Description
Learn how to achieve a beautiful crust and rare center on sushi grade tuna with this simple Asian-inspired recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (6 ounce) sushi grade tuna steaks (yellowfin or bigeye)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic to create the marinade.
- Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Let the tuna marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature. Reserve the other half of the marinade for serving.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Press both sides of the marinated tuna steaks firmly into the seed mixture to coat them evenly.
- Heat the sesame oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron works well) over high heat until it is shimmering, almost smoking.
- Carefully place the crusted tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 60 to 90 seconds per side for rare, or up to 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. You want a dark, crisp crust.
- Remove the tuna from the skillet immediately. Let the steaks rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
- Slice the seared ahi tuna against the grain into half-inch thick pieces.
- Drizzle the reserved marinade over the sliced tuna before serving.
Notes
- For the best sear, make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the oil and tuna.
- You can substitute low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer less salt in your dish.
- Serve this quick seafood recipe with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a healthy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 90