Tuna is most often cooked to medium-rare to prevent it from drying out. If you prefer, cook one or two minutes longer after turning, or until opaque throughout.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　1 tablespoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger

　　6 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced crosswise (1 cup)

　　1 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)

　　1/3 cup toasted sesame oil

　　Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

　　3 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower

　　1 1/2 pounds small eggplant (about 4), halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick

　　4 tuna steaks (each 6 to 8 ounces and 1 inch thick)

　　

Step 1

In a medium bowl, stir together ginger, scallions, vinegar, and sesame oil; season with salt and pepper.

　　

Step 2

In a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high. Add eggplant, and season with salt and pepper. Cover; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened and lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Uncover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer eggplant to a plate. Wipe skillet with a paper towel.

　　

Step 3

Rub both sides of tuna steaks with remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; season with salt and pepper. Place in skillet and cook over high heat, turning once, until browned but still pink in the center, about 5 minutes. Cut each tuna steak in half. Divide eggplant and tuna among four plates. Spoon sauce on top, and serve.

　　

Grating Tool

Step 4

A rasp-style zester, such as a Microplane, is an efficient tool for grating ginger, as the sharp, tiny holes produce very fine strips. Look for one in kitchen-supply or hardware stores. The fine holes of a box grater will also do the job.

　　Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by the Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine’s editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.