Description
This Sesame Ginger Ahi Tuna Steak recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With a simple marinade and a quick sear, you’ll have restaurant-quality tuna steaks ready in minutes. Serve them over rice, salad, or thinly sliced vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tuna:
- 2 (6 to 8 ounce) ahi tuna steaks (¾ inch thick)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced (reserve a few slices for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Marinate the Tuna: In a bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, scallion, and lime juice. Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish or resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, and coat evenly. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Sear the Tuna: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium-high to high heat. Once the pan is hot, remove the tuna steaks from the marinade (shaking off excess) and sear for 1-1½ minutes per side for rare to medium-rare. Cook slightly longer if you prefer less raw tuna.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the tuna from the pan and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice into ¼-inch thick pieces. Garnish with reserved scallion slices.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve plain, with white rice, or over lettuce, thinly sliced cabbage, or fennel. Shown here served over a sliced fennel salad.
Notes
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Ahi Tuna:
- Choosing Tuna: Look for sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks for the best quality and flavor.
- Marinating Time: Don’t marinate longer than 2 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to ‘cook’ the tuna.
- High Heat Searing: Make sure your pan is very hot before adding the tuna to achieve a nice crust without overcooking the interior.
- Slicing Technique: Use a sharp knife and slice against the grain for the most tender bites.
- Serving Options: Pair with a light salad, steamed veggies, or rice for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg