Seared Ahi Tuna

This seared ahi tuna 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.

Course Main

Cuisine Asian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2

Total Time 12

Servings

Calories 263kcal

Author Sara Welch

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.

Video

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.

Nutrition