Ahi Tuna Marinade
A simple ahi tuna marinade made with soy sauce, lemon, brown sugar, fresh ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil. Marinate briefly, then sear and slice for rice bowls or salads.
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Wire whisk
- Cast-iron or non-stick skillet
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger, fresh, peeled
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic or 1 small clove
- toasted sesame oil (a few drops)
Cooking
- 1 pound tuna steaks (yellowfin, bigeye, or blackfin)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or clarified butter
Optional toppings
- green onions, thinly sliced
- toasted sesame seeds or furikake seasoning
- dipping sauce
Instructions
- Whisk together the soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil in a flat, deep dish
- Add the tuna to the dish and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes, turning once.
- Lift the tuna from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Gently blot the surface with paper towels and brush off any pieces clinging to the surface.
- Heat the olive oil or avocado oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tuna for about 30 seconds per side, watching the edges change color. When the cooked edge reaches about ¼ inch up the side, flip and repeat. Timing varies with thickness and pan heat. Cook longer if desired.
- Rest for 3 to 5 minutes, then slice across the grain with a sharp knife. Serve with green onions, sesame seeds or furikake, and dipping sauce, if desired.
Notes
- Marinating time: Refrigerate the tuna in the marinade for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Soy sauce substitute: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. Coconut aminos will give the marinade a sweeter flavor.
- Slicing: Use a sharp knife to slice the tuna across the grain.
- Storage: Keep unused marinade in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store leftover seared tuna separately in an airtight container and use within 1 day.
Nutrition
Calories: 202.8kcalCarbohydrates: 1.5gProtein: 27.5gTotal Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1.9gCholesterol: 43.1mgSodium: 547.3mgPotassium: 313.4mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.7g
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