Blackened Ahi Tuna Sliders with Wasabi Aioli

Okay, so I am totally behind the times, but we just started watching "Sons of Anarchy" on Netflix, and all hail the great land of TV production, is that show good, or what? No spoilers please, I'm only on the 2nd season, but we have been binge watching like 3 to 4 episodes a night before bed. Or half of a season on Sunday morning, whoops! I think my dreams have been taken over by biker gang plots, and I'm cool with it. But that's besides the point. The point today is to introduce you to these blackened tuna sliders. It's basic common knowledge that anything you put on a hawaiian roll is going to be delicious. But add some smoky, spicy blackening seasoning, and forget about it! 

Blackened Ahi Tuna Sliders with Wasabi Aioli

Sliders:

• 1 lb. sushi grade ahi tuna, cut into 2-inch steaks
•  1/2 cup gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. cayenne or ground red pepper
• 1 tsp. thyme leaves
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tbsp. high heat oil such as avocado oil
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 5 slider buns (I used King's Hawaiian rolls)

Wasabi Aioli

• 2 tbsp. wasabi paste
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 tsp. mayo
• 1/2 lime, juiced 

In a food processor, blend the wasabi paste, avocado, mayo, and lime juice until well incorporated and smooth. Place into the fridge until ready to serve.

Place the tuna into a shallow dish and pour the tamari over the top. Place into the fridge and allow to marinate for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the blackening seasoning by whisking together the paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano together in a shallow dish.

Once the tuna has marinated, remove from the fridge and coat all sides of the tuna steaks in the blackening seasoning. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.

Once the oil is hot, cook the tuna steaks for 30 seconds on each side (for rare, longer if necessary), then promptly remove from the heat as not to overcook them.

To serve, spread the wasabi aioli onto the bottoms of the slider buns. Top with the tuna steaks, then cucumber slices and avocado.