Description
This Perfect Ahi Tuna Recipe is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home! Seared to perfection with a flavorful crust, this dish keeps the center rare for an incredibly tender, buttery texture. Whether served as a main dish, sliced over salads, or in a poke bowl, this recipe highlights the rich, umami flavors of fresh ahi tuna. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a healthy, high-protein meal that’s perfect for seafood lovers!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tuna:
- 2 ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each, sushi-grade)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for slight sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Crust:
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado oil or vegetable oil)
For Garnish & Serving:
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Marinate the Tuna:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the tuna steaks in the marinade and let sit for 5 minutes while preparing the sesame crust.
Prepare the Sesame Crust:
- On a plate, mix white and black sesame seeds with red pepper flakes (if using).
- Press each side of the tuna steaks into the sesame mixture, coating them evenly.
Sear the Tuna:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Sear the tuna steaks for 30-45 seconds per side (for rare) or 1-1.5 minutes per side (for medium-rare).
Slice & Serve:
- Transfer the tuna to a cutting board and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Slice thinly against the grain and drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Choosing Tuna: Use sushi-grade ahi tuna for the best quality and safest consumption.
- Cooking Preference: For fully cooked tuna, sear for 3 minutes per side, but note that it may be less tender.
- Make it Spicy: Add wasabi mayo or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.
- Serving Ideas: Serve over a salad, with rice, or in a poke bowl.
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: Choosing Tuna: Use sushi-grade ahi tuna for the best quality and safest consumption. Cooking Preference: For fully cooked tuna, sear for 3 minutes per side, but note that it may be less tender. Make it Spicy: Add wasabi mayo or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick. Serving Ideas: Serve over a salad, with rice, or in a poke bowl. Storage: Best eaten fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximate
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 60mg