This Seared Ahi Tuna With Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds is done in 20 minutes or less. Perfect Appetizer for your parties or just a easy weeknight dinner for you.
As mush as I love Salmon I also love to get Tuna as a part of my diet.
It takes Six Minutes to cook to medium-rare perfection and the Tuna steaks are bursting with delicious umami flavor from the soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds.
Since marinating is optional, you can prepare this tuna steak recipe on short notice. I like serving these seared tuna steaks with rice and green beans, or simply over a bed of Asian Slaw.
If I can get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes, I’m a happy camper. Under 20? Even better. Sea food and any Fish in any form usually cooks up extremely quickly. To cook sea food is not just easy and delicious but super healthy as well.
What is Ahi Tuna?
Ahi tuna is type of tuna that is divided into two different species: yellowfin and bigeye. And it’s often cheaper than bluefin tuna, with a very similar flavor profile and texture. You can usually find it frozen at Trader Joe’s or your local grocery store for very inexpensive.
And tuna, like salmon, is healthy and has an array of healthy benefits(including being high in Omega-3s and vitamin B12).
A seared tuna steak is a bit different than the canned tuna everyone is used to. It is usually cooked medium-rare: seared on the outside, red on the inside.
I like my rearm but my kids love it medium so I start cooking it more on the medium Side. Its actually the same like you do with your steak. As long as you don’t over cook it you will be fine.
Is it safe to eat raw ahi Tuna?
If you’re nervous about eating raw fish, you should use your best judgement. You can always choose to cook these ahi tuna steaks all the way through to be well-done. But tuna steaks are usually served seared on the outside and raw on the inside. If you order it a restaurant, it’s bound to be cooked medium-rare as well. I always try to get the best quality seas food, that way I feel safe to eat it raw.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Get the best quality Tuna
- If you feel nerves to consume raw fish, deep freeze it first for 24 hours before cooking
- Get your Pan Hot before placing the fish – this will give the perfect sear to the fish
- Seared for 2 minutes per side for medium rear
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Done in less than 20 minutes
- Low on carbs
- Perfect for dinner parties
- Healthy and delicious
- It is perfect healthy choice for your nutritious diet
- Includes only few ingredients
Prepare all of your ingredients first, as this recipe cooks quickly!

Seared Ahi Tuna With Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 steaks Ahi Tuna - about 4 oz. each
- salt & pepper - to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- green onions, lime wedges - for garnish and serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the ahi tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. Place on a plate or on a clean cutting board and sprinkle with salt pepper and garlic powder and sesame seeds on all sides.
- Heat a medium skillet (preferably non-stick or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet) on medium-high to high until very hot ( or medium medium-high for nonstick).
- Add the oil (2 tablespoon) to the hot pan. Sear the tuna for 2 minutes on each side for medium rare (1.5 minutes on each side for rare; 3 on each side for medium).
- Remove to a cutting board and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes. Slice into 1/2 inch slices and serve garnished with green onions and on a bad of Asian slaw.
- NOTES:For thinner tuna steaks, you may need less searing time. If you are using tuna steaks that are less than 1 inch, I recommend only 1 minute per side, depending on your preference for doneness. You may also need less searing time depending on the temperature of your fish- if it's been sitting out of the fridge for a while, it will take less time to cook.