Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna

$- 2 ahi tuna steaks (approximately 6 oz each) - 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds - 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for searing) - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 ripe avocado, sliced into thin wedges - A handful of mixed greens (for serving) - Wasabi and pickled ginger (for garnish) 1. First, combine black and white sesame seeds in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside. 2. Next, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in another bowl. 1. Pat the ahi tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. This step helps achieve a great sear. 2. Brush both sides of the steaks with the soy sauce mixture. 3. Press each side of the tuna steaks into the sesame seed mix. Make sure they are coated well. 4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and swirl it around. 5. Place the tuna steaks in the skillet. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side for a rare finish. 6. After searing, remove the tuna from the skillet. Let it rest for 2 minutes. 7. Slice the tuna into thin strips across the grain for tenderness. 1. Create a bed of mixed greens on each plate. 2. Arrange the sliced avocado around the greens. 3. Lay the sliced tuna over the top for a beautiful finish. 4. Add wasabi and pickled ginger on the side for extra flavor. This dish not only tastes amazing, but it looks stunning. Enjoy the bright colors and fresh flavors! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Achieving the perfect sear: Start with a hot skillet. Heat it over medium-high heat before adding olive oil. This helps the tuna get that nice brown crust. Pat the tuna dry with a paper towel to remove moisture. This step is key to a great sear. - Preventing overcooking the tuna: Sear the tuna steaks for just 1-2 minutes on each side for a rare finish. If you want it more cooked, add just a little extra time. Be careful not to leave it too long; otherwise, it will become dry and tough. - Best side dishes to pair with sesame crusted ahi tuna: Serve this dish with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. The bright flavors of mixed greens and ripe avocado balance the strong taste of the tuna. You can also add rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. - Creative plating ideas for visual appeal: To make your dish pop, arrange the sliced tuna over a bed of greens. Place the avocado wedges around the tuna. Drizzle some of the leftover soy sauce mixture over the top. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds on the plate for a touch of elegance. This presentation makes the dish look as good as it tastes! Each serving of sesame crusted ahi tuna provides a healthy balance of macronutrients. You get about 35 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and 2 grams of carbohydrates. The high protein content supports muscle growth and repair. The fats mainly come from the tuna and olive oil, providing healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Ahi tuna is rich in protein and low in calories. It contains essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D and selenium. Eating ahi tuna can help boost your heart health due to its omega-3 content. Sesame seeds offer great health benefits too. They are packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. These tiny seeds can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Avocado is another superstar in this dish. It provides healthy fats and fiber. Avocado is great for heart health and can help keep you full longer. The combination of ahi tuna, sesame seeds, and avocado makes this dish not just tasty but also very nutritious! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ahi tuna and ripe avocados significantly enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Always opt for high-quality, sushi-grade tuna. Perfecting the Sear: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the tuna. A good sear locks in moisture and creates a delicious crust. Cutting Technique: Slice the tuna against the grain to ensure each piece is tender and easy to chew. This enhances the overall eating experience. Garnish Wisely: Adding wasabi and pickled ginger not only elevates the dish's flavor profile but also adds an attractive color contrast to the plate. {{image_4}} You can easily change up the flavors in your sesame crusted ahi tuna. Try adding spices like cayenne or paprika for a kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a bright touch. You can also experiment with citrus zest, like lemon or lime, for a refreshing zing. Consider different cooking methods too. Grilling the tuna gives it a smoky flavor that works well with sesame. Just brush the tuna with the soy sauce mixture and then grill it for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This will add a nice char and enhance the taste. If you can't find ahi tuna, don't worry. You can use salmon or swordfish as great alternatives. Both have a rich flavor, and they work well with sesame seeds. For a vegan option, try using firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then coat it in the sesame seed mixture. You can also enhance tofu's flavor by marinating it in soy sauce. This gives you a similar taste without using fish. To keep sesame crusted ahi tuna fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after serving. Use it within two days for the best taste. If you want to store it longer, freeze the tuna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Frozen ahi tuna can last up to three months. Remember to label the bag with the date. Reheat your tuna carefully to keep its texture. The best method is using a skillet. Warm it over low heat for a few minutes. This helps maintain the crispiness of the sesame crust. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tuna chewy and dry. If you prefer a quick method, place it in a toaster oven on low heat. This way, you can enjoy the flavors just as you did when it was freshly cooked. How do I know when ahi tuna is cooked to perfection? Ahi tuna should be seared for 1-2 minutes on each side for a rare finish. The center should stay pink and soft. If you prefer it more cooked, leave it on a bit longer. However, avoid overcooking so it remains tender. Can I use frozen ahi tuna steaks? Yes, you can use frozen ahi tuna steaks. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps maintain texture and flavor. Make sure to pat them dry before searing for the best results. What should I serve with sesame crusted ahi tuna? I recommend serving it with fresh avocado and mixed greens. The creaminess of the avocado complements the tuna's flavor. You can also add wasabi and pickled ginger for an extra kick. What is the best way to sear ahi tuna? Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Use olive oil to coat the pan. Sear the tuna steaks for about 1-2 minutes per side. This gives a nice crust while keeping the inside tender. Can I make the sesame crust ahead of time? Yes, you can mix the sesame seeds ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container until you are ready to use them. This saves time during your cooking process and keeps the seeds fresh. You’ve learned how to make delicious sesame crusted ahi tuna with easy steps. We covered the main ingredients and tips for perfect cooking. I shared fun ways to serve and store your dish. Don’t forget the healthy benefits of the ingredients. Whether you try new spices or substitute ingredients, there are many ways to enjoy this meal. Now, it's time to get cooking! Enjoy your tasty dish and impress your family and friends.$

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna

A vibrant dish featuring ahi tuna steaks coated in sesame seeds, served with avocado and mixed greens.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 2

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 steaks ahi tuna
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 whole ripe avocado, sliced into thin wedges
a handful mixed greens
to taste wasabi and pickled ginger

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, combine the black and white sesame seeds thoroughly. Set this blend aside for later use.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Using a paper towel, gently pat the ahi tuna steaks dry to remove excess moisture, ensuring a good sear. Then, brush both sides of the steaks evenly with the prepared soy sauce mixture.
Carefully press each side of the tuna steaks into the sesame seed mixture, making sure they are completely and evenly coated for maximum flavor and crunch.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add a drizzle of olive oil, swirling it to coat the pan evenly.
Place the tuna steaks in the skillet and sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side for a rare finish. If you prefer your tuna more cooked, you can leave it on for a little longer, but take care not to overcook to maintain a firm yet tender exterior.
Once seared to your liking, remove the tuna from the skillet and allow it to rest for about 2 minutes before slicing it into thin strips across the grain for tenderness.
To serve, create a bed of mixed greens on each plate. Arrange the sliced avocado around the greens, then elegantly lay the sliced tuna over the top for a visually appealing finish.
Garnish with wasabi and pickled ginger presented on the side for an added kick and flavor enhancement.

Notes

For an artistic flair, drizzle any remaining soy sauce mixture from the skillet over the tuna before serving, and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds for a touch of elegance.

Keyword ahi tuna, seafood, sesame crusted