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M and I love Japanese food and all the flavours associated with it. These Ahi tuna steaks are a delicious treat because they are marinated with a flavourful soy based sauce that is packed with Japanese favours. They have a tasty crunch because the steaks are coated with sesame seeds. Best of all the steaks are given a quick sear in a hot pan that adds flavour to the lean fish but allows the tuna steak to remain buttery in the middle.

Seared Ahi tuna steaks are a super simple and easy entertaining dinner of choice that can be served up within thirty minutes! Here are the simple steps:

1. Prepare the Soy Sauce Marinade.

2. Marinade the Ahi Tuna.

3. Toast the Sesame Seeds and Coat the Ahi Tuna with the Toasted Seeds.

4. Serve the Seared Ahi Tuna with Dipping Sauce and Rice

These steaks are a delicious quick meal, an ideal choice for entertaining, or a super date night dinner! I like to serve mine with some spicy mayo, soy sauce dipping sauce, jasmine rice and edamame on the side.

Spicy Mayo:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise (can use Japanese kewpie mayonnaise; or homemade mayonnaise)
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (can use sriracha)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Directions: In a small bowl mix all the mayonnaise ingredients together and set aside for serving.

Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks

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Prep Time 24 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Ahi tuna steaks (Yellowfin sushi grade tuna steaks; about 4 oz. each, 1" thick)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil or olive oil
  • 2 scallion green onions (garnish for the dipping sauce and on the rice)
  • 1/3 cup toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon toasted black sesame seeds
  • 1 lime (cut into wedges for garnish)
  • 2 cups jasmine rice (cooked)
  • 2 cups edamame (cooked and salted)

Instructions
 

  • Pat the ahi tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. Place in a bowl or inside a plastic bag.
  • Prepare marinade.
  • Prepare marinade: Mix the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, kosher salt (lemon juice – omit if marinating for more than 1 hour before cooking), pepper, and cayenne pepper until honey is fully dissolved. Pour half of the marinade over the ahi tuna steaks and turn over to coat completely.
    Optional: Marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
    Reserve half of the marinade to serve as a dipping sauce.
  • Heat a medium skillet (preferably non-stick or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet) on medium-high to high until hot.
  • Add the oil (1 tablespoon) to the hot pan. Sear the tuna for 2 minutes on each side for medium rare ( 3 minutes for medium-well to well, 1 minute for rare. This will vary based on thickness of the tuna steaks.
    Use your best judgement whether you use medium, medium-high, or high heat, as the marinade may burn if too high heat is used.
  • Remove the tuna to a cutting board. Slice into 1/2 inch slices and serve garnished with green onions and fresh lime slices.

Notes

Note:  Please ensure you use sushi grade tuna, only.
Keyword ahituna, japanesefood
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