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    Home » Recipes » Seafood Recipes

    Seared Yellowfin Tuna with Sesame Sauce

    Published: Apr 22, 2021 · Modified: Nov 11, 2022 by Felice Kaufman ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    seared tuna

    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.

    seared ahi 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

    coating raw tuna in sesame seeds
    how to cook raw tuna in sesame seeds
    seared_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_tuna with sesame sauce
    Print Recipe
    10

    Seared Yellowfin Tuna with Sesame Dipping Sauce

    Season the tuna with salt and pepper and press top and bottom into a mixture of black and white sesame seeds. The tuna steak is seared in ghee or oil in a hot pan for one minute per side, which creates a crispy crust on the outside and a vibrant red rare interior.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time2 mins
    Resting time30 mins
    Total Time42 mins
    Course: Appetizer, Entrees
    Cuisine: American
    Diet Type: Gluten Free
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 518.1kcal
    Author: Felice Kaufman

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 518.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.1g | Protein: 42.8g | Total Fat: 34.1g | Saturated Fat: 9.5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 89.8mg | Sodium: 516.1mg | Potassium: 521.5mg | Fiber: 1.9g | Sugar: 1.4g

    More Florida Seafood Recipes

    • Peel and Eat Shrimp Recipe
    • Blackened Shrimp with Butter Sauce Recipe
    • Florida Keys Stone Crabs
    • Green Mussels Recipe

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    felice kaufman

    Hi! I'm Felice. Join me on my culinary adventure in Key Largo, Florida, where I eat, cook, shop, and travel for fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, and more!

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