Vegan Tuna Tataki

Transform your plant-based cooking game with this vibrant and sophisticated Vegan Tuna Tataki, a visually stunning and delicious twist on a classic Japanese dish. Made with tender oven-baked watermelon, this recipe mimics the delicate texture and rich umami flavor of traditional tuna through a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and fresh lime juice. Coated in crushed nori and rolled in a medley of black and white sesame seeds, the "tataki" slices are then garnished with crisp radishes and green onions for added freshness. Pair with creamy avocado and a hint of wasabi for a satisfying vegan appetizer or light main course that's ready in just 30 minutes (plus marinating time!). Perfect for impressing guests, this gluten-free and cruelty-free dish offers the ideal balance of bold flavors and elegance.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 500 g Watermelon (seedless)
• 60 ml Soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• 30 ml Rice vinegar
• 10 ml Sesame oil
• 15 ml Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp Grated ginger
• 1 full sheet Nori sheets
• 2 tbsp White and black sesame seeds
• 2 stalks Green onions (thinly sliced)
• 3 pieces Radish (thinly sliced, for garnish)
• 1 piece Avocado (sliced, for serving)
• 1 tsp Optional: Wasabi paste

Directions

Step 1

Cut the watermelon into thick rectangular slices roughly 1.5 cm thick to mimic tuna steaks. Trim the rind and remove any large white areas to create vibrant red pieces.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the watermelon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. This will slightly dehydrate the watermelon and deepen its texture.

Step 3

While the watermelon is in the oven, prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, and grated ginger in a small bowl.

Step 4

Remove the watermelon from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Once it's cool enough to handle, place the pieces in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure all sides are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 5

Just before serving, place a nori sheet in a dry blender or food processor and pulse until finely crushed into a powder.

Step 6

Remove the marinated watermelon from the refrigerator and lightly press both sides into the nori powder. This will give a slightly 'seared' appearance.

Step 7

Sprinkle the white and black sesame seeds on a plate. Press the edges of each watermelon piece into the sesame seeds to coat.

Step 8

Slice the watermelon into thin slices to resemble tataki. Arrange neatly on a serving plate.

Step 9

Top with thinly sliced green onions and radishes. Serve alongside sliced avocado and optional wasabi paste.

Step 10

Drizzle any leftover marinade or additional soy sauce over the dish just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(852.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	658.3

Total Fat 42.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4197.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 65.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.2g	0%
Total Sugars 33.3g
Protein 14.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 278.5mg	0%
Iron 6.4mg	0%
Potassium 2026.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.3%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 37.3%