Description
Golden sesame-crusted ahi tuna brings Pacific Ocean flavors to home kitchens with remarkable simplicity. Seared rare and seasoned with delicate spices, diners experience restaurant-quality seafood that delights both palate and presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) ahi tuna (3–4 sushi grade tuna steaks)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) black sesame seeds
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) white sesame seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp coarse sugar
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano, or thyme)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) cooking oil
Instructions
- Prepare Coating: Mix black and white sesame seeds, coarse sugar, salt, ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning in a shallow plate to create a fragrant, textured mixture.
- Prepare Tuna: Thoroughly pat ahi tuna steaks dry, then brush both sides with soy sauce to help the sesame seed mixture adhere.
- Coat Tuna: Press the prepared sesame seed mixture firmly onto all surfaces of the tuna, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Sear Tuna: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add cooking oil, and carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks into the skillet. Sear for 45-60 seconds on each side, including edges, to develop a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a rare to medium-rare internal temperature.
- Serve: Remove tuna from heat, let rest momentarily, slice thinly across the grain, and serve immediately to preserve its vibrant flavor and perfect texture.
Notes
- Dry Thoroughly: Use paper towels to completely absorb moisture from tuna steaks, ensuring the sesame coating adheres perfectly and creates a crispy exterior.
- Seasoning Technique: Press sesame seed mixture firmly onto all surfaces with gentle, even pressure to create a uniform, flavorful crust that locks in the tuna’s natural juiciness.
- High-Heat Searing: Use a cast-iron skillet at medium-high temperature to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust while maintaining a rare to medium-rare center.
- Resting and Slicing: Allow tuna to rest briefly after cooking, then slice thinly across the grain to preserve maximum tenderness and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg