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A simple and elegant recipe for seared ahi tuna steak with optional sesame crust, delivering a restaurant-quality seafood dish with fresh, savory flavors and a tender rare to medium-rare center.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ahi tuna steaks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional for crust)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels.
  2. Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon or lime juice, optional sesame oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
  3. Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both tuna steaks.
  4. If using sesame seeds, press the sesame seeds onto the seasoned tuna to form a crust.
  5. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat until very hot.
  6. Add the tuna steaks to the hot pan and sear the first side, undisturbed, for 1 to 1½ minutes.
  7. Flip the steaks and sear the second side for 1 to 1½ minutes; sear the edges 20–30 seconds each for thicker steaks.
  8. Transfer the tuna to a cutting board or plate and let rest for 2–3 minutes.
  9. Slice the tuna against the grain into thick pieces or leave whole.
  10. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality ahi tuna for the best flavor and texture., Ensure the pan is very hot to achieve a perfect sear and crust., Do not overcook; aim for a rare to medium-rare center to keep the tuna tender and juicy., Pat the tuna dry before seasoning to promote better browning., Slice against the grain for improved tenderness., Sesame seeds are optional and add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor if used., Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 1 day., Reheat gently or serve cold to avoid overcooking.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ahi tuna steak
  • Calories: Approx. 250 calories per serving
  • Fat: Approx. 8 g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Approx. 2 g per serving
  • Protein: Approx. 40 g per serving