Description
Discover the bold and juicy flavors of Grilled Sesame-Ginger Tuna Steaks, perfectly marinated with umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. This recipe brings a vibrant Asian-inspired twist to your dinner table with a quick marinade and a perfectly seared, tender tuna steak finished with toasty sesame seeds and fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 tuna steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 tbsp sesame seeds (white or black, divided)
- Sliced green onion, for garnish
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a sweet-savory balance)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha (for heat)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, toasted sesame oil, ground or fresh grated ginger, soy sauce, garlic powder, and rice vinegar until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Tuna: Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the tuna ensuring each steak is coated thoroughly. Refrigerate for 20–25 minutes, flipping the steaks once halfway through the marinating time for even flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the tuna quickly and lock in juices.
- Grill the Tuna: Place the marinated tuna steaks on the grill and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on the steak’s thickness and your preferred doneness. For a rare center, grill for 2–3 minutes each side.
- Add Sesame Seeds: During the last minute of grilling, sprinkle the tuna steaks with sesame seeds to toast them lightly and add crunch and flavor.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the tuna from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with sliced green onions. Optionally top with red pepper flakes or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweet and spicy finish.
Notes
- Adjust grilling time based on tuna steak thickness and preferred doneness.
- To toast sesame seeds even more, dry sauté them for a minute before adding to the tuna.
- Use fresh grated ginger for a brighter, more intense ginger flavor compared to ground ginger.
- Marinating longer than 25 minutes may begin to cook the tuna slightly due to the acidity in the marinade.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
