Grilled Tuna with Artichokes and Aioli

Contributed by Anna Kovel and Annie Wayte

2 garlic cloves, mashed
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges, for serving
1/2 cup mayonnaise, preferably homemade
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds baby artichokes (about 16), stems trimmed to 1 inch, top thirds cut off and discarded
Freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
Four 6-ounce tuna steaks, about 3/4 inch thick

In a small bowl, combine the garlic with 3/4 teaspoon of salt; mash to a paste with the back of a small spoon. Stir in the lemon juice and mayonnaise until smooth. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a thin stream until the aioli is emulsified. Refrigerate the aioli until serving.
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the artichokes, cover with a lid slightly smaller than the saucepan to keep the artichokes submerged and cook until the bottoms are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the artichokes and spread them out on a large plate to cool slightly. Pull off the tough outer leaves and cut each artichoke in half. Pat dry.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until shimmering. Add the artichokes and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Transfer the artichokes to a platter and keep warm.
Heat a cast-iron grill pan or large skillet. Rub the tuna with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the tuna over high heat, turning once, until browned and the meat is medium rare, about 3 minutes total. Transfer the tuna to the platter and serve immediately with the aioli and lemon wedges.

Suggested Pairing

Rare grilled tuna is meaty enough to serve with a light Pinot Noir.