Grilled Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna
Experience the delight of perfectly seared ahi tuna, boasting a flavorful sesame crust and a tender, pink center. This quick and elegant dish is enhanced with a savory soy-ginger marinade, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- •4 piece Ahi Tuna Steaks ((6-8 oz each, about 1.5-2 lbs total, 1-inch thick))
- •1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- •2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- •1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- •1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
- •2 clove Garlic (minced)
- •1/4 cup White Sesame Seeds
- •1/4 cup Black Sesame Seeds (optional, for color)
- •1 tbsp Olive Oil
- •to taste Salt
- •to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- •2 stalk Green Onions (thinly sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- 1.
Prepare the Marinade: In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This will serve as both a quick marinade and a light glaze.
Time: 3 min - 2.
Prep the Tuna: Pat the ahi tuna steaks thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Time: 2 min - 3.
Coat with Sesame Seeds: In a separate shallow dish, combine the white and black sesame seeds (if using). Dip each tuna steak into the sesame seed mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating on all sides. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the soy-ginger marinade for serving.
Time: 3 min - 4.
Preheat Grill: Preheat your gas grill to high heat (around 450-500°F or 230-260°C). Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Time: 10 min - 5.
Grill the Tuna: Place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks directly on the hot grill. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare, or 3-4 minutes per side for medium. Ahi tuna is best served rare to medium-rare, with a deep red to pink center.
Time: 5 min - 6.
Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the tuna from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Slice the tuna against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Drizzle with the reserved soy-ginger marinade and garnish with sliced green onions.
Time: 5 min
Tips
- 💡Don't overcook ahi tuna! It loses its delicate texture and flavor quickly. Aim for a quick, hot sear on the outside and a beautiful rare to medium-rare interior.
- 💡Patting the tuna dry is essential for achieving a good crust. Moisture creates steam, which prevents searing.
- 💡Ensure your grill is very hot before adding the tuna. This helps create those perfect grill marks and a crispy exterior.
Recipe from TheCookbook.ai
Created by Shannon Williams