Elegant, fast, and absolutely packed with flavor—this restaurant-worthy dish takes minutes to make but feels totally gourmet. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
📝 Ingredients:
- 2 ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each, 1-inch thick)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds (mix of white and black sesame seeds for best look)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Neutral oil for searing (like avocado or canola)
🧑🍳 Instructions:
- Marinate the Tuna (optional but flavorful):
In a shallow bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar/lime juice, honey, ginger, and garlic.
Place tuna steaks in the marinade and let sit for 15–30 minutes (flip halfway). Pat dry before searing for best crust. - Coat in Sesame Seeds:
Spread sesame seeds on a plate. Season tuna with salt and pepper, then press both sides of each steak into the seeds to fully coat. - Sear the Tuna:
Heat 1–2 tbsp neutral oil in a skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless) over high heat.
Once hot, add tuna steaks and sear for 45 seconds to 1 minute per side for rare. (Add 30–60 seconds for medium-rare.)
Don’t overcook—the inside should stay pink and tender. - Rest & Slice:
Let the tuna rest for a couple of minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
- Serve over a bed of greens, rice, or soba noodles
- Drizzle with spicy mayo, ponzu, or extra marinade (boiled for safety)
- Garnish with green onions, avocado slices, or pickled ginger
