Marinated Tuna Steaks with Ancho Chile Red Wine Sau

Name: Marinated Tuna Steaks with Ancho Chile Red Wine Sauce and Spinach-Tomatillo Rice Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 ancho chilies, soaked, seeded and pureed; 4 cloves chopped garlic; 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, toasted; 2 teaspoons whole allspice, toasted; 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 8 sprigs Mexican oregano; 4 tuna steaks, 6 ounces each; Salt and pepper; Spinach-Tomatillo Rice Cake, recipe follows; Ancho Chile Red Wine Sauce, recipe follows; 6 to 8 cups water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 cups arborio rice; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan; 2 tablespoons unsalted cold butter, plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for sauteing; 1 pound spinach, blanched, squeezed dry and finely chopped; Tomatillo Sauce, recipe follows; Salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 cup flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 tomatillos, husked and scrubbed; 6 cloves garlic; 1 onion, quartered; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and freshly ground pepper; 2 teaspoons chipotle pepper puree; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons honey

Bake this irresistible Marinated Tuna Steaks with Ancho Chile Red Wine Sauce and Spinach-Tomatillo Rice Cake at home. Made with ancho chilies, garlic, f…

This Marinated Tuna Steaks with Ancho Chile Red Wine Sauce and Spinach-Tomatillo Rice Cake relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as chopped garlic, fennel seeds, toasted, whole allspice, toasted and honey. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 1503 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

Whether you're rounding off a family dinner, bringing a treat to a gathering, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this Marinated Tuna Steaks with Ancho Chile Red Wine Sauce and Spinach-Tomatillo Rice Cake delivers. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and add a scoop of ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream for an extra-special finish.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Seafood

Servings: persons

2 ancho chilies, soaked, seeded and pureed
4 cloves chopped garlic
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, toasted
2 teaspoons whole allspice, toasted
2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 sprigs Mexican oregano
4 tuna steaks, 6 ounces each
Salt and pepper
Spinach-Tomatillo Rice Cake, recipe follows
Ancho Chile Red Wine Sauce, recipe follows
6 to 8 cups water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons unsalted cold butter, plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for sauteing
1 pound spinach, blanched, squeezed dry and finely chopped
Tomatillo Sauce, recipe follows
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tomatillos, husked and scrubbed
6 cloves garlic
1 onion, quartered
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons chipotle pepper puree
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons honey
2 ancho chilIes, soaked until soft, seeded and pureed
3 cups dry red wine
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

1
Whisk together ancho puree, garlic, fennel, allspice, orange juice, honey, olive oil, and oregano in a medium-baking dish.
2
Add the tuna and turn to coat.
3
Refrigerate for 20 minutes, covered.
4
Heat grill pan over high heat.
5
Remove tuna from marinade and season with salt and pepper to taste on both sides.
6
Sear on 1 side until golden brown, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
7
Turn over and cook for 1 minute for medium-rare doneness.
8
Place two Spinach-Tomatillo Rice Cakes onto a plate.
9
Prop a tuna steak on top of the cakes at an angle.
10
Drizzle the plate with the Ancho Chile Red Wine Sauce.
11
Place water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
12
Heat olive oil in a medium high-sided saute pan over medium heat.
13
Add the rice and stir to coat.
14
Add 2 cups of the hot water and stir until evaporated.
15
Repeat with the remaining water until the rice is al dente.
16
Stir in the cheese and butter until combined.
17
Stir in the spinach and tomatillo sauce, season with salt and pepper.
18
Spread the mixture evenly out onto a sheet pan, cover and place in the refrigerator until firm, about 1 hour.
19
Remove the risotto from the refrigerator and cut out 8 (2-inch) circles.
20
Place the flour onto a plate and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
21
Dredge the risotto circles on both sides in the flour and tap of the excess.
22
Heat the butter and oil in a large saute pan over high heat.
23
Saute the cakes until golden brown on both sides.
24
Remove to a plate lined with paper towels.
25
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place tomatillos, garlic, and onions on a medium baking sheet, toss with oil and season with salt and pepper.
26
Roast until all vegetables are soft, about 20 to 25 minutes.
27
Place roasted vegetables and remaining ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth.
28
Combine ancho puree and wine in a small saucepan and cook until reduced by half.
29
Add the mixture to a blender with the vinegar and honey, blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
30
With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil and blend until emulsified.
31
Re-season, if needed.

1503

kcal

Calories

Fat

128

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 36 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 ancho chilies, soaked, seeded and pureed, 4 cloves chopped garlic, 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, toasted, 2 teaspoons whole allspice, toasted, and more.

Yes, Marinated Tuna Steaks with Ancho Chile Red Wine Sauce and Spinach-Tomatillo Rice Cake falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

Quick Info

Servings
4 servings
Calories
1503 kcal
Category
Seafood

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