SESAME SEARED TUNA
- WineCheeseScallops
- Oct 10, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 3
There’s something about the combination of seared, sushi-grade ahi tuna and a crunchy sesame crust that feels so luxurious yet so simple to create at home! This Sesame Seared Tuna recipe is a real show-stopper. The crispy golden exterior, fragrant with garlic and thyme, locks in the perfectly rare, tender tuna inside, making every bite an explosion of flavor and texture. Whether you're impressing dinner guests or just treating yourself, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in under 15 minutes!
Searing tuna might sound like an advanced technique, but we promise it’s easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients and a super hot skillet, you’ll achieve that gorgeous golden crust with hardly any effort. Paired with soy sauce and sushi rice, it’s the perfect blend of crispy, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness! You’ll be craving this again and again.
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Ingredient Highlights:
Ahi Tuna: Sushi-grade ahi tuna is the star of this dish. Known for its firm texture and mild flavor, it’s perfect for searing because it holds up beautifully under high heat. The key here is using fresh, sushi-grade tuna so that you can serve it rare on the inside with confidence. Ahi tuna is also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it not only delicious but also nutritious.
Sesame Seeds: We love using a mixture of black and white sesame seeds in this recipe, not only for the beautiful contrast they bring but also for their nutty flavor. Black sesame seeds have a slightly earthier taste compared to the more subtle white ones. Together, they give the tuna a crunchy, toasty coating that pairs perfectly with the tender fish.
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Recipe Origins:
The concept of seared tuna is inspired by Japanese cuisine, where raw or lightly cooked fish is often celebrated. However, this dish takes those flavors and adds a twist with the addition of the sesame crust, which brings a deliciously crunchy texture to the table. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame is a nod to both Japanese and broader Asian influences, blending flavors that are familiar yet exciting in this quick and easy recipe. The real beauty of this dish is its versatility—while it feels elegant and gourmet, it’s something you can whip up at home in no time.
At home, we wanted to recreate that restaurant-quality experience without any of the fuss, and this sesame-crusted ahi tuna does just that. It's become a go-to for us, whether we’re entertaining friends or just looking for a light, healthy dinner during the week.
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Helpful Tips, Serving Suggestions, and Storage Advice:
Tip for Searing: The hotter the pan, the better! You want the sesame seeds to get that golden, crispy sear without overcooking the tuna. Aim for 45-60 seconds on each side. If you're unsure, use a flick of water to test the pan—if it sizzles loudly, you're ready!
Serving Suggestion: This dish is best served thinly sliced with soy sauce on the side. To elevate it even more, pair it with sushi rice or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Add a squeeze of lime for a touch of acidity that brightens up the whole dish.
Storage: If you have any leftovers (though we doubt you will!), this tuna is also delicious cold. Simply refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days and enjoy chilled, perhaps atop a salad or served as part of a cold noodle dish.
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Why This Recipe is the Best:
Quick and Easy: This dish takes under 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch. It feels fancy but is incredibly simple to prepare!
Restaurant Quality at Home: You don’t need to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy a beautifully seared ahi tuna steak. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve that golden, sesame-crusted exterior and tender, rare inside right in your own kitchen.
Customizable Flavors: While we love the combination of garlic, thyme, and sesame seeds, you can easily adjust this recipe to your taste. Try adding a bit of chili powder for heat or swapping out the thyme for fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, this recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious. Plus, the sesame seeds add a good dose of healthy fats, making it a balanced, health-conscious meal.
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Ingredients:
10–16 oz sushi grade ahi tuna (2 steaks)
1 Tbs low sodium soy sauce
2 Tbs high heat oil for searing (we use grapeseed oil)
Sesame Crust:
3 Tbs sesame seeds (we use a mixture of black and white)
1 tsp garlic powder
¾ tsp kosher salt
1 tsp fresh cracked pepper
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions:
Step 1: Mixing the Sesame Crust In a small bowl, mix the sesame seeds, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and thyme. Be sure to blend this mix thoroughly, so that every bit of tuna gets a delicious coating. Don’t rush—take your time stirring to ensure the sugar doesn’t settle at the bottom. This mix of black and white sesame seeds not only adds visual contrast but also a delightful texture. It’s a balance of savory and aromatic thyme, with a pinch of sugar for a perfect caramelization during the sear.
Step 2: Preparing the Tuna Pat your ahi tuna steaks dry with paper towels—this is an important step! Removing excess moisture ensures a beautiful, crisp sear on the outside. You want your tuna to have that sushi-grade freshness, and drying it off will help you achieve that perfect restaurant-quality crust.
Step 3: Coating the Tuna Place the tuna steaks on a plate and coat every side with low sodium soy sauce. This not only adds a burst of umami flavor but also helps the sesame crust cling to the tuna. Soy sauce makes sure the sesame seeds and seasonings stick, creating an even coating that's going to turn into a golden, crispy crust when it hits the pan.
Step 4: Sesame Crusting the Tuna Generously sprinkle the sesame mixture over the tuna, pressing it into the flesh. Don’t be shy here—make sure you coat every side, including the edges. The black and white sesame seeds are going to give you a stunning contrast when you sear them. Press the seeds in with your hands to make sure they adhere, making every bite crunchy and flavorful.
Step 5: Getting the Perfect Sear A HOT PAN is key here! You want that pan screaming hot to get the tuna nicely seared on the outside without cooking it through. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until it’s incredibly hot. Be prepared—turn on your fan and get your tools ready (tongs, metal spatula, spatter guard), because once the searing begins, it’s going to go fast!
Step 6: Searing the Tuna Once the skillet is hot enough (you should hear a loud sizzle when a drop of water hits the pan), add the grapeseed oil and let it heat up. Carefully lay the tuna into the pan and press down with a spatula to make sure the entire surface gets that golden sear. Let it cook for 45-60 seconds, checking occasionally by lifting a corner. If it’s not golden, crank up the heat! Flip the tuna and sear the other side for another 45-60 seconds. Then, using tongs, sear the edges to lock in all that delicious flavor and texture.
Step 7: Slicing and Serving Remove the tuna from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a moment to let the juices settle. With a sharp knife, thinly slice the tuna—it should be beautifully seared on the outside and perfectly rare inside. Serve with low sodium soy sauce or thin soy sauce, and if you want to elevate it even more, pair it with fluffy sushi rice. The contrast of textures and flavors will wow anyone at the table!
Step 8: Storing and Enjoying Later If you have leftovers (though it’s so good you might not!), you can refrigerate the tuna for up to 3 days. It’s just as delicious served chilled, which makes it a perfect option for meal prep or a fancy yet easy lunch later in the week.
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
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Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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