A Sutherland Belle
“Nobody can be exactly like me. Sometimes even I have trouble doing it.”

Seared Tuna Steaks with Wasabi Edamame Slaw

Seared Tuna Steaks

Southern mamas sure do have a way with words.

Our Southern mamas have our best interests at heart. They know that every moment can also be a lesson, and they sure do want to teach us. Moms always have a way with words, and whether they're shouting good Southern advice as we're running out the door or whispering it to us in the pew at church, our mamas' words tend to stick with us. Although, sometimes it's not just about what a Southern mama says…it's about how she says it.

"Don't be ugly." When our Southern mothers say this, they're not referring to our looks. This phrase is often accompanied by a tone that strikes fear in even the most grown-up of daughters. It can be loosely translated to mean "How dare you talk back to your mama?," "Straighten up right this minute," or "Behave—or else."

"It'll all come out in the wash." When we go to Mama with worried, tear-streaked faces, she has the advice we need. She reminds us that misunderstandings tend to work themselves out, and it'll all be ok in the end.

"You'll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar." It's a gentle reminder that kindness makes a difference (and can help things go your way).

"Nothing good ever happens after midnight." When we started going to parties, Mama was quick to share this little fact—and she reminds us of it constantly. According to mama, an earlier curfew is always better. She's probably right: It's kept us out of trouble so far.

"Never look a gift horse in the mouth." Mama is a fan of this classic proverb. Loosely translated, it's a reminder to be grateful when you receive a gift. A simple "thank you" suffices—and don't you dare question it.

"Smile—it increases your face value." Mama borrowed this one from her favorite movie, Steel Magnolias, to remind us to turn our frowns upside down.

"It's nothin' that a little hairspray won't fix." We've had our share of bad haircuts, and of course, our mother is the first to hear about it. This phrase is often followed by "It'll grow out before you know it."

"You're gettin' too big for your britches." Which means: Little lady, you'd better calm down and show your mother some respect.

"Bless your heart." This one depends on Mama's tone of voice. It can be cheery, exasperated, and everything in between, but no matter the situation, it's truly a classic from your Southern mother.

They say that life doesn’t come with a manual, but it comes with a mother. Well, in the South, our mothers might as well keep their handbooks right next to the Bible. There’s no rest for the child-rearing, after all. Our mothers gave us the tools we needed—from proper etiquette to essential cooking skills—to go forth a gracious Southern woman, and we're forever marked by that firm, yet tender teaching.

Seared Tuna Steaks with Wasabi Edamame Slaw

INGREDIENTS

For the Tuna

  • 2 (8-ounce) thick cut tuna steaks, preferably sushi-grade ahi tuna
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons white and black sesame seeds
  • Fried wonton strips, garnish (recipe below)

For the Salad 

  • 6 cups (tightly packed) green cabbage, (1 large head) finely shredded
  • 3 cups (tightly packed) red cabbage, (1/2 head) finely shredded 
  • 2 carrots, peeled and finely shredded
  • 4 green onions, finely sliced on the diagonal
  • 2 cups edamame, cooked per packet directions 

For the Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 4-5 tablespoons Kewpie mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2-3 teaspoons wasabi paste, adjust to taste (entirely optional) 

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Tuna

  1. Marinate the steaks: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger. Place the marinade in a sealable plastic bag and add the steaks. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. Place the bag in a baking dish (to contain any mess if the bag leaks) and marinate for 30 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through marinating for even coating.
  2. Remove the steaks and discard the marinade. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat until hot.
  3. On a plate combine sesame seeds. Coat the tuna on both sides. Lightly grease the skillet or grill racks and add the steaks. Grill the tuna on each side for 1 to 3 minutes (time will vary depending on the thickness and temperature of the steaks, as well as desired doneness). Remove from heat and rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
  4. Slice the steaks or serve whole, garnished with fried wontons.

For the Salad & Dressing

  1. Shake Dressing ingredients in a jar until the mayonnaise is fully emulsified. Taste and add more sugar if you want.
  2. Place cabbage, carrot, green onion, and half the edamame in a bowl. Add about 3/4 of the dressing, toss.
  3. Set aside for at least 15 minutes to let the cabbage wilt a bit. Toss again, then pile onto serving platter or bowl. Drape over remaining edamame and drizzle with remaining dressing.

For Fried Wontons

  1. Pour about 1-½ to 2 inches of oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat to 360F, use a thermometer to regulate the temperature.
  2. While the oil is heating, cut as many wonton wrappers as you would like to serve into ¾-inch wide strips. Keep wontons covered with a towel while you finish heating the oil.
  3. Line a baking sheet or cooling rack with a double layer of paper towels. Set aside.
  4. When the oil reaches temperature, carefully add a handful of wonton strips to the pot. They will immediately puff up. Fry for 1-2 minutes, using a spider strainer or slotted spoon to move them around in the pot. When they're golden brown on all sides, drain them with the spider or slotted spoon and transfer them to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to cool.
  5. Let the oil return to 360F between each batch of wonton strips. (The temperature will drop about 10 degrees to 350 when the wontons are added.)
  6. Serve over tuna and slaw.

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