New Year’s Recipe: Nutritionist suggests sesame-crusted tuna | Press

A classic for New Year’s Eve, this fish is a simple dish that impresses guests.

December 2018 – Out with the old year, in with the new! 2018 is drawing to a close, and it’s time to celebrate the great moments, carry forward the lessons from what didn’t go so well, and enjoy the arrival of 2019 alongside loved ones.

To make New Year’s Eve even more special—and healthier—nutritionist Graciela Vargas, from the Umami Committee, the organization responsible for promoting the fifth basic taste of the human palate, shares a delicious recipe for sesame-crusted tuna. According to the nutritionist, umami is present in fish, making the dish even tastier and offering several health benefits. “The fifth taste helps with protein digestion, sodium reduction, and oral hygiene,” she explains.

Check out the method and have a Happy New Year!

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tbsp vinegar (45 ml)
• 2 tbsp honey (30 g)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (15 g)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (1 g)
• 4 fresh tuna steaks (700 g)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (30 g)
• Salt to taste and a pinch of black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Lightly salt both sides of the tuna. Press the steaks into the sesame seeds (spread on a plate), coating both sides evenly.
3. Lightly oil a nonstick skillet and heat over medium-high. Add the tuna and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until just firm to the touch of a fork.
   Drizzle with the sauce and serve.

UMAMI

It is the fifth basic taste of the human palate, discovered in 1908 by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda. It was scientifically recognized in 2000, when researchers at the University of Miami confirmed the existence of specific receptors for this taste on the taste buds. The amino acid glutamic acid and the nucleotides inosinate and guanylate are the main umami substances. The two main characteristics of umami are increased salivation and the persistence of taste for a few minutes after eating. To learn more, visit www.portalumami.com.br.