Tuna and Watermelon Crudo

Procedure for watermelon:

1. Peel the watermelon and cut the flesh into large, uniform cubes. Reserve all trim.
2. Place the watermelon cubes into vacuum bags in a single layer. Vacuum seal at full pressure to compress the fruit. Refrigerate until chilled.
3. Remove the compressed watermelon from the bags and, using a small round ring cutter, cut uniform circles from the watermelon for consistent presentation.
4. Reserve the cut watermelon round under refrigeration until ready to plate. Use the remaining watermelon scraps to prepare the fresh watermelon juice for the vinaigrette.

Procedure for Vinaigrette:

1. Blend the reserved watermelon scraps until smooth to produce fresh watermelon juice.
2. Measure 6 cups of watermelon juice.
3. In a blender, combine the watermelon juice, seeded jalapeños, lime juice, honey, citric acid, xanthan gum, and salt.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart container.
5. Using a small immersion blender, slowly stream in the canola oil while blending continuously until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice, if needed.

Procedure for tuna:

1. Thinly slice sushi grade tuna into 1 oz. rectangles.
2. Pre-slice tuna before service (based on reservation count).
3. Store on parchment paper, in an airtight container, with label and date.
4. Keep very cold until use.

To plate:

1. Place five pieces of tuna on the plate.
2. Dress around the tuna on the plate.
3. Place 3 red watermelon and 3 yellow watermelon pieces.
4. Add cucumber and watermelon radish together in pairings.

Chef's notes: Compressed watermelon rounds should be uniform in size and thickness with a deep, vibrant color and firm texture. Vinaigrette should be smooth, glossy, and full emulsified with no visible oil separation. Finished flavor should balance sweetness, acidity, and fresh jalapeño heat. Store in a covered, food-safe container under refrigeration. Shelf life is up to seven days when properly refrigerated. Stir or shake before using if slight separation occurs.