Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna

$To make a tasty sesame crusted ahi tuna, gather these key items: - 2 ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each) - 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds - 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a flavorful and delicate dish that shines. The sesame seeds give a nice crunch, while the soy sauce adds depth. You can elevate your dish with these fun garnishes: - 1 avocado, sliced - Mixed greens (for serving) - Wasabi and pickled ginger (for garnish) These garnishes add color and flavor, making your plate look amazing and inviting. This dish is not just delicious; it's also healthy. Each serving offers protein from the tuna and healthy fats from the avocado. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Calories: Approximately 350 - Protein: 40g - Fat: 20g - Carbohydrates: 10g Enjoying this dish fits well into a balanced diet. It's a great choice for a light lunch or dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your sesame seeds. You will need both black and white seeds. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of black sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons of white sesame seeds. Stir them together and set them aside. This mixture adds a nice crunch and flavor to the tuna. Next, make your marinade. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir it well until everything blends together. This marinade will give the tuna its rich taste. Now it’s time to cook! Start by patting the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with the marinade you just made. Then, press each side of the tuna steaks into the sesame seed mixture. Make sure they are fully coated. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil. Carefully place the tuna steaks in the skillet. Sear them for about 1-2 minutes on each side for a rare finish. If you prefer a firmer texture, cook them a bit longer. Just be careful not to overcook. After cooking, remove the steaks from the heat and let them rest for about 2 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Slice the tuna into thin strips. For serving, arrange mixed greens on a plate as a base. Top with avocado slices and the sliced tuna. Garnish with wasabi and pickled ginger for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious sesame crusted ahi tuna! To get a great sear, use a hot pan. Heat your non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil. This oil creates a nice crust. Place the tuna in the pan gently. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side. The goal is a golden brown outside. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook one or two pieces at a time. Overcrowding cools the pan and ruins the sear. Fresh ahi tuna is key to this dish. Look for bright, deep red color. The flesh should feel firm and moist. Avoid any fish that looks dull or has brown spots. Smell the tuna; it should have a clean ocean scent, not a strong fishy smell. If possible, buy from a trusted fishmonger. Ask questions about the source and freshness. Keep your tools simple for this recipe. You need: - A sharp knife for slicing the tuna. - A non-stick skillet for cooking. - Two bowls for mixing the marinade and sesame seeds. - A paper towel to dry the tuna. These tools will help you create a delicious meal. With the right tools, you can cook like a pro at home. Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Always choose the freshest ahi tuna available; it makes a significant difference in flavor and texture. Perfect Sear: For a beautifully seared crust, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the tuna to prevent sticking. Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 125°F for rare tuna, adjusting to your preference. Garnishing Tip: Enhance presentation by using microgreens or edible flowers alongside avocado for a pop of color and elegance. {{image_2}} If you want to mix things up, try panko breadcrumbs. They give a nice crunch. Simply replace the sesame seeds with panko. You can also mix in some herbs or spices for extra flavor. Look for seasoned panko for a quick boost. The choice is yours! You can serve sesame crusted ahi tuna in many ways. Try it on a bed of rice for a filling meal. Alternatively, use it in a salad with fresh veggies. You can also make a sushi roll! Just slice the tuna thin and wrap it in nori with avocado and cucumber. The options are endless! Experiment with different seasonings to enhance the flavor. Try adding lemon zest to the marinade for a bright touch. You can also add crushed red pepper for heat. A sprinkle of sesame oil can deepen the flavor too. Mix and match to find what you love! To keep your leftover sesame crusted ahi tuna fresh, wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place the tuna in an airtight container. This helps to prevent drying out. Store it in the fridge. It will last for up to two days. When you are ready to eat it, check for any off smells before using. If you want to save your leftover tuna for later, freezing is a great option. First, slice the tuna into pieces if you haven't already. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. This helps keep the tuna fresh. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating your tuna, do it gently to avoid overcooking. Place the tuna in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a tiny bit of oil to keep it moist. Heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side. You want it warm but not cooked through again. Alternatively, you can microwave it. Use a low power setting and heat for 15-20 seconds at a time. Enjoy your tuna while it's still flavorful! The best doneness for Ahi tuna is rare to medium-rare. This means cooking it for just 1-2 minutes on each side. The inside should stay pink and moist. Cooking it too long can make it tough. Remember, Ahi tuna is safe to eat raw, so it’s okay if it’s not fully cooked. Yes, you can use other fish. Good options include salmon, swordfish, or even shrimp. Each fish has a different taste and texture. Adjust the cooking time based on the fish you choose. For example, salmon cooks faster than Ahi tuna. To check if your tuna is fresh, look for bright color and firm texture. Fresh tuna should have a deep red color. It should not smell fishy. Instead, it should have a clean ocean scent. If you press it, it should spring back. If it leaves a dent, it may not be fresh. Always buy from a trusted source. This blog post covered a tasty sesame crusted ahi tuna recipe. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. We also explored tasty variations and storage info for leftovers. To wrap up, you now have all the tools to create a delicious dish. Enjoy your cooking journey and share the joy of great food with others.$

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna

A delicious and elegant dish featuring seared ahi tuna 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, grated
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
1 whole avocado, sliced
for serving mixed greens
for garnish wasabi and pickled ginger

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix the black and white sesame seeds together. Set aside.
In another bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.
Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel, then brush both sides with the soy sauce mixture.
Carefully press each side of the tuna steaks into the sesame seed mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil.
Sear the tuna steaks for about 1-2 minutes on each side for rare, or cook longer for desired doneness. For a firm exterior, be careful not to overcook.
Remove from heat and let rest for about 2 minutes before slicing the tuna into thin strips.
Arrange the mixed greens on a plate as a base. Top with avocado slices and arrange the sliced tuna over the top.
Garnish with wasabi and pickled ginger on the side for added flavor.

Notes

Plate the tuna artfully on a bed of greens, drizzle with any remaining soy sauce mixture from the pan, and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds for an elegant touch.

Keyword ahi tuna, healthy, seafood, sesame crusted