Former Boston Red Sox David Ortiz reveals his insightful food philosophy

Former Boston Red Sox David Ortiz reflect on learning how to cook while growing up in the Dominican Republic

David Ortiz might be best known for his days as the Boston Red Sox’s former designated hitter; however, like most players, baseball is just one of Ortiz’s many talents.

From a young age, cooking has been a key aspect of Ortiz. As Ortiz revealed via The Players’ Tribune, Ortiz learned how to cook with help from his mom while growing up in the Dominican Republic with grilling, in particular, playing a key role as a natural part of his community:

"“Grilling is very natural where I come from. We had a big stone pit in the middle of the community, with an iron grill on top, and we use that to cook for everybody.”"

Ortiz used the skills he learned from his mom and continued to develop his cooking abilities over the years, including during his time in the Minor League where he became the designated chef of the home he shared with fellow players. The sense of community also helped Ortiz to form a food we could all adapt and learn to live by.

Former Boston Red Sox David Ortiz talks about his food philosophy

For Ortiz, cooking has always been more about the company of those one shares a meal with rather than the dish being served. From his days in the Dominican cooking chicken and fish on the big stone pit to enjoying a meal with his wife and kids, there’s nothing more important to Ortiz than enjoying a meal with loved ones:

"“No matter what you make or how you make it, the food will always taste better when you eat it with people you enjoy.”"

It’s a simple food philosophy and an important reminder of how food can bring communities, friends and family together. As Ortiz notes, it’s not about the dishes being served but the chance to spend time with those important in your life.

How to make the perfect tuna steak according to David Ortiz

Of course, it never hurts to have a tasty dish on hand to enjoy when sitting down for a meal with family and friends. What better way to impress friends and family than with a delicious new recipe from a baseball great?!

In speaking with The Players’ Tribune, Ortiz shared his go-to tuna steak recipe which requires a limited number of ingredients and only requires five simple steps! Easy to make and delicious, now that sounds like the perfect dish for any gathering.

David Ortiz’s 5-Step Tuna Steak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 5oz ahi tuna steaks
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 2 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 2 tbsp garlic, grated
• 2 tbsp ginger, grated
• Juice from 1 lime

Instructions:

"1. In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger and lime juice. Whisk until well-combined.2. Add tuna steaks, flip and make sure both sides are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.3. Load grill with Kingsford Original Charcoal, lightly pour Kingsford Lighter Fluid over charcoal and ignite. Once flames have diminished and coals begin to glow, close the lid and adjust vents to stabilize temperature at about 400 degrees.4. Place tuna on lightly oiled grates and grill for about 3 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reads 115 degrees Fahrenheit.5. Remove, let rest for about 5 minutes, slice and serve"

Are you looking forward to trying out David Ortiz’s tuna steak recipe? Thoughts on his insightful food philosophy?