Seared Ahi Tuna

Name: Seared Ahi Tuna
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 ahi tuna steaks (; 6 oz each); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 cup sesame seeds; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 lime, juiced; 2 green onions, sliced

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 6 min

🍽 Serves: 2

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Seared Ahi Tuna is a dish that brings the freshness of the ocean right to your plate, with a delightful Asian twist. This quick and elegant recipe is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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Ingredients for Seared Ahi Tuna

Ahi Tuna Steaks are the star of this dish, offering a firm texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the Asian-inspired marinade. The soy sauce adds umami depth, while sesame oil brings a nutty richness. Olive oil balances the flavors and helps in searing. Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic introduce a warm, aromatic kick, complemented by the zingy freshness of lime juice. Sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and toasty flavor, while a touch of black pepper and salt enhances the overall taste. Finally, green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor, perfect for garnishing.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra-crispy crust, use a cast-iron skillet to sear the tuna.
Don’t over-marinate the tuna; 20 minutes is just right to infuse flavor without losing the fish's delicate texture.
Press the sesame seeds firmly onto the tuna to ensure they stick during searing.

Serving Suggestions

This Seared Ahi Tuna pairs beautifully with a light cucumber salad or a simple side of steamed jasmine rice. For a bit of heat, serve it alongside wasabi or a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo. If you're feeling extra fancy, a side of pickled ginger will complement the dish perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tuna steaks?: Yes, but make sure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before marinating.
What if I don’t have sesame oil?: Substitute with a small amount of peanut oil for a similar nutty flavor.
How can I tell if the tuna is fresh?: Fresh tuna should have a clean, ocean-like smell and a vibrant color. Avoid any fish with a strong, fishy odor.

Seared Ahi Tuna Recipe Walkthrough

Start by making the marinade. In a shallow dish, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, and olive oil. Add the freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice, followed by a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir it all together until well combined.

Next, place the ahi tuna steaks in the marinade, turning them over to ensure they're completely coated. Cover the dish and let the tuna sit in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This helps the flavors to seep into the meat without overpowering its natural taste.

While the tuna is marinating, spread the sesame seeds on a plate. Once the tuna is ready, press each side of the steaks into the seeds, making sure they're evenly coated.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's nice and hot, add the tuna steaks. Sear them for about 1-2 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a nice crust on the outside while keeping the center rare, showcasing the tuna's beautiful color and texture.

Remove the tuna from the heat. Allow it to rest for a minute, then slice it thinly against the grain. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Uses fresh, simple ingredients to highlight the natural flavor of the tuna.
Combines savory, nutty, and zesty flavors for a balanced dish.
Light yet satisfying—perfect for any season.

Ingredients

2 ahi tuna steaks (

6 oz each)

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp freshly grated ginger

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 lime, juiced

2 green onions, sliced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a shallow dish, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, ginger, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

2. Add tuna steaks to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

3. On a plate, spread sesame seeds. Press each side of the marinated tuna steaks into the seeds to coat evenly.

4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tuna steaks.

5. Sear each side for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring the center remains rare.

6. Remove from heat, slice thinly, and garnish with sliced green onions.

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