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Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna

Sesame-crusted ahi tuna seared on the outside and rare inside, sliced on a wooden board

Sushi-grade ahi tuna marinated in soy and sesame oil, pressed into a sweet and savory sesame crust and seared for under a minute a side, so the outside is crisp and the center stays rare.

Servings

4

Prep

15 min

Cook

5 min

Total

20 min

Cuisine

Japanese

Course

Mains

Ingredients

For the tuna

  • 2 lb sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks
  • Neutral oil, for searing

For the marinade

  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

For the sesame crust

  • ⅓ cup sesame seeds
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt

For serving

  • Green onion
  • Salt

Instructions

  1. Mix the marinade, coat the tuna steaks and let them sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Combine the crust ingredients and spread them out on a plate.
  3. Press the tuna firmly into the crust mixture so it sticks, coating all sides.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add a little oil and then the tuna.
  5. Sear undisturbed for 45–60 seconds, until a crust forms, then flip, sear the other side the same way and remove.
  6. Slice and serve with green onion and a sprinkle of salt.

Notes & substitutions

It’s great on its own, or turn it into sandos like we did: toast thick slices of milk bread and fill them with the seared tuna, blanched green onion, fried shallots and sriracha mayo.

Photos

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