Description
Sesame seared tuna delivers a culinary masterpiece of Japanese-inspired elegance, blending rich flavors with pristine ocean freshness. Crisp sesame crust and tender pink center promise a gourmet experience that elevates seafood to an art form you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 (5 ounces / 142 grams) ahi tuna steaks
Coating and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mirin (optional)
Instructions
- Blend soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, mirin, honey, ginger, and garlic in a shallow dish to create a robust marinade.
- Submerge tuna steaks in the liquid mixture, allowing flavors to infuse for 10-15 minutes, flipping periodically to ensure even coating.
- Spread sesame seeds on a flat surface, then carefully transfer marinated tuna onto the seeds, pressing gently to create a uniform crust on both sides.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet to medium-high temperature (around 400°F), ensuring the pan is hot before cooking.
- Carefully place sesame-crusted tuna into the skillet, searing for approximately 1-2 minutes per side to achieve a golden exterior while maintaining a rare to medium-rare interior.
- Remove tuna from heat and let rest for a brief moment to allow juices to redistribute.
- Using a sharp knife, slice tuna against the grain into thin, elegant strips.
- Plate immediately and serve with optional garnishes like green onions or pickled ginger to enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile.
Notes
- Choose sushi-grade or fresh tuna from a reputable fishmonger to ensure safe raw consumption and best flavor profile.
- Toast sesame seeds beforehand in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty aroma and provide deeper, more complex flavor.
- Pat tuna steaks completely dry with paper towels before coating with sesame seeds to help seeds adhere perfectly and create a crispy golden crust.
- Adjust searing time based on personal preference: 30-60 seconds per side for rare, 1-2 minutes for medium-rare, keeping center pink and cool.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg