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Close-up of seared ahi tuna slices with a black and white sesame seed crust, garnished with green onions, served on a blue plate with wasabi and soy sauce in small bowls on the side.
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4.89 from 9 votes

Seared Ahi Tuna Recipe

The perfect seared ahi tuna recipe with a delightful sesame crust, a playful wasabi mayo and a salty-sweet mirin dipping sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 564kcal
Author: Scott G

Ingredients

For the Wasabi Mayo

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2-3 teaspoons wasabi powder depending on how spicy you like
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon Bragg's Liquid Aminos or soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon honey

For the Mirin Dipping Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon mirin sweet rice wine
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pickled ginger juice
  • 1 teaspoon raw honey
  • 1 teaspoon minced green onion
  • ¼ cup Bragg's Liquid Aminos or soy sauce

For the Seared Ahi Tuna

  • 3 tablespoons olive or grapeseed oil
  • 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
  • 1 pound sushi grade ahi tuna

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
  • Mince green onion.

Cooking Instructions

    For the Wasabi Mayo

    • Add all ingredients to a bowl. Mix well with a fork to incorporate. If you have a squeeze bottle, pour into the bottle and decorate the plate.

    For the Mirin Dipping Sauce

    • Add all ingredients to a bowl. Mix well with a fork to incorporate. Set aside the dipping sauce for seared tuna.

    For the Seared Ahi Tuna

    • Mix the sesame seeds on a plate. Lay the tuna on the seeds and press. Repeat on all sides, including the ends.
    • Heat a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan over high heat. Add the oil. When it shimmers but not yet smokes, carefully add the sesame-crusted tuna to the hot skillet.
    • Cook on each side for 20-30 seconds. When you flip, make sure you flip to a section of the pan that wasn't just cooked on. It will be hotter and create a nice crunchy sear. Make sure to sear the ends as well!
    • Remove from the heat and slice in ¼ inch slices. Serve with the wasabi mayo, mirin dipping sauce, and some pickled ginger. Enjoy!

    Notes

    I love seared ahi tuna... how about you? Leave a comment on your favorite preparation!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 564kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 342mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2610IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 2mg
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