Sesame Seared Tuna

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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 4 mins
Marinade 40 mins
Total Time 54 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Tuna

  • 1.5 lbs. tuna steaks 2-3 depending upon size
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil

Marinade

  • 2 tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp. lime juice about 2 ripe limes
  • 1 tbsp. toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp. chopped garlic
  • ½ tbsp. grated ginger
  • 2 green scallions thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tbsp. honey
  • 2 tbsp. warm water
  • ½-1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Sesame Crust

  • 3 tbsp. sesame seeds toasted
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste add after as the pepper will burn at high heat

Instructions
 

Marinade

  • In a bowl whisk together all the marinade ingredients
  • Place the tuna in the bowl and marinade in the refrigerator for 40-60 mins. but no longer than 2 hours as the acid in the lime juice will begin to cook the fish
  • Make sure to turn the tuna over at least once while marinating

Sesame crust

  • While the tuna marinates, in a shallow dish or platter combine all crust ingredients together except for the pepper
  • Once the tuna has marinated, remove it from the bowl and allow the extra marinade to drip off
  • Press all sides of the tuna into the sesame seed mixture making sure to coat evenly

Cooking Method

  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat
  • Once the pan is heated, add in the 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • Gently place in the encrusted tuna and sear for 1.5-2 minutes on each side. If the tuna is thicker than 1.5-2 inches you may need to sear for an additional 30 seconds on the edges
  • Once cooked, remove tuna from pan and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain
  • Serve with sides such as sugar snap peas and rice or topped on a salad

Notes

I enjoy this tuna served topped with spicy mayo and a sweetened soy glaze.
Keyword seared tuna, sesame crusted tuna, sesame seared tuna, sushi, tuna, yellowfin tuna