Lemon Pepper Crusted Yellow Fin Tuna w/ Artichoke Hearts by Healthy Foodie Travels

Hey there! You came back! =]

My recipe over at Healthy Foodie Travels

About a month ago I contacted Kiri over at Healthy Foodie Travels inviting her to participate in a healthy recipe swap. Not only would her site suit our new goal here at Free Spirit Eater, but I wanted to show case someone very special to me. Kiri is not only a dear friend of mine but was my inspiration while unknowingly giving me the motivation to change my lifestyle. Kiri had a total transformation of her own and is living proof that if you have a weight loss goal, with hard work and motivation you will achieve it. Please welcome my good friend and my "thinspiration" Kiri. 

Greetings to all you Free Spirits!

First of all, I have to tell you how honored I am to be guest posting for Kym today. I have admired her amazing recipes and photography skills for some time, and once we actually started conversing in comments, I had a secret my-friend-the-culinary-school-graduate obsession phase. Then we started emailing, and while I’m still a fan girl, I have also learned that Kym is one of the kindest and most helpful people out there. She’s a true gem in the food blogging world, and I wouldn’t want to miss her as a friend! I count myself very lucky to have come to know her and I don’t intend to let her go! :)

Now, I won’t be able to do her quality of posts any justice, but I’ll try! I can especially relate to Kym’s recent decision to embark on a journey to a healthier lifestyle, because I have been there and I have done that. I was always on the heavy side, but once I moved to the United States away from family and friends and to nothing but an adoring girlfriend (who is now my wife!), I let go all pretense of self-control and gained. A lot.

 At some point, some strange epiphany must have hit me, and I proceeded to drop 100lbs. That didn’t happen overnight, it didn’t happen without the unwavering support and love of my wife, and it certainly didn’t happen without a serious change in habits. Exercise was one component, but also the discovery of wonderfully fresh and delicious meals that are so much better for me than what I used to have. My blog is all about healthy meals from all over the world, as I have learned that healthy isn’t bland, lean isn’t dry, and most of all, spices are the best thing ever to make fresh ingredients shine.

SO! In that spirit, let’s have some lemon-pepper crusted, pan-seared yellow fin tuna with artichoke hearts!

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

210 calories

26.7 grams of protein

3.6 grams of fat

20.7 grams of carbs

• 14oz can of chopped artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed to remove salt
• 2 clove of garlic, minced
• ¼ Vidalia onion, minced
• 1 roma tomato, chopped
• ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes, not packed in oil, sliced
• plenty of salt-free lemon pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ground black pepper to taste
• 2 4oz yellowfin tuna steak
• cooking spray

1. In a large pan, sauté onions and garlic on medium high until light brown using cooking spray. Then add roma tomato, artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, black pepper and lemon juice and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes
2. Meanwhile, spray a griddle or skillet and heat well. Rub lemon pepper onto both sides of the tuna steak.
3. When the griddle is hot, sear the tuna steak on all sides until nicely browned, for one to 2 minutes depending on thickness of the steak. Make sure you don’t overcook it. Nothing like a pink center! :)
4. Serve both and enjoy! Serves two

Thank you so much for having me, Kym! It’s been a pleasure, I love you and your blog, and I wish all the best to you and Tim on your journey! :)  I know you can do it!

                                                              

Isn't she the sweetest?! Thank you for sharing such a delicious and beautiful dish with us Kiri! Don't forget to check out my Salmon Stuffed Peppers w/ Yellow Squash, Zucchini & Brown Rice on Kiri's site! =]