Description
This recipe for seared ahi tuna delivers a perfect balance of bold Asian flavors and a delicate sesame crust, ready in just 10 minutes. Featuring sushi-grade tuna steaks quickly seared to a tender rare finish, it’s an ideal healthy main course for seafood lovers seeking a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Tuna and Marinade
- 2 ahi tuna steaks (about 6 ounces each, 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or black)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Tuna: Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the marinade and sesame seeds adhere well.
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Marinate Tuna: Rub the marinade evenly over both sides of each tuna steak, coating thoroughly for flavor.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: Spread the sesame seeds on a plate. Press each side of the marinated tuna into the sesame seeds to form an even crust.
- Heat Pan: Preheat a skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until very hot, approximately 2 minutes. Add a small drizzle of oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Sear Tuna: Place the tuna steaks in the hot pan and sear for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes per side for a rare finish; cook longer if a more well-done tuna is preferred.
- Rest: Remove the tuna from heat and allow it to rest for 1 minute. This ensures juices redistribute and the tuna remains tender.
- Serve: Slice the tuna against the grain into thin pieces and serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and lime wedges for freshness and brightness.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade ahi tuna for the best flavor and safety when seared rare.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary to maintain a high temperature for a proper crust.
- Pair the seared tuna with steamed rice, seaweed salad, or a bed of fresh greens with a drizzle of soy or wasabi mayonnaise for a complete meal.
