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Everyday Dishes

Ahi Tuna

2 servings
Pescatarian diet, American Searing, Grilling

A beautifully ahi tuna steak with a seasoned crust and a rare, ruby-red center is a restaurant-quality dish that is surprisingly simple to make at home.

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themaverickflavor themaverickflavor Rising Start
June 19, 2025
Ahi Tuna sliced served with the sauce, top close up view
  • 10 min.
  • 15 min.
  • 2/5
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Ingredients:

Ahi Tuna:

Optional Dipping Sauce:

Tools:

Directions:

1. Optionally Prepare the Dipping Sauce:

Let’s start the preparation of the Ahi Tuna by making the optional dipping sauce.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and wasabi paste.
  • Set aside.

2. Prepare the Tuna:

  • Pat the ahi tuna steak completely dry with paper towels.
  • In the shallow dish, briefly marinate the tuna in a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil for about 10 minutes, turning once.

Important:

Do not marinate for too long, as the acid in the soy sauce can begin to “cook” the fish.

3. Coat the Tuna:

  • On a separate plate, spread out the sesame seeds.
  • Remove the tuna from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
  • Press all sides of the tuna steak firmly into the sesame seeds to create an even, dense crust.
  • Season generously with salt and pepper.

4. Cook the Tuna:

Choose your method:

A. Pan-Searing:

  • Heat the olive oil in a fry pan over medium-high to high heat.
  • The pan must be very hot.
  • You should see faint wisps of smoke.
  • Carefully place the tuna steak in the hot pan.
  • Sear for 60-90 seconds per side for a rare center, or about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare.
  • The edges of the tuna should be opaque and cooked, while the center remains vibrant pink or red.

B. Grilling:

  • Preheat your grill to high heat.
  • Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  • Carefully place the tuna steak on the hot grill grates.
  • Grill for 60-90 seconds per side for a rare center, or about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare.

5. Rest and Serve Ahi Tuna:

  • Immediately transfer the seared tuna to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  • Using a very sharp knife, slice the tuna against the grain into ¼ to ½- inch thick pieces.
  • Arrange the sliced tuna on a platter and serve immediately with the dipping sauce and optionally with side, e.g.
    • Steamed white or brown rice
    • A simple salad with a ginger-miso dressing
    • Sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach
    • Wasabi mashed potatoes
    • Sliced avocado

Important:
Resting is a crucial step that allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result.

Kitchen Guide

Fish

USDA minimum safe internal temperature is 145°F

Popular serving temperatures:

  • 110 – 125°F – Rare
  • 125 – 140°F – Medium Rare
  • 145 – 155°F – Medium Rare
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Chef Tom Chef Tom Founder
About the Author:
themaverickflavorRising Start
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  • Published Recipes: 4
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  • Location: USA, Hawaii
  • Member since: 2025-05-07
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