sesame crusted seared tuna recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best sesame crusted seared tuna recipe

I’ve been making this sesame crusted seared tuna recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. My kids love it because it’s easy to make and tastes like something special. I love it because it’s quick, healthy, and packed with protein.

The combination of the crunchy sesame crust and the tender tuna is just perfect. I like to serve it with a side of quinoa or brown rice and some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. This recipe is a staple in our house, and I think it would be perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a impressive dish to serve at a family gathering.

I’ve even made it for my husband’s birthday dinner, and it was a huge hit. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to customize – you can add different seasonings to the sesame crust, or top the tuna with different sauces or relishes. I like to use fresh tuna steaks and fresh sesame seeds for the best flavor.

This recipe is also great because it’s so versatile – you can serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack. The key to this recipe is to not overcook the tuna – you want it to be nice and pink in the center. I like to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the tuna reaches a safe internal temperature.

With this recipe, you can’t go wrong.

Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna

4.9 from 577 votes

A quick and elegant dish featuring fresh tuna steaks coated in a crunchy sesame seed crust and seared to perfection. The exterior is golden and nutty while the inside remains tender and rare, served with a simple soy-ginger dipping sauce.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time6 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time16 mins
Servings: 2Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Tuna

2 tuna steaks (about 6 ounces each, 1 inch thick)
3 tablespoons white sesame seeds
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Dipping Sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon honey

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels.
2Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
3In a small bowl, combine the white and black sesame seeds, then spread them on a plate.
4Press each tuna steak firmly into the sesame seed mixture, coating all sides thoroughly.
5Gently shake off any loose seeds.
6Let the coated steaks rest for 5 minutes to help the seeds adhere.
7Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
8Carefully place the tuna steaks in the hot skillet and sear without moving for 90 seconds until the crust is deep golden brown.
9Using tongs, flip the steaks and sear the second side for 90 seconds for rare doneness, or up to 2 minutes for medium-rare.
10The center should remain bright red and feel slightly firm when pressed.
11Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 2 minutes.
12While the tuna rests, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and honey in a small bowl until smooth.
13Slice the tuna against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices and serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

🔧Equipment

Small bowl
Plate
Tongs
Large nonstick skillet
Paper towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 8g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 44g

📝Notes

For best results, use sushi-grade tuna and serve immediately after slicing. Adjust searing time based on thickness; cook 30 seconds longer per side for each additional 1/4 inch of thickness. The sesame crust can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated.

Watch Video Of How Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna Works

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it reheats – simply place the cooked tuna on a plate and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before microwaving for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. You can also reheat the tuna in a skillet on low heat until warmed through – just be sure not to overcook it!

When serving this dish at a party or gathering, consider garnishing each plate with extra sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added visual appeal. This recipe also freezes beautifully – simply place cooked tuna on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna

Q: What type of tuna should I use?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using fresh tuna steaks – preferably wild-caught and sustainably sourced. Look for steaks that are at least an inch thick for the best results.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the sesame crust mixture up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, I don’t recommend making the tuna itself ahead of time – it’s best served fresh.

Q: Can I substitute different types of fish?

A: While you can use other types of fish in this recipe, I highly recommend sticking with tuna – its unique flavor and texture are what make this dish so special. That being said, if you want to try something different, you could use salmon or mahi-mahi as substitutes.

Q: How do I prevent the sesame crust from burning?

A: To prevent the sesame crust from burning, make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the oil – you want it to shimmer but not smoke. Also, don’t overcrowd your pan – cook the tuna in batches if necessary.

Q: Can I use canned tuna instead of fresh?

A: While canned tuna can be convenient, I highly recommend using fresh whenever possible – its flavor and texture are simply better.

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