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- 2 ahi tuna steaks (approximately 6 oz each) - 1/4 cup black sesame seeds - 1/4 cup white sesame seeds - 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for cooking - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 teaspoon wasabi paste (optional for an extra kick) - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced - 2 green onions, chopped The main ingredients for this dish are fresh ahi tuna steaks, sesame seeds, and olive oil. Ahi tuna is tasty and packed with protein. The sesame seeds give a crunchy crust that adds flavor and texture. Olive oil helps to cook the tuna and adds a smooth taste. For flavor, I use soy sauce, ginger, and optional wasabi paste. Soy sauce brings a savory depth. Ginger adds warmth, while wasabi gives a spicy kick. You can skip the wasabi if you prefer a milder taste. Finally, I serve the tuna with fresh avocado, cucumber, and green onions. The creamy avocado balances the fish's richness. Cucumber adds a crisp texture, and green onions offer a fresh pop. Together, these ingredients create a colorful and healthy meal. You can find the full recipe to create this delightful dish and impress your family or friends! First, mix the black and white sesame seeds in a shallow dish. This blend gives the tuna a beautiful look and crunch. Next, pat the ahi tuna steaks dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasoning stick. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Make sure to use enough to enhance the flavor. Now, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, and freshly grated ginger in a small bowl. If you want some heat, add wasabi paste. This mixture will add great flavor to the tuna. Use a pastry brush to coat each tuna steak evenly. This adds moisture and helps the sesame seeds stick. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers and is hot. Carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks in the skillet. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes for medium-rare. If you prefer your tuna more cooked, add another minute or two per side. Once cooked, transfer the tuna to a cutting board. Let it rest for about a minute. This resting time keeps the juices inside the fish. After resting, slice the tuna into thin strips, at a slight angle. This creates a nice presentation for your dish. Serve the sliced tuna on a plate with avocado and cucumber slices. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Drizzle any remaining soy-ginger mixture over the top. Add lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Enjoy this tasty and healthy delight! You can find the Full Recipe for more details. To get a great crust on your sesame-crusted ahi tuna, follow these simple tips: - Ensuring seeds adhere well: Press the tuna firmly into the sesame seeds. This helps them stick. Make sure the tuna is dry before you season it. A dry surface grabs the seeds better. - Cooking time for desired doneness: Sear the tuna for 1-2 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you want it more cooked, add another minute per side. When it comes to serving, presentation matters: - Plate presentation tips: Arrange the sliced tuna neatly on the plate. Place the avocado and cucumber around it for color and texture. - Garnishing ideas: Top the tuna with chopped green onions. A drizzle of the soy-ginger mix adds a tasty touch. Pair your dish for a full dining experience: - Best sides to serve: Steamed rice or a fresh salad works well. You could also try a light seaweed salad. - Wine or drink pairings: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors nicely. If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon. Enjoy making this delicious dish! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch up the fish if you want. Instead of ahi tuna, try salmon or swordfish. Both options taste great with sesame seeds. They also have a rich flavor. If you want to use a different oil, go for avocado oil or sesame oil. These oils add their own unique taste to the dish. You can present your sesame crusted ahi tuna in fun ways. For a sushi-style look, slice the tuna into thin pieces. Arrange them on a bamboo mat or a sushi plate. This makes a great starter. You can also serve it in a salad or bowl. Add mixed greens, sliced avocado, and cucumbers for a fresh touch. Drizzle some soy sauce or a ginger vinaigrette over the top. Want some heat? Add chili flakes or sriracha to the soy sauce mix. It brings a spicy kick to your dish. You can also try different sauces like teriyaki or ponzu. These sauces can add a sweet or tangy twist. Experiment with what you love! To keep leftover tuna fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent odors and keeps the fish moist. Make sure the tuna is at room temperature before sealing the container. The shelf life of cooked tuna in the fridge is about 2 to 3 days. If you won't eat it within this time, consider freezing it. For freezing cooked tuna, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped tuna in a freezer bag or container. This extra layer prevents freezer burn. Cooked tuna can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw the tuna in the fridge overnight. This helps keep its texture and flavor. The best way to reheat tuna is gently in a skillet over low heat. This method warms the fish evenly without drying it out. You can also use the microwave, but keep it short. Heat in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking. Overcooked tuna becomes tough and dry, so watch closely. Enjoy your sesame-crusted ahi tuna again with care! To cook tuna just right, aim for medium-rare for the best taste. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes. This gives you a warm, pink center. If you like it well-done, add another minute or two per side. Use a meat thermometer if you want accuracy. The internal temperature should be around 125°F for medium-rare and 145°F for well-done. Remember, tuna cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can coat the tuna with sesame seeds and keep it in the fridge. Just wait to cook it until you’re ready to serve. This way, the tuna stays fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They will last for about two days in the fridge. When you're ready, just reheat gently to avoid overcooking. Ahi tuna is a great choice for health. It is high in protein, which helps build muscles. Ahi tuna is also low in calories, making it good for weight loss. It has omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Plus, it's rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and selenium. Eating ahi tuna can help improve brain function and reduce inflammation. You can find the full recipe by following the link I shared earlier. It includes all the details you need. You'll see the list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this delicious meal yourself. Enjoy cooking! In this post, we covered how to create a delicious seared ahi tuna dish. You learned about key ingredients, like sesame seeds and ginger, and how to prepare and cook the tuna to get the perfect crust. I also shared tips for serving and pairing your meal. Remember, confident cooking comes from practice. Try different variations and enjoy experimenting with flavors. Your culinary skills will grow with each attempt. Happy cooking!

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna

Discover how to make an irresistible sesame crusted ahi tuna that will impress your dinner guests! This dish combines the rich flavors of sesame seeds and fresh ingredients for a mouthwatering meal in just 20 minutes. Get tips on achieving the perfect sear and presentation with avocado and cucumber for a refreshing touch. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your culinary skills today!
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Ingredients
  

2 ahi tuna steaks (approximately 6 oz each)

1/4 cup black sesame seeds

1/4 cup white sesame seeds

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for cooking

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1 teaspoon wasabi paste (optional for an extra kick)

1 ripe avocado, sliced

1 small cucumber, thinly sliced

2 green onions, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the sesame seed coating. In a shallow dish, combine the black and white sesame seeds, mixing them well. Pat the ahi tuna steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously season both sides with salt and pepper.

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, and wasabi paste (if you’re using it) until well blended. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat each tuna steak with this flavor-packed mixture.

      Dredge each tuna steak in the mixed sesame seeds, pressing firmly to ensure that the seeds adhere well to the surface of the fish, creating a nice crust.

        Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks in the skillet. Sear the steaks for about 1-2 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish. If you prefer your tuna more well-done, you can increase the cooking time by another minute or two per side.

          Once cooked to your liking, remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for about a minute. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute. After resting, slice the tuna into thin strips, at a slight angle for presentation.

            To present your dish beautifully, arrange the sliced tuna on a plate alongside the avocado and cucumber slices. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch. For an extra flavor boost, drizzle any remaining soy-ginger mixture over the top. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

              - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2