Seared Ahi Tuna
Seared Ahi Tuna
Seared ahi tuna, often associated with Hawaiian cuisine, has its roots in the traditional fishing practices of the Pacific Islands. “Ahi” refers to two species of tuna: yellowfin and bigeye. The preparation of ahi tuna in a seared style is influenced by various culinary traditions, including Japanese sashimi and the concept of “tataki,” where fish is briefly seared and served raw in the center. The dish gained popularity in the United States, particularly in California and Hawaii, during the late 20th century as a part of the fusion cuisine movement. Chefs began to adopt and adapt these techniques, emphasizing fresh, high-quality seafood and simple seasonings to highlight the natural flavors of the tuna. Today, seared ahi tuna is celebrated for its delicate texture and rich flavor, often served with a variety of sauces and accompaniments, making it a staple in seafood restaurants and a favorite among seafood lovers.
Ingredients
2 ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Sea salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (black or white)
Vegetable oil for searing
Optional: Wasabi and soy sauce for serving
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for about 15-30 minutes.
Remove the tuna from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with sea salt and pepper, then coat lightly with sesame seeds.
Heat a skillet over high heat and add a thin layer of vegetable oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the tuna steaks.
Sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side for rare (adjust time for desired doneness).
Remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest for a minute.
Using a sharp knife, slice the tuna into thin pieces.
Serve with wasabi and soy sauce on the side.
For best results, use sushi-grade tuna.
Adjust the searing time based on how well-cooked you prefer your tuna.
You can also serve it over a salad or with rice for a complete meal.
Enjoy your seared ahi tuna!
Thank you for trying this recipe. Please let me know how you liked it.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my fast, simple and good seafood page.
Seared Ahi Tuna