unusual appetizers for party

Give your party menu a bold twist with Wasabi Pea-Crusted Tuna Cubes topped with refreshing Mango-Ginger Salsa. These unusual appetizers for party combine tender tuna coated in crispy wasabi peas with a tangy mango-ginger salsa for a spicy, sweet, and savory flavor punch. Perfect for gatherings where you want to surprise guests with something truly memorable, these tuna bites bring together texture and zing in every bite.

Wasabi Pea-Crusted Tuna Cubes with Mango-Ginger Salsa

Andrea

Wasabi Pea-Crusted Tuna Cubes with Mango-Ginger Salsa make for a bold, deliciously unexpected appetizer. Crispy wasabi pea coating, paired with juicy tuna and a sweet mango-ginger salsa, create a perfectly balanced flavor sensation, ideal for any party.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Servings 24 pieces

Ingredients

  

For the tuna:

• 400g sushi-grade tuna steak
• 100g wasabi peas
• 2 egg whites
• 30g all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 30ml vegetable oil for frying

For the mango-ginger salsa:

• 200g ripe mango, finely diced
• 30g red onion, finely minced
• 15g fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 5g fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions

 

• Start with the mango-ginger salsa: In a bowl, combine the diced mango, minced red onion, grated ginger, chopped chili, lime juice, and cilantro.
• Season with salt to taste, mix well, and refrigerate while preparing the tuna.
• Prepare the tuna: Cut the tuna steak into 24 equal-sized cubes, approximately 2.5cm each.
• Season the tuna cubes with salt and pepper.
• Prepare the wasabi pea crust: In a food processor, pulse the wasabi peas until they form a coarse powder. Transfer to a shallow dish.
• In another shallow dish, lightly beat the egg whites.
• Place the flour in a third shallow dish.
• Coat the tuna: Dredge each tuna cube in flour, shaking off excess.
• Dip in egg whites, then roll in the wasabi pea powder to coat evenly.
• Place the coated cubes on a plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the coating.
• Cook the tuna: Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat (about 180°C/350°F).
• Carefully place the tuna cubes in the hot oil and sear for about 30 seconds on each side. The outside should be crispy, and the inside should remain rare.
• Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
• Serve: Arrange the tuna cubes on a serving platter.
• Top each cube with a small spoonful of the mango-ginger salsa.
• Serve immediately while the tuna is still warm and the contrast with the cool salsa is at its best.

Notes

Here are some creative variations for the Wasabi Pea-Crusted Tuna Cubes with Mango-Ginger Salsa appetizer recipe:

1. Spicy Salmon Bites
   • Substitute the tuna with sushi-grade salmon for a different flavor profile.
   • Use a spicy mayo made from mayonnaise and sriracha to drizzle over the top instead of mango-ginger salsa.
2. Crispy Rice Tuna Bites
   • Instead of serving the tuna on its own, press sushi rice into a rectangular mold and fry until crispy.
   • Top each crispy rice square with the wasabi pea-crusted tuna and a dollop of spicy mayo.
3. Tuna Tartare with Avocado
   • Replace the wasabi pea crust with diced avocado for a creamy texture.
   • Serve the tuna tartare in small cups or on endive leaves for an elegant presentation.
4. Tuna Ceviche Cups
   • Marinate the tuna cubes in lime juice, cilantro, and diced jalapeños instead of coating them.
   • Serve in small tortilla cups topped with avocado and mango salsa.
5. Sesame-Crusted Tuna Bites
   • Instead of wasabi peas, coat the tuna cubes in sesame seeds (white or black) for a nutty flavor.
   • Serve with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce instead of mango salsa.
6. Tuna Sushi Rolls
   • Roll the wasabi pea-crusted tuna cubes in sushi rice and nori to create sushi rolls.
   • Serve with pickled ginger and soy sauce on the side.
7. Tuna Poke Bowls
   • Serve the wasabi pea-crusted tuna over a bed of sushi rice or quinoa, topped with avocado, radish slices, and seaweed salad.
   • Drizzle with sesame dressing for added flavor.
8. Mediterranean Tuna Skewers
   • Marinate tuna cubes in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before skewering them on toothpicks.
   • Serve with tzatziki sauce instead of mango salsa.
9. Tuna Tacos
   • Use small corn tortillas to create mini tacos filled with wasabi pea-crusted tuna and topped with mango-ginger salsa and cilantro.
   • Add a drizzle of lime crema for extra flavor.
10. Tuna Carpaccio
    • Thinly slice the tuna instead of cubing it, then arrange it on a plate.
    • Drizzle with olive oil, lime juice, and sprinkle with wasabi peas for crunch.

Keyword unusual appetizers for party

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.