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Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks: A Quick & Elegant Seafood Delight

Discover the best seared ahi tuna recipe! Learn how to perfectly sear tuna steaks with a simple marinade for a quick, healthy, and elegant meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Seafood
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 6-ounce sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks, about 1.5 inches thick
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for a touch of sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or other high-heat cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds for garnish
  • Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Place the tuna steaks in the marinade, ensuring they are coated on all sides. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Do not marinate for too long, as the acid in the soy sauce can start to 'cook' the fish.
  3. Remove the tuna from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Pat the steaks gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture; this helps create a better sear.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat until it shimmers but isn't smoking. The pan needs to be very hot.
  5. Carefully place the tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side for rare (a deep red center), or 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare (a slightly pinker center). Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your steaks and your desired doneness. Avoid overcooking, as tuna can become dry.
  6. Once seared to your liking, remove the tuna steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
  7. Slice the tuna steaks against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.