Chef Julian's Smoked Tuna Tacos

Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 71 min
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings

Description

Ahi tuna is smoked and served on homemade sopes with a charred tomatillo sauce and avocado pico de gallo in this twist on classic fish tacos.

Ingredients

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sea salt
1 pound ahi tuna
2 cups masa corn flour
1 1/4 cups water, or as needed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup tomatillos, husked
1 onion, halved
2 jalapeno peppers
1 pinch salt to taste
4 tomatoes, diced
2 avocados, diced
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
3 limes, juiced
1/2 head cabbage, shredded
1/2 (12 ounce) package queso fresco, crumbled

Directions

1 Preheat a smoker to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.
2 Mix brown sugar and 1/4 cup salt together in a bowl.
3 Score ahi tuna skin with a sharp knife; rub with brown sugar and salt mixture.
4 Smoke tuna until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 140 degrees F to 155 degrees F (60 degrees C to 68 degrees C), about 1 hour.
5 Mix masa corn flour and water together in a bowl until a slightly sticky dough forms. Divide dough into large balls.
6 Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Flatten balls of masa to 1/4-inch thickness and cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Cool sopes on a wire rack.
7 Preheat a grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
8 Place tomatillos, half the onion, and 1 jalapeno pepper on the grill; cook until charred on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a blender; blend into a smooth sauce. Season with salt.
9 Dice remaining onion and jalapeno. Mix with tomatoes, avocados, and cilantro in a bowl. Season with lime juice and salt.
10 Place cooked sopes on serving plates. Top with smoked tuna, tomatillo sauce, and avocado mixture. Garnish with shredded cabbage and queso fresco.