master-cooks | Gordon Ramsay Elevates Tuna Salad With 4 Bougie Ingredients

Gordon Ramsay, renowned for his culinary prowess, has taken the humble tuna salad to new heights by incorporating four sophisticated ingredients that transform it into a gourmet dish. First, he introduces the rich and creamy texture of avocado, which not only adds a luxurious element but also enhances the salad's nutritional profile. Next, Ramsay elevates the flavor with a touch of Dijon mustard, providing a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the tuna and avocado. The addition of capers brings a briny, sharp note, adding depth and complexity to the salad. To tie everything together, fresh herbs such as dill or cilantro are included, infusing the dish with vibrant, aromatic freshness. These herbs not only contribute a burst of color but also complement the other ingredients beautifully. By incorporating these refined elements, Ramsay transforms the traditional tuna salad into a sophisticated culinary experience, making it perfect for a high-end lunch or a light dinner. This elevated version maintains the simplicity and ease of preparation associated with tuna salad while offering a more refined and satisfying taste, showcasing Ramsay's ability to blend simplicity with elegance in his culinary creations.

Seared tuna and a poached quail egg makes it special

Gordon Ramsay's tuna salad starts with lightly seared ahi tuna, the Hawaiian term for yellowfin tuna, known for its lean texture and mild taste, making it a popular choice for sushi. (At his Atlantic City steakhouse, Ramsay showcases this versatile fish in various ways, including as a gingery tartare appetizer and as a main dish crusted with Sichuan peppercorns.) He then gently poaches a quail egg.

But why choose a quail egg, which is significantly smaller than a chicken egg and not as readily available? Ramsay's response is both humorous and thought-provoking. "First of all, they're a pain to peel," he shared with Tasting Table. "Anything that's a bit tricky to handle is worth savoring and enjoying even more."

Since his tuna salad is served on a square cracker, the quail egg is the ideal size for this sophisticated take on the dish. "It fits perfectly," he remarked. "The dimensions of the cracker create these delightful little snacks—canapés—that are essentially two-bite wonders. When you cut a quail egg in half, it looks stunning. If the yolk is runny, it’s visually appealing enough to grace the cover of a gourmet magazine."

Gordon Ramsay finishes his tuna salad with tapenade and green bean salad

In addition to ahi tuna and a poached quail egg, Gordon Ramsay incorporates both tapenade and a green bean salad into this dish. "I would enjoy this incredible, vibrant, fresh tapenade spread on a wholesome Triscuit cracker, topped with a slice of seared tuna, and accompanied by a small piece of French green bean salad with a runny quail egg," he remarked. "That would be my ultimate dish."

While Ramsay doesn't specify the exact ingredients of his tapenade, his usual recipe features black olives, anchovies in olive oil, capers, and garlic, all blended together with a mortar and pestle. Similarly, he doesn't go into detail about the French green bean salad, but he is known for a recipe that includes blanched green beans dressed in a simple honey mustard vinaigrette. Much like his elevated take on tuna salad, Ramsay's version of tomato soup—typically a classic comfort food—includes luxurious ingredients such as seared, roasted tomatoes and sun-dried tomato pesto. Although Ramsay's Triscuit niçoise features some upscale components, its combination of colors, flavors, and textures transforms tuna salad from ordinary to exquisite.

Static Media owns and operates Chowhound and Tasting Table.

Gordon Ramsay Elevates Tuna Salad With 4 Bougie Ingredients

Seared tuna and a poached quail egg makes it special

Gordon Ramsay finishes his tuna salad with tapenade and green bean salad

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