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Grilled Tuna and Watercress Salad with Asian Flavours

This vibrant grilled tuna and watercress salad offers a sophisticated blend of textures and punchy Asian-inspired flavours. The sushi-grade tuna is coated in a fragrant crust of crushed coriander seeds and white peppercorns before being quickly seared, leaving the centre tender and rare. Paired with the peppery crunch of fresh watercress and the cooling, apple-like sweetness of jicama, it creates a balanced dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on high-quality proteins and fresh vegetables while remaining low in carbohydrates. It makes an excellent light lunch or a refined dinner for those seeking a heart-healthy meal. The zesty ginger and rice vinegar dressing provides a bright finish without the need for added sugars, making it a nutritious staple for your midweek repertoire.

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Ingredients for Grilled Tuna and Watercress Salad with Asian Flavours

  • 80ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 90ml rice vinegar (not seasoned)

  • 2 tablespoons minced peeled ginger

  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds, coarsely crushed

  • 2 tablespoons white peppercorns, coarsely crushed

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 (1-pound) sushi-grade tuna steak (about 2 inches thick)

  • 450g jicama, peeled

  • 2 bunches watercress (275g), tough stems discarded

  • 2 spring onions, very thinly sliced

How to make Grilled Tuna and Watercress Salad with Asian Flavours

Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over hot charcoal (high heat for gas); see Grilling Procedure .

Whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger.

Combine coriander seeds, white peppercorns, and kosher salt in a small bowl.

Rub vegetable oil all over tuna, then coat with spice mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.

Oil grill rack, then grill tuna, covered only if using a gas grill, turning onto all sides, until seared on all sides but still very rare inside, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer tuna to a cutting board and cut across the grain into 8 slices.

Julienne jicama using an adjustable-blade slicer fitted with 1/8-inch julienne attachment or using a knife.

Toss watercress and jicama with enough dressing to coat, then season with salt and pepper.

Serve tuna over salad, sprinkled with spring onions. Serve remaining dressing on the side.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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