the best and happy weekend!
    ~Terrell @ FrouFrouDecor~

    Reply
  21. Parsley says

    July 31, 2010 at 6:12 PM

    It would THRILL ME to have some recipes from you for the recipe exchange. Any and all…just copy and paste.

    So happy you dropped by my blog so I could meet you. I’ll look forward to following and SEEING THOSE RECIPES in my email box! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  22. Rebecca Watson says

    July 31, 2010 at 7:38 PM

    have a happy saturday! enjoy your day! Im your newest follower – http://www.justcherishtoday.com – come follow me back and let’s stay in touch!

    Reply
  23. Monica H says

    August 1, 2010 at 8:48 PM

    I’m hungry and that looks so good! I hope you’re having a wonderful time.

    Reply
  24. anniebakes says

    August 7, 2010 at 11:18 AM

    I love ahi and that looks so good!! I love the recipe,

    anne
    http://www.anniebakes.net

    Reply
  25. The Teacher's Wife says

    September 10, 2010 at 6:24 PM

    Beautiful website!! Wow! Thanks for stopping by- following you back! ๐Ÿ™‚
    Surviving a Teachers Salary
    Crystal

    Reply
  26. The Enchanted Cook says

    January 3, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Wow that tuna looks and sounds amazing! Your site is beautiful, too! I’m glad we have found each other’s blogs and I’m now following you!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome!

Welcome!

Ciao, I'm Roz!
From my family's kitchens and restaurants in the U.S. and Italy, I share classic, delicious recipes . . . and always served with 'amore'! I'll help you master the art of cooking with easy to follow instructions and cooking tips. Get ready for the compliments! Buon Appetito!

Top Food Blog 2020

Looking for something special?

Most Popular

Pastina Chicken Soup — Italian Childhood Memories

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad -- Copycat Recipe is SO DELICIOUS!!

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad — Copycat Recipe is SO DELICIOUS!!

Classic Italian Minestrone Instant Pot

Classic Italian Minestrone Soup

Copyright ยฉ 2010 - 2021 ยท La Bella Vita Cucina ยท