This seared ahi tuna recipe is sashimi grade fish coated in sesame seeds, then briefly cooked to tender and flavorful perfection. Add a drizzle of sauce and some fresh herbs for a light and delicious dinner option.
When I’m in the mood for some fresh seafood, I turn to favorites such as grilled tilapia, seafood pasta, bacon wrapped scallops and this simple yet satisfying seared ahi tuna.
I happen to love fresh fish, especially when seared ahi tuna is on the menu. This dish takes just minutes to prepare, but tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant.
Table of Contents
Seared Tuna Ingredients
To make this dish, you will need ahi tuna steaks, black and white sesame seeds, salt, black pepper, vegetable oil, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and green onions or cilantro.
How Do You Make Seared Ahi Tuna?
Start by placing black and white sesame seeds on a plate and mixing the two together. Season your fish with salt and pepper to taste, then place the fish in the sesame seeds and press the seeds onto the outside of the fish to form a crust. Heat oil in a pan or skillet, then quickly sear the fish on both sides. Whisk together a simple sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce and sesame oil. Slice the tuna, then drizzle the sauce over the fish. Top with fresh herbs for added flavor, then serve and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Dish
- The key to this dish is to be very careful not to overcook the fish. Watch the clock carefully, as one minute of cooking time per side is typically sufficient.
- You can eat seared ahi warm, at room temperature, or chilled. I recommend serving the fish within 8 hours of when it was seared.
- I typically add a sprinkle of green onions and cilantro over my tuna. Other great toppings include sliced avocado or minced jalapeno.
- You can also use this technique for other types of fish such as salmon or halibut. If you’re using a different type of fish, you’ll want to cook it all the way through.
Quick Tip
Look for tuna steaks that are similar in size and thickness so that they cook at the same rate.
Recipe FAQs
It is safe to eat seared tuna, so long as you’ve specifically purchased tuna that is meant to be eaten raw or rare. This type of tuna is typically labeled as “sushi grade” or “sashimi grade” tuna. You may need to visit a fish market or an Asian grocery store to procure the appropriate type of ahi.
You need to use sushi-grade tuna for this recipe since the fish is just lightly cooked and is rare in the center. Sushi or sashimi grade tuna simply means that the tuna was processed in a way that makes it safe to eat raw. Do not attempt to make this recipe with tuna that is not sushi grade, unless you plan to cook it all the way through.
Seared ahi is a hearty fish with a mild flavor. It is almost meat-like in texture. It is a great starter fish for people who think they don’t like seafood, since the flavor is not strong or fishy.
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What To Serve With Ahi Tuna
There are so many different ways to serve this dish! You can serve your tuna over mixed greens for a light lunch or appetizer. Pair your fish with yakitori skewers and shrimp tempura roll for a Japanese inspired meal. Serve your tuna over sushi rice with a side of Japanese cucumber salad, sauteed kale or grilled asparagus. Or arrange the slices over pan fried noodles for a heartier main course option.
This recipe is my go-to for the days when I want an easy and healthy meal on the table in no time at all. It’s quick enough for a busy week night, yet elegant enough to serve to company!
More Seafood Recipes
Seared Ahi Tuna Video
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Seared Ahi Tuna
Ingredients
- 1 pound ahi tuna steaks
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, chopped cilantro or a combination of the two
Instructions
- Place the sesame seeds on a plate and stir to combine.
- Season the tuna steaks with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place each tuna steak on the plate of sesame seeds and press the seeds all over the fish.
- Heat the oil in a large pan over high heat.
- Add the tuna steaks to the pan. Cook for 30-60 seconds per side.
- Remove the tuna from the pan. Let rest for 3 minutes then cut into slices.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil.
- Drizzle the sauce over the sliced tuna. Top with green onions or cilantro, then serve.
Notes
- You can eat seared ahi warm, at room temperature, or chilled. I recommend serving the fish within 8 hours of when it was seared.
- I typically add a sprinkle of green onions and cilantro over my tuna. Other great toppings include sliced avocado or minced jalapeno.
- Look for tuna steaks that are similar in size and thickness so that they cook at the same rate.
This turned out perfect! Served with rice and veggies!
I’ve never made ahi tuna myself until this recipe. It was wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing!
So yummy 😋 definitely making again 🤤