Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks offer a quick, healthy, and restaurant-quality seafood dish that features a perfectly seared crust with a tender, flavorful pink center. Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe combines simple ingredients like sushi-grade ahi tuna, sesame oil, soy sauce, fresh garlic, and ginger to create a versatile and nutritious meal with an impressive presentation.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon black or white sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare Your Tuna Steaks: Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan over high heat until very hot but not smoking. Add sesame oil and swirl to evenly coat the pan surface for a quick, golden sear that locks in juices.
- Sear the Tuna Steaks: Place the tuna steaks in the pan, pressing gently for even contact. Sear for 1 to 1.5 minutes per side for rare, or add 30 seconds per side for medium-rare, avoiding overcooking to maintain tenderness and color.
- Add Flavorful Finishing Touches: Just before removing, add the minced garlic and fresh ginger to the pan for an aromatic burst. Drizzle soy sauce over the steaks and let it reduce slightly to create a rich umami glaze.
- Rest and Slice: Transfer the seared steaks to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices. Slice across the grain into half-inch thick slices for best texture and presentation.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade tuna for safety and optimal taste.
- Pat tuna dry before searing to ensure a perfect crust.
- Use a very hot pan to develop a golden crust quickly.
- Do not overcook; ahi tuna is best rare to medium-rare.
- Let the steaks rest before slicing to keep them juicy.
- Use a sharp knife to create clean, smooth slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: ahi tuna, seared tuna, seafood recipe, quick dinner, healthy seafood, restaurant quality, sushi-grade tuna, gluten free, omega-3 rich