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- 2 Ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each) - 1/4 cup sesame seeds (a mix of white and black) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 green onions, chopped - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cucumber, thinly sliced - Sea salt and black pepper to taste You can switch the Ahi tuna for other fish like salmon or swordfish. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For the fresh ingredients, try using radishes instead of cucumbers. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also add a nice touch. Using fresh ingredients is key for this dish. Fresh fish tastes better and has more nutrients. When you use seasonal produce, you get the best flavor and quality. Fresh ingredients really lift the dish and make it shine. How to marinate the tuna To start, make the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and a pinch of black pepper. This mix adds flavor to the tuna. Place the Ahi tuna steaks in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them and cover. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes. This lets the tuna soak up the flavors well. The process of preparing the sesame coating While the tuna marinates, prepare the sesame coating. On a plate, combine white and black sesame seeds. This colorful mix will create a beautiful crust. Make sure to have enough seeds to coat both sides of the tuna steaks evenly. This step is key for that crunchy texture. Searing the tuna for the perfect doneness Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil once hot. Carefully place the coated tuna steaks in the skillet. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes. For rare, the center should stay pink. Keep an eye on them for the best results. Resting and slicing the tuna After searing, remove the tuna from the skillet. Let it rest for a minute. This helps keep the juices inside. Once rested, slice the tuna against the grain into thin pieces. This makes each bite tender and easy to eat. Best practices for presenting the dish Arrange the thin slices of tuna on a plate. Fan them out for a lovely look. Surround the tuna with avocado and cucumber slices. This adds color and freshness to the dish. Suggestions for garnishing Top the tuna with chopped green onions for a nice crunch. You can drizzle some leftover soy sauce for extra flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt may also enhance the taste. Enjoy your sesame-crusted Ahi tuna as a beautiful meal! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Use a non-stick skillet for easy searing. A cast-iron skillet is also great. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil. This helps the tuna crust stay crispy. Aim for rare doneness; the center should stay pink. Sear each side for just 1-2 minutes. Marinate the tuna for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in well. Avoid marinating for too long, or the fish may get mushy. If you need to marinate longer, keep it under 30 minutes. Pair your sesame-crusted Ahi tuna with sides like avocado and cucumber. These fresh veggies balance the dish well. For sauces, try extra soy sauce or wasabi for a spicy kick. You can also serve it with a light salad for a refreshing touch. Enjoy it all together for a great meal! {{image_2}} You can change the seeds in your crust for more flavor. Try using pumpkin seeds or flaxseeds. Each will give a unique taste and crunch to your tuna. You can also switch up the marinade. Instead of soy sauce, use teriyaki for a sweeter touch. A bit of lime juice can add a nice zing too. You can grill the tuna for a smoky flavor. Brush the steaks with olive oil first. Just be careful not to overcook them. Pan-searing is quick and gives a nice crust. If you want a healthier option, try baking the tuna. Bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps the fish moist and tender. For a fresh side, consider a mixed salad with greens and herbs. Add cherry tomatoes for sweetness. You can also serve the tuna with grains. Quinoa or brown rice works well. Both add a hearty base and absorb the flavors of the dish. For a light touch, serve with steamed broccoli or asparagus. These veggies make a great contrast to the rich tuna. Enjoy exploring these variations in your cooking! To store your sesame-crusted Ahi tuna, first, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and helps prevent drying. Store it in the fridge. Make sure to eat it within two days for the best taste. If you need to store it longer, freezing is a better option. When you reheat Ahi tuna, do it gently. I recommend using a skillet over low heat. This keeps the fish moist and tasty. You can also use a microwave, but use low power. Avoid cooking it too long, or it will dry out. Do not use high heat or the oven, as it will ruin the texture. To freeze cooked Ahi tuna, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can then slice it and add it to salads or bowls. Can I cook Ahi tuna from frozen? Yes, you can cook Ahi tuna from frozen. However, it’s best to thaw it first. Place the fish in the fridge overnight for safe thawing. For a quicker method, seal the tuna in a bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. This way, you keep the texture and flavor intact. What is the best way to know if tuna is done? To check if your tuna is done, use a fork to gently flake the fish. The center should remain pink for rare. If you prefer it cooked more, aim for a slight pink hue. Remember, overcooking can dry out the fish, so keep a close eye on it. Can I prepare the sesame-crusted tuna in advance? Yes, you can prepare the sesame-crusted tuna in advance. You can marinate the tuna for up to an hour before cooking. However, avoid coating the fish in sesame seeds until just before cooking. This keeps the coating fresh and crisp. How spicy is the dish with the suggested sauces? The dish is not very spicy with the suggested sauces. The soy sauce adds flavor without heat. If you want more spice, add wasabi or chili sauce on the side. Adjust to your taste for a better experience. Is Ahi tuna sustainable to eat? Yes, Ahi tuna can be sustainable to eat, but it depends on the source. Look for tuna that is certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council. This ensures responsible fishing methods and helps protect fish populations. What are the health benefits of consuming tuna? Consuming tuna offers many health benefits. It’s high in protein, low in calories, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats support heart health and brain function. Plus, tuna provides vitamins and minerals like B12, selenium, and potassium, which are great for your overall health. This blog post covered all you need to know about making sesame-crusted Ahi tuna. We explored the ingredients, including fresh fish and useful substitutes. You learned step-by-step cooking methods and tips for perfect results. We also discussed variations and how to store your leftovers. Enjoying fresh ingredients is key for taste and health. With these insights, your cooking can be fun and flavorful. Now, you can create a dish that impresses everyone!

57. Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna

Savor the flavors of the ocean with this delectable sesame-crusted Ahi tuna recipe! Perfectly seared tuna steaks coated in a crunchy sesame seed crust make for a stunning dish that's both simple and delicious. Learn how to marinate, sear, and serve this mouthwatering seafood delight accompanied by fresh avocado and cucumber.
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Ingredients
  

2 Ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each)

1/4 cup sesame seeds (a mix of white and black)

2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

2 green onions, chopped

1 avocado, sliced

1 cucumber, thinly sliced

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Tuna: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and a pinch of black pepper. Place the Ahi tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

    Prepare the Sesame Coating: On a plate, mix the white and black sesame seeds. This will be the crust for the tuna.

      Coat the Tuna: Remove the marinated tuna steaks from the dish and gently shake off excess marinade. Press each side of the steaks into the sesame seeds, ensuring they’re well-coated.

        Sear the Tuna: In a non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the coated tuna steaks in the skillet. Sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side for rare or until desired doneness (the center should remain pink).

          Rest the Tuna: Once cooked, remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing.

            Plate the Dish: Thinly slice the tuna steaks against the grain. Arrange the slices on a plate. Surround them with avocado and cucumber slices, and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Add a drizzle of the leftover soy sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt if desired.

              Serve: Enjoy your delicious sesame-crusted Ahi tuna with extra soy sauce or wasabi on the side according to your taste.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 30 min | 2 servings