Seared Tuna Tataki with Ponzu
Seared Tuna Tataki with Ponzu
Ingredients
For the Tuna
- 1 1/2 pounds tuna loin, sushi-grade
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, black and/or white
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, toasted, for searing
For the Ponzu Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce, low-sodium
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar, unseasoned
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 garlic, clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
For Garnish (Optional)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup daikon radish, julienned
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Ponzu Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, orange juice, mirin, granulated sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Prepare the Tuna: Pat the tuna loin completely dry with paper towels. Season all sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the black and/or white sesame seeds on a plate or shallow dish. Roll the tuna loin in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on all sides.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Sear the Tuna: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until it begins to smoke lightly. Add the toasted sesame oil. Carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna loin in the hot pan. Sear each side for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on your desired doneness. The goal is a very thin, seared crust with the inside remaining rare.
⏱️ 2 min - 4
Chill and Slice: Immediately transfer the seared tuna to an ice bath or place it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process. Once chilled, place the tuna on a cutting board and, using a very sharp knife, slice it thinly against the grain, about 1/4 inch thick.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Assemble and Serve: Arrange the sliced tuna on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared ponzu sauce. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, julienned daikon radish, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 3 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Seared Tuna Tataki with Ponzu
Ingredients
For the Tuna
- 1 1/2 pounds tuna loin, sushi-grade
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, black and/or white
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, toasted, for searing
For the Ponzu Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce, low-sodium
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar, unseasoned
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 garlic, clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
For Garnish (Optional)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup daikon radish, julienned
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Ponzu Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, orange juice, mirin, granulated sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Prepare the Tuna: Pat the tuna loin completely dry with paper towels. Season all sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the black and/or white sesame seeds on a plate or shallow dish. Roll the tuna loin in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on all sides.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Sear the Tuna: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until it begins to smoke lightly. Add the toasted sesame oil. Carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna loin in the hot pan. Sear each side for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on your desired doneness. The goal is a very thin, seared crust with the inside remaining rare.
⏱️ 2 min - 4
Chill and Slice: Immediately transfer the seared tuna to an ice bath or place it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process. Once chilled, place the tuna on a cutting board and, using a very sharp knife, slice it thinly against the grain, about 1/4 inch thick.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Assemble and Serve: Arrange the sliced tuna on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared ponzu sauce. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, julienned daikon radish, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 3 min