Seared Rare Peppered Tuna & Vietnamese Dipping Sauce*

8 pieces (1 oz each) tuna, 3/4- to 1-inch thick
Freshly ground black pepper
Vietnamese Dipping Sauce 

Season the tuna with cracked black pepper. In a hot, smoking skillet, sear the tuna very quickly until it is charred on all sides but is rare in the center (or cooked to your desired preference.) Serve as an appetizer with a fine julienne of peppers, leeks, and carrots and Vietnamese Dipping Sauce .