Skillet Seared Ahi Tuna Steak
Sesame-crusted sushi-grade ahi tuna seared rare with a crispy golden shell in under 5 minutes of cook time.
- Cook temp
- 500°F
- 260°C · preheat
- Total time
- 9 min
- 5 prep · 4 cook · 1 rest
- Flip at
- 2 min
- of 4 min cook
- Pull at
- 125°F
- USDA safe minimum
Sesame Seared Tuna & Sushi Bar Spinach - Food Wishes · Food Wishes
Chef John shows how to crust tuna steaks in sesame seeds, sear them quickly in a smoking hot skillet, and slice against the grain.
- Target //Cook at High Heat for 9 mins (flip at 2 mins).
- Doneness //Pull when internal temperature reaches 125°F (USDA safe minimum). Rest 1 mins before slicing.
- Golden Rule //Seared ahi is the dish that makes people think you went to culinary school. Ninety seconds a side and you are done. The whole trick is starting with sushi-grade fish and a screaming hot pan. If you cook it longer than 2 minutes per side you have officially made canned tuna.
- Family Tweak //Most kids prefer their fish cooked through. Sear an extra minute per side for medium. Serve with teriyaki sauce instead of the soy ginger dip.
Ingredients
- 4 steaksSushi-Grade Ahi Tuna Steaks, 6 oz each, 1 inch thick
- 3 tbspWhite Sesame Seeds
- 2 tbspBlack Sesame Seeds
- 1 tbspSesame Oil
- 1 tbspAvocado Oil
- 3 tbspSoy Sauce
- 1 tspRice Vinegar
- 1 tspFresh Ginger, freshly grated
- 1/2 tspSriracha
Send to Kroger
Untick anything you already have. One click sends the rest to your own cart.
Adds to your own Kroger cart — you'll sign in with Kroger the first time. Prices and availability depend on your store. Nothing is ordered until you check out at Kroger.
Get to the point
- 1
Pat 4 ahi tuna steaks dry; brush with sesame oil and press into sesame seeds on all sides.
- 2
Sear in a smoking-hot oiled skillet for 90 seconds per side for rare.
- 3
Remove immediately; the center should be cool and ruby red.
- 4
Slice against the grain and serve with soy ginger dipping sauce.
Step by step
Tap a step to cross it offPrep & Sesame Crust
Pat 4 sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks (6 oz each, 1 inch thick) completely dry. Brush all surfaces with 1 tbsp sesame oil. Mix 3 tbsp white sesame seeds and 2 tbsp black sesame seeds on a plate. Press each tuna steak firmly into the sesame seeds to coat all sides evenly.
WhyUse sushi-grade tuna from a trusted fishmonger. This dish is served rare so quality matters more than anything.
Smoking Hot Sear
Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until a drop of water vaporizes instantly. Add 1 tbsp avocado oil. Place sesame-crusted tuna steaks in the pan. Sear for 90 seconds without moving. Flip and sear the other side for 60 to 90 seconds. The outside should be golden and crisp while the center stays cool and raw.
WhyDo not press down on the tuna or you will squeeze out moisture and overcook the center.
Dipping Sauce
While tuna sears, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp freshly grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp sriracha in a small bowl.
WhyFresh ginger makes a noticeable difference over dried here. Microplane it right into the bowl.
Slice & Serve
Transfer seared tuna to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute. Slice each steak against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. Fan slices on plates and serve with the soy ginger dipping sauce.
WhyA sharp knife is critical. A dull blade will crush the delicate seared crust and tear the raw center.
- Dad pro tip
- Seared ahi is the dish that makes people think you went to culinary school. Ninety seconds a side and you are done. The whole trick is starting with sushi-grade fish and a screaming hot pan. If you cook it longer than 2 minutes per side you have officially made canned tuna.
- Kid & toddler adjustment
- Most kids prefer their fish cooked through. Sear an extra minute per side for medium. Serve with teriyaki sauce instead of the soy ginger dip.
- Serve with
- Steamed jasmine rice · Edamame · Seaweed salad
- Reheating
- Seared ahi tuna should not be reheated. Leftover slices are excellent cold over rice or salad.
- Calories
- 290
- Protein
- 42 g
- Carbs
- 3 g
- Fat
- 12 g
Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #175159. Cook-time basis: Sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks in cast iron skillet over high heat; 125°F internal for rare center per FDA sushi-grade seafood guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reheat leftover skillet seared ahi tuna steak without ruining the texture?
Seared ahi tuna should not be reheated. Leftover slices are excellent cold over rice or salad.
What is the target internal temperature for this recipe?
Confirm internal core temperature reaches 125°F using an instant-read digital probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Allow the meat to rest for 1 minutes before slicing to let carryover heat equalize and lock in juices.
How do I adapt this meal for picky kids or toddlers?
Most kids prefer their fish cooked through. Sear an extra minute per side for medium. Serve with teriyaki sauce instead of the soy ginger dip.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this?
Recommended sides include Steamed jasmine rice, Edamame, Seaweed salad.