Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna
If you're looking to bring restaurant-quality seafood to your dinner table, this Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna recipe is exactly what you need. I've perfected this method over countless preparations, and it consistently delivers that perfect combination of crispy exterior and rare center that makes ahi tuna so special. What I love most about this dish is how it transforms a simple tuna steak into an impressive meal in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks 6-8 oz each, about 1.5 inches thick
- ¼ cup white sesame seeds
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon wasabi paste optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil for searing like grapeseed or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Pat the tuna steaks completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a perfect crust.
- Mix white and black sesame seeds on a shallow plate. Season the tuna steaks with salt and pepper.
- Press each tuna steak into the sesame seed mixture, coating all sides evenly. Use gentle pressure to help the seeds adhere.
- Heat your oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it's just starting to smoke.
- Place the tuna in the hot pan and sear for 45-60 seconds on each side for rare, or 1-2 minutes for medium-rare.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing against the grain.