Sesame Seared Tuna Steaks
Sesame Seared Tuna Steaks
Ingredients
For the Tuna
- 4 tuna steaks, about 6 ounces each, 1-inch thick
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds, a mix of white and black
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Marinade and Sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic, clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside 2 tablespoons of this mixture for serving as a dipping sauce.
⏱️ 3 min
- 2
Marinate the tuna: Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over them. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Do not marinate for too long, as the acidity can start to 'cook' the fish.
⏱️ 15 min
- 3
Coat the tuna: Place the sesame seeds in a shallow plate. Remove the tuna steaks from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Firmly press both sides of each tuna steak into the sesame seeds, ensuring an even and generous coating.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
Sear the tuna: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until shimmering and almost smoking. Carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare, or longer if you prefer a more well-done steak. The sesame seeds should be golden brown and fragrant.
⏱️ 8 min
- 5
Rest, slice, and serve: Remove the tuna steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Slice each tuna steak against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange on plates, drizzle with the reserved dipping sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and extra toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 4 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Sesame Seared Tuna Steaks
Ingredients
For the Tuna
- 4 tuna steaks, about 6 ounces each, 1-inch thick
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds, a mix of white and black
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Marinade and Sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic, clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside 2 tablespoons of this mixture for serving as a dipping sauce.
⏱️ 3 min - 2
Marinate the tuna: Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over them. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Do not marinate for too long, as the acidity can start to 'cook' the fish.
⏱️ 15 min - 3
Coat the tuna: Place the sesame seeds in a shallow plate. Remove the tuna steaks from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Firmly press both sides of each tuna steak into the sesame seeds, ensuring an even and generous coating.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
Sear the tuna: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until shimmering and almost smoking. Carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare, or longer if you prefer a more well-done steak. The sesame seeds should be golden brown and fragrant.
⏱️ 8 min - 5
Rest, slice, and serve: Remove the tuna steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Slice each tuna steak against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange on plates, drizzle with the reserved dipping sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and extra toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 4 min