Seared Ahi Tuna Recipe You’ll Absolutely Love
Seared ahi tuna is juicy, flavorful, and easy to cook. Discover quick tips for a perfectly seared crust and melt-in-your-mouth center.
Ingredients
Ahi Tuna Steak (also known as yellowfin, which is also known as yellowfin if you see it labeled that way)
- Each piece should be around 1-inch thick. Steaks that are at least 1 inch thick are easier to handle and sear well.
- You can use fresh ahi or frozen tuna thawed correctly. Some might consider canned tuna, but that doesn’t work well for searing.
Soy Sauce
- Adds savory depth.
- If you are sensitive to gluten gluten-free soy sauce works.
Sesame Seeds
- You may opt for toasted sesame seeds or plain.
- They create a crunchy sesame crust when combined with sesame oil.
Sesame Oil or Toasted Sesame Oil
- Provides a nutty aroma.
- A small amount blends into your marinade or can be brushed on the fish before the sear.
Avocado Oil
- Good for cooking over high heat.
- Choose this or another neutral oil so you can focus on the taste of the fish.
Marinade Ingredients (Optional but Recommended)
- Garlic grated ginger, citrus juice, a dash of chili sauce.
- Combine them in a bowl for a flavor boost before you sear.
Salt and Pepper
- Basic but vital.
- Season to taste right before you sear ahi.
Additional Choices
- Poke style garnishes scallions, seaweed, sesame seeds.
- Dipping sauce made from soy sauce wasabi, or a quick aioli.
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, combine your marinade ingredients: soy sauce, a bit of sesame oil, maybe some grated ginger, garlic, and a splash of lemon or lime juice. You can adjust these based on preference.
- Stir to blend. This forms the core flavor.
Marinate the Tuna
- Place in a glass or glass or ceramic dish that can hold your tuna pieces flat.
- Put the ahi tuna steak into the dish, then pour marinade on top.
- Turn fish over at least once to make sure all surfaces get coated.
- If you have time, you can cover tightly and leave it in the fridge overnight for deeper flavor. Even a quick 15-30 minutes of marinade time will do if you are in a hurry.
Heat the Skillet
- Add oil in a large heavy skillet. Set the burner to medium-high or high.
- Wait until the pan is hot. This is vital for a proper sear. If your skillet is not fully heated, the fish might cook too slowly and won’t develop that firm crust.
Pat the Tuna Dry
- Take the tuna out of the marinade.
- Gently pat the ahi tuna steaks with paper (towels) to remove excess moisture. This step helps the exterior crisp up when it meets the heat.
Season and Sear
- Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides.
- You can press sesame seeds onto each side if you want a sesame crust.
- Carefully with a flat spatula, lower the tuna into your hot pan.
- Sear for about 1 minute per side, especially if you like it very pink in the middle. Thicker pieces might take closer to two minutes per side. This range helps you keep it raw on the inside.
Flip and Continue
- Use tongs or a spatula to flip the steak gently.
- Sear the second side for another minute on each side if you prefer a consistent pink center. If you want a more well-done interior, extend each side by an additional minute or so.
Remove and Rest
- Once done, transfer seared tuna to a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute to lock in the juices.
- Use a very sharp knife to slice thinly. Thin slices highlight the beautiful color contrast and keep the fish tender.
Serve Immediately
- Arrange the slices on a platter or over a bed of rice.
- Drizzle with extra marinade (if you reserved some before placing the raw fish in it) or serve a simple dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 40g
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 300mg
Recipe Categories
- Course: Main Course, Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian, Japanese, Hawaiian
- Diet: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Keto, Paleo, Gluten-Free
- Method: Pan-Searing, Quick-Cooking
- Keyword: Seared Ahi Tuna, Tuna Steak, Healthy Seafood, Quick Dinner
- Skill Level: Easy