Seared Yellowfin Tuna with Sesame Sauce is a delicious meal that cooks in a few minutes. Yellowfin, also known as Ahi Tuna, is cut from the loin of the tuna.
Coated with sesame seeds and quickly seared, the inside of the tuna remains moist with its beautiful, vibrant red color and the top and bottom are quickly seared. Most of the tuna available for purchase in the United States is sushi-grade and frozen before sale.
How to Sear Tuna
The succulent, firm meat and rich, distinctive flavor of fresh Ahi tuna makes it a favorite among seafood lovers.
What You Need:
For the Tuna
- 12 ounces Yellowfin (Ahi) Tuna
- Salt and pepper
- Toasted white sesame seeds
- Black sesame seeds
- Unsalted ghee or clarified butter
For the Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Coconut aminos
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Sesame oil
- Fresh lemon juice
How to Sear Fresh Tuna
To get a good sear, your pan should be very hot, so let it heat for a few minutes before adding the fish.
Mix white and black seeds together and spread them on a large plate. Season the tuna with salt and pepper and press the tuna into the seeds, coating well on top and bottom.
Heat a tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) in a 10" cast-iron skillet for three minutes. Add tuna steak coated with sesame seeds to hot butter and sear for 20 to 30 seconds and then carefully turn it over with a large spatula or fish turner. Repeat on the other side. Remove to a plate and place in the refrigerator to cool.
When completely cool, slice the tuna against the grain with a very sharp knife. Serve with Sesame Dipping Sauce and lemon wedges.
What to Serve with Seared Tuna
Seared tuna has a beautiful red color, so adding lots of contrasting color can make a delicious presentation. You could serve your seared tuna over cauliflower rice, white or brown rice, steamed vegetables, or a crisp, green salad.
Try Some Other Low-Carb Seafood Dishes:
- Florida Keys Shrimp Cocktail
- Seared Mahimahi with Basil Butter
- Pan Fried Yellowtail Snapper
- Baked Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce
Seared Yellowfin Tuna with Sesame Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
FOR THE SESAME DIPPING SAUCE
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (add more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger* or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
FOR THE TUNA
- 12 ounces fresh Yellowfin (Ahi) Tuna
- salt
- black pepper
- 3 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsalted ghee or clarified butter use avocado oil for dairy free option
Garnish
- 2 lemons sliced into wedges
Instructions
FOR THE SESAME DIPPING SAUCE
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and chill until ready to serve.
FOR THE TUNA
- Mix white and black seeds together and spread them on a large plate. Season the tuna with salt and pepper and press the tuna into the seeds, coating well on top and bottom.
- Heat a heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add clarified butter and swirl to coat pan. Add tuna and sear each side for 20-30 seconds for rare or up to one minute for medium rare. Remove from pan and refrigerate until ready to serve, or at least 30 minutes.
- With a very sharp knife, slice the tuna against the grain. Serve with Sesame Dipping Sauce and lemon wedges.
