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Seared ahi tuna slices with sesame crust on a dark plate

Seared Ahi Tuna: 5 Easy Steps to Perfect Restaurant Taste

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This Seared Ahi Tuna recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Coated in sesame seeds and seared to perfection, the tuna is crispy on the outside and rare in the center. It’s a healthy, high-protein dish that brings restaurant-quality results right to your dinner table in just 15 minutes.

  • Total Time: 14 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ahi tuna steaks (sushi-grade, approx. 6 oz each)

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds (white, black, or mixed – optional for crust)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Tuna: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic. Add the tuna steaks and marinate for 10–15 minutes.

  2. Preheat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron or heavy skillet over high heat until shimmering.

  3. Prepare the Tuna: Remove tuna from marinade, pat dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. Press sesame seeds onto both sides if using.

  4. Sear the Tuna: Place steaks in the hot pan and sear for 1–2 minutes per side for rare, or 2–3 minutes for medium-rare.

  5. Rest and Slice: Let the tuna rest for 2–3 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.

  6. Serve: Enjoy immediately with rice, salad, or dipping sauces like ponzu or spicy mayo.

Notes

  • Use only sushi-grade tuna for safe rare consumption.

  • Do not overcook or you’ll lose the buttery texture.

  • Try with different marinades or crusts (spicy, herb, or citrus).

  • Great with cucumber salad or cold noodle sides.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan-seared
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Hawaiian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tuna steak (about 6 oz)
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg