Go Back
–+ servings
Ahi tuna with a sesame crust.

Seared Ahi Tuna with a Sesame Crust

Cara Campbell
This ahi tuna is seared in a flavorful sesame crust to a perfect rare temperature. It's delicious, beautiful, and so satisfying!
5 from 6 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Course Dinner, Entree, Happy Hour, Main Course
Cuisine American, Japanese, Southeast Asian
Servings 2 people
Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Tuna

  • 2 ahi tuna steaks about 6 oz each
  • 2 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoon black sesame seeds
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

  • ¼ C soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon green onion chopped

Instructions
 

For the Tuna

  • Preheat a heavy-bottomed pan over high heat.
  • Meanwhile, season the ahi tuna steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. In a small bowl, mix together the sesame seeds, salt, sugar, paprika, and garlic powder. Place the mixture on a plate and coat the tuna steaks on both sides with the seeds, pressing gently to help them adhere.
  • Add the olive oil to the pan or grill and heat until it is shimmering. Add the ahi tuna steaks and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or 2-3 minutes per side for medium. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tuna to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature should be 145°F for medium-rare and 160°F for medium.
  • Remove the ahi tuna from the pan or grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with the dipping sauce (see below) and enjoy!

For the Dipping Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, and onion powder and green onion until well combined.
  • Serve immediately with sesame crusted ahi tuna or other dishes of your choice. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

You want your oil to be very hot - but not too hot. It's really easy for the sesame seeds to burn, so watch it carefully, and turn it down if you need to!
If you're going for rare or medium-rare, it shouldn't be too big of a deal because your searing so quickly anyway. But if you're cooking for longer, you'll definitely want to turn the heat down so the sesame seeds don't burn!

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 46gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 2324mgPotassium: 590mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 3765IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 181mgIron: 5mg
Keyword ahi tuna, ahi tuna steak recipes, pan seared tuna, seared ahi tuna, seared tuna, sesame seared tuna, yellowfin tuna
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!