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- 2 Ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each) Ahi tuna is the star of this dish. Choose steaks that are bright red and firm. Freshness is key for great taste. - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste The marinade brings life to the tuna. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while sesame oil gives a nutty flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic add depth and warmth. - 1/4 cup sesame seeds (mixed black and white) The sesame seed coating adds crunch and a beautiful look. Mixing black and white seeds makes the dish more appealing. You can find these seeds at most grocery stores. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making a simple marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste This marinade adds flavor to the tuna. The soy sauce gives a salty kick, while sesame oil adds depth. Ginger and garlic provide a nice warmth. Next, take your two Ahi tuna steaks. Place them in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the tuna, making sure to coat both sides. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak into the fish. If you have more time, marinate longer for a stronger taste. While the tuna marinates, spread 1/4 cup of sesame seeds on a shallow plate. After marinating, take the tuna out. Gently press each side into the sesame seeds. Make sure they stick well. Now, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the tuna steaks. Sear them for about 1-2 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden crust on the outside. The inside should stay pink for a rare to medium-rare finish. Avoid overcooking, as the tuna is best when it is still tender. Once done, take the tuna out of the skillet. Let it rest for one minute. This helps keep the juices inside. Now, slice the tuna against the grain into thin strips. Arrange these slices neatly on a plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a fresh zing that brightens the dish. Enjoy your sesame-crusted Ahi tuna! When choosing Ahi tuna, look for bright color. Fresh tuna should have a deep red hue. Avoid any tuna that appears dull or brown. Check for a clean smell. It should smell like the ocean, not fishy. If you can, buy from a trusted fishmonger. Ask about the source to ensure quality. To sear your tuna, use a hot skillet. Heat vegetable oil until it shimmers. Carefully add the sesame-crusted tuna. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side. The outside should be golden brown. Avoid cooking too long; it can dry out. The center should stay pink for best flavor. If you prefer your tuna cooked more, increase the searing time. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side for medium. For well-done, aim for 3-4 minutes per side. Keep in mind that Ahi tuna is best enjoyed rare or medium-rare. Adjust the time based on your taste, but don't overdo it. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Extra Flavor: If time allows, let the tuna marinate for up to an hour. This will enhance the flavors and make the tuna even more delicious. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ginger and garlic for the marinade. Fresh ingredients provide a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged options. Monitor the Heat: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the tuna. A hot pan creates a nice sear without overcooking the fish. Slicing Technique: To achieve the best texture, slice the tuna against the grain. This will result in tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your tuna with different marinades. Try using lime juice and honey for a sweet twist. Mix soy sauce with a touch of orange juice for a citrus kick. You can also add sriracha for some heat. Each option brings its own flair to the dish. Feel free to get creative! Serving sesame crusted ahi tuna can be fun! I love to pair it with fresh salads. A simple cucumber salad with sesame dressing works well. You can also serve it over a bed of quinoa or rice. Add some steamed veggies on the side for color and nutrition. Garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro adds a bright touch. There are many ways to cook your tuna. While searing is quick and easy, you can also grill it. Grilling gives the tuna a nice smoky flavor. If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the tuna for about 10 minutes for a tender finish. Each method offers a unique taste experience! You can store leftover sesame crusted ahi tuna in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to two days. To keep the tuna from getting dry, cover it gently with plastic wrap. This helps maintain its flavor and moisture. You can freeze the tuna, but it’s best to do so before cooking. Wrap each steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they can last for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, thaw the tuna overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Cook for just a couple of minutes on each side. This warms the tuna without overcooking it. You can also use a microwave, but do it with care. Heat it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Enjoy the rich flavors again! To choose the best ahi tuna, look for bright color. Fresh ahi should shine and feel firm. It should not have a strong fishy smell. If you see any dark spots, skip that piece. Always ask your fishmonger about the origin. Fresh is best, and sustainability matters. Yes, you can make this recipe without sesame seeds. If you skip them, the tuna will miss some crunch. You could try crushed nuts or breadcrumbs instead. These options offer different textures and flavors. Adjust the cooking time if using a different coating. Some good side dishes include: - Steamed rice - Sautéed vegetables - A fresh salad - Quinoa - Miso soup These sides balance the flavors and textures of the tuna. You can store leftover ahi tuna in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. If you freeze it, use it within three months. When reheating, do so gently to maintain flavor and texture. This blog post covered how to prepare sesame-crusted ahi tuna. We talked about fresh ingredients and made marinating easy. I shared tips for perfect searing and how to adjust for doneness. You can try fun variations and learn safe storage methods. Ahi tuna is a tasty dish that’s fun to make. Enjoy exploring these steps and tips in your kitchen. Cook, taste, and share your creations!

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna

A delicious and visually appealing dish featuring Ahi tuna steaks coated in sesame seeds, seared to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 2
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 steaks Ahi tuna
  • 0.25 cup sesame seeds (mixed black and white)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This will be your marinade.
  • Place the Ahi tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring both sides are coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  • While the tuna is marinating, spread the sesame seeds in a shallow plate.
  • Remove the tuna from the marinade and gently press both sides into the sesame seeds, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the sesame-crusted tuna steaks.
  • Sear the tuna for about 1-2 minutes on each side for a rare to medium-rare finish, without overcooking. The exterior should be golden brown while the interior remains pink.
  • Remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing.
  • Slice the tuna steaks against the grain into thin strips.
  • Arrange the sliced tuna on a plate, garnishing with fresh cilantro and serving lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, do not overcook the tuna to maintain its pink interior.
Keyword healthy, seafood, sesame, tuna