Seared Tuna with Sesame and Ginger Recipe
Seared Tuna with Sesame and Ginger is a quick and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared ahi tuna steaks coated with toasted sesame seeds and a vibrant marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, and garlic. This recipe delivers a deliciously tender tuna with a slightly caramelized crust, perfect for a healthy and elegant meal.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Main Ingredients
- 2 ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each, 1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Coating and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (white and black mixed)
- 1 tablespoon high-heat oil (such as avocado or grapeseed oil)
Optional Garnishes
- Green onions, sliced
- Chili flakes
- Lime wedges
- Prepare the tuna: Pat the tuna steaks dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Marinate the tuna: Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the steaks once halfway through to ensure even absorption.
- Heat the skillet: While the tuna marinates, heat a tablespoon of high-heat oil such as avocado or grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Coat with sesame seeds: Remove the tuna steaks from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Press the mixed white and black sesame seeds firmly onto both sides of the tuna steaks to create an even coating.
- Sear the tuna: Place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side for rare, or cook longer if you prefer your tuna more well-done.
- Caramelize the marinade: Pour the reserved marinade into the pan during the last 30 seconds of cooking. Allow it to sizzle and slightly caramelize around the tuna, enhancing the flavor.
- Serve: Remove the tuna from the skillet and slice against the grain. Serve immediately with optional garnishes such as sliced green onions, chili flakes, or fresh lime wedges for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, use sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks.
- Adjust searing time depending on your preferred doneness; tuna is best enjoyed rare to medium-rare.
- Use a high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil to avoid burning during searing.
- Pressing the sesame seeds onto the tuna helps create a crunchy crust and adds texture.
- Optional garnishes such as green onions, chili flakes, and lime wedges add freshness and spice but can be omitted if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: seared tuna, ahi tuna, sesame tuna steak, ginger marinade, quick seafood recipe, healthy tuna dish, Asian-inspired tuna