Sesame-Crusted Seared Tuna Steaks with Ginger Soy Sauce
In short: Tuna steaks pressed in sesame seeds and seared 90 seconds per side for a nutty crust and rosy center, with a ginger soy dipping sauce. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 2 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 350 kcal
Sesame seeds form a nutty crust on tuna steaks that stay rosy and tender inside. The cooking takes only a few minutes, so the pan must be very hot and everything else ready beforehand. Use very fresh tuna steaks from a trusted fishmonger, sold for eating rare. If you prefer your tuna cooked through, the recipe gives a safe alternative.
Instructions
- Whisk the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger and spring onion in a small bowl for the dipping sauce.
- Take the tuna out of the fridge 10 minutes before cooking. Pat it very dry and season the sides with the salt and pepper.
- Spread the sesame seeds on a plate and press each steak into them so every side is coated, including the edges.
- Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until it shimmers and just begins to smoke.
- Sear the steaks for 60 to 90 seconds per side for a rare center, plus 20 seconds on each edge. For tuna cooked through, lower the heat to medium and keep cooking until the center reads 63°C (145°F), about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Rest the tuna on a board for 2 minutes. Slice against the grain into 1 cm (1/2 inch) slices with a very sharp knife and serve with the sauce.
Tips
- Rare tuna is not suitable for pregnant women, young children, older adults or anyone with a weakened immune system. Cook those portions to 63°C (145°F).
- A very hot, dry pan matters more than the oil. Wait until it smokes lightly, or the crust will steam instead of sear.
Questions and answers
What kind of tuna should I buy for searing?
Ask for fresh or properly frozen tuna steaks from a reputable fishmonger, labeled suitable for eating rare. Look for bright, deep red flesh with no brown patches.
Can I use frozen tuna steaks?
Yes. Thaw them slowly in the fridge overnight, pat them very dry and cook the same day.
How do I stop the sesame seeds from burning?
Keep the sear short and the pan hot but not scorching. Sear for 90 seconds per side at most and watch the edges.
How long does it take to make Sesame-Crusted Seared Tuna Steaks with Ginger Soy Sauce?
About 15 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Sesame-Crusted Seared Tuna Steaks with Ginger Soy Sauce?
About 350 kcal per serving, with 44 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 44 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 1450 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
