Seared yellowfin tuna with sesame sauce is an easy recipe and a delicious way to enjoy the fresh flavors of Yellowfin Tuna at home.
Ready in minutes, seared yellowfin (Ahi) tuna offers layers of flavor from perfectly cooked fish to rich nutty sesame seed sauce on the side.
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Why You'll Love Seared Tuna
Coated with sesame seeds and quickly seared, the inside of this Yellowfin tuna remains moist with its beautiful, vibrant red color and the top and bottom are cooked ever so slightly.
These Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks, also called yellowfin or bigeye tuna, are cooked to medium-rare perfection in just 2 minutes.
Bursting with delicious umami flavor from the soy sauce marinade, this tuna steak makes for a fantastic weekend dinner. I always keep a few tuna steaks in the freezer for moments when I need to whip up a quick, impressive meal.
Follow along for a full recipe and how to perfectly sear your tuna steaks.
Serve these seared tuna steaks with rice and vegetables, and you're all set!
For the Tuna:
- 12 ounces Yellowfin (Ahi) Tuna
- Butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Toasted white sesame seeds
- Black sesame seeds
For the Pink Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Sesame oil
- Fresh lemon juice
How To Sear Tuna Steaks with Sesame Seeds
- To sear tuna steaks with sesame seeds, start by mixing white and black seeds and spreading them on a large plate. Pat the tuna dry and lightly brush it with olive oil. Season the tuna with salt and pepper, then press it into the seeds, coating well on both sides.
- Next, heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and swirl to coat the pan.
- Add the tuna to the hot skillet and sear each side for 20-30 seconds for rare or up to one minute for medium-rare. Remove the tuna from the pan, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve, or for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, slice the tuna against the grain into thin strips using a very sharp knife.
- Serve the seared tuna with Sesame Dipping Sauce and lemon wedges.
Simple Creamy Dipping Sauce for Tuna
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), a little minced or pressed garlic, fresh ginger, a drop of sesame oil, and a little lemon juice.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
- The sauce recipe can be doubled or tripled for big batches.
TOP TIPS for Seared Tuna Steaks
- For a good sear, ensure your pan is very hot by allowing it to heat for a few minutes before adding the fish. Sear the tuna in butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear each side for only 20-30 seconds.
- When purchasing tuna, choose frozen tuna labeled as "sushi-grade." This designation indicates high quality and ensures the tuna is safe to prepare and eat raw.
- "Sushi-grade" tuna is frozen to eliminate any potential parasites and to maintain its freshness.
How To Garnish Seared Tuna
To garnish seared tuna, consider adding contrasting colors to enhance its visual appeal. Here are some options:
- Yellow: Lemon slices, lemon zest, or mango wedges.
- Green: Thinly sliced green onions, seaweed salad, or wasabi.
- Orange: Thinly sliced fresh Florida oranges.
- Red: Tobiko, or flying fish roe, with its brilliant red color, makes an excellent garnish for tuna.
These garnishes not only add color but also complement the flavor of the seared tuna, creating a visually stunning and delicious dish.
What To Serve With Seared Tuna
- Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and aromatic, jasmine rice is a classic accompaniment to the tuna. You can season the rice with sesame seeds and a few drops of sesame oil.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and caramelized, roasted Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the meal.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes offer a sweet and savory contrast to the tuna.
- Peach Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy, peach mango salsa with diced red pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro adds a vibrant burst of flavor to the dish.
- Cauliflower Rice: Light and fluffy, cauliflower rice offers a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, perfect for soaking up the flavors of the tuna.
- Roasted Baby Eggplant Poppers: Tender and flavorful, roasted baby eggplant poppers lightly seasoned with herbs are a delicious side dish.
- Steamed Broccoli and Carrots: Tender-crisp and colorful, steamed broccoli and carrots add a nutritious addition to the plate.
- Lemon Asparagus Rice: Fragrant lemon asparagus rice with fresh asparagus and lemon zest adds brightness and flavor to the meal.
Recommended
If you enjoy seared tuna, try our Blackened Tuna Steak Recipe, coated with our homemade Cajun seasoning blend.
If you like canned tuna, try NY Deli-style Tuna and Veggie Tuna Salad, a NYC bagel store tuna experience.
Try Some More Popular Seafood Recipes:
- Florida Keys Shrimp Cocktail
- Oven Roasted Mahi Mahi
- Roasted Yellowtail Snapper with Old Bay
- Seared Mahi with Basil Butter
- Fresh Blackened Swordfish
- Crispy Pan Fried Mahi Mahi
- Pan Fried Yellowtail Snapper
- Seared Tripletail with Garlic Butter Sauce
- Peel and Eat Shrimp Recipe
- Baked Coconut Shrimp
FAQ
In a hot pan, sear tuna for 20 to 30 seconds per side for tuna that is 1" thick.
Over high heat, cook a thick piece of tuna for no more than a minute per side.
Expired sesame seeds can develop a sweet and pungent smell. Store them in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Tuna is frozen to kill the parasites that may be present. That said, if you are pregnant or have a compromised immune system, do not consume raw or undercooked fish of any kind.
"📖 Recipe"
Seared Yellowfin Tuna with Sesame Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
FOR THE SESAME DIPPING SAUCE
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 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
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), a little minced or pressed garlic, fresh ginger, a drop of sesame oil and a little lemon juice. Refrigerate until ready to use.
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 butter or clarified butter and swirl to coat the 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.
