Tuna and Salmon Skewers with Thai Salad

And since we are in Italy, we could give a Mediterranean touch to the skewers, perhaps with an addition of fresh aromatic herbs or a light sesame seed breading before cooking them, to stay in the atmosphere of the original recipe. But let’s focus first on the classic recipe for tuna and salmon skewers with Thai salad.

Ingredients for the skewers:

• 200 g of fresh tuna
• 200 g of fresh salmon
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• Juice of 1 lime
• Sesame seeds as needed
• Pepper as needed
• Salt as needed
• Toothpicks or wooden skewers

Ingredients for the Thai salad:

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 carrot
• 1 cucumber
• 1 bunch of fresh cilantro
• 1 bunch of fresh mint
• 50 g of toasted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (nam pla)
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 red chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. Start with preparing the marinade for the fish by mixing olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, pepper, and a bit of salt in a bowl. Cut the tuna and salmon into 2 cm cubes and place them in the marinade. Let them rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
2. While the fish is marinating, prepare the Thai salad. Cut the peppers, carrot, and cucumber into julienne (thin strips), finely chop the cilantro and mint, and put everything in a large salad bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, and chopped chili pepper (if you wish) until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Lightly toast the peanuts in a pan or in the oven and then coarsely chop them.
4. Thread the tuna and salmon cubes onto toothpicks or skewers, alternating them. If you wish, roll the skewers in sesame seeds to create a crispy crust during cooking.
5. Heat a grill or non-stick pan and cook the skewers for about 1-2 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked to your liking.
6. Add the dressing to the Thai salad and mix well. Sprinkle with the toasted peanuts and serve it together with the hot skewers.

For an even more Italian touch, you might pair this dish with a nice glass of chilled Vermentino, which with its acidity and fruity aroma pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of the fish and the spice of the salad.

Curiosity

Thai salad is a dish that stands out for its mix of flavors: sweet, sour, spicy, and salty, all present in a perfect balance, just like in Thai culinary culture. Additionally, Thai cuisine is known for its abundant use of fresh herbs and spices that make each dish an incredible aromatic experience.