• Fast

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
2. 3 tablespoons water
3. 2 tablespoons sugar
4. 1/2 cup white-wine vinegar
5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
6. 3/4 teaspoon salt
7. 4 tuna steaks, about 1 inch thick (about 2 pounds in all)
8. 1 tablespoon olive oil
9. 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

Directions

1. Put 1/3 cup of the mint in a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl. In a small stainless-steel saucepan, bring the water to a simmer over moderate heat. Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Stir in the vinegar, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Pour the mixture over the mint in the bowl. Let sit 15 minutes.
2. Light the grill or heat the broiler. Coat the tuna with the oil. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Cook the tuna for 4 minutes. Turn and cook until done to your taste, 3 to 4 minutes longer for medium rare.
3. Strain the mint sauce through a sieve into a sauceboat or serving bowl. Stir in the remaining mint. Pass the sauce with the fish.

Notes

Fish Alternatives
Mackerel and salmon are both full-flavored enough to take on this sauce.