Fennel-Crusted Ahi Tuna with Lemon Aïoli Over Couscous

Ingredients

• •2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• •1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• •1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• •1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• •⅓ cup mayonnaise
• •2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• •3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• •4 cloves garlic
• •½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• •1 whole carrot
• •¼ cup chopped red onion
• •2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• •2¼ cups water
• •½ pound sugar snap peas
• •2 cups couscous
• •2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• •2½ pounds ahi tuna steaks

Cooking Instructions

1. 1.

   Combine first 3 ingredients in heavy small skillet. Toast over medium heat until fragrant, shaking skillet occasionally, about 3 minutes. Grind spice mixture in spice grinder. Transfer to bowl; mix in 1 teaspoon salt.

   5 min

2. 2.

   Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, and half of garlic in small bowl. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store spice mixture airtight at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate lemon aioli.)

   5 min

3. 3.

   Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrot and onion and sauté until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add thyme and remaining garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add 2 1/4 cups water and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to boil. Add sugar snap peas and cook until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Using slotted spoon, transfer peas to plate. Immediately add couscous to water in skillet and stir to combine. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with fork. Transfer to bowl and cool completely. Mix in sugar snap peas and dill. Season to taste with pepper. (Couscous can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)

   15 min

4. 4.

   Prepare barbecue (high heat). Coat tuna with 6 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle with spice mixture. Grill tuna until seared outside and rare in center, about 4 minutes per side. Refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour, then cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Spoon couscous onto plates. Top with tuna and drizzle with lemon aioli.

   70 min