Sesame-Crusted Tuna Steak

Name: Sesame-Crusted Tuna Steak
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 9 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 2 pcs tuna steak (sushi-grade ahi tuna, about 6 oz each, 1-inch thick); 2 tbsp white sesame seeds; 2 tbsp black sesame seeds; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper (freshly cracked); 1 tbsp oil (high smoke point, such as avocado or canola); 1 tbsp soy sauce (for serving); 1 pcs lime (cut into wedges, for serving)

RATING

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

9/10

Restaurant-quality tuna steaks with a golden, nutty sesame crust and a perfectly rare, ruby-red center. Quick-seared in a hot pan, this dish comes together in under 15 minutes for an impressive weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.

PREP

COOK

SERVES

1 PIECE

371 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 2 servings

2 pcstuna steak · sushi-grade ahi tuna, about 6 oz each, 1-inch thick2 tbspwhite sesame seeds2 tbspblack sesame seeds1 pinchsalt1 pinchblack pepper · freshly cracked1 tbspoil · high smoke point, such as avocado or canola1 tbspsoy sauce · for serving1 pcslime · cut into wedges, for serving

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

371

CALORIES · 1 PIECE

Protein44g · 47%

Carbs8g · 9%

Fat18g · 44%

Fiber3g

Sugar1g

Saturated fat3g

Cholesterol80mg

Sodium636mg

Potassium688mg

Phosphorus471mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 5 STEPS

prep
Pat the tuna steaks completely dry.
Remove tuna steaks from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels—any surface moisture prevents the sesame crust from sticking.
TIPDry tuna is essential for a good sear. Even sushi-grade fish should be patted dry.
prep
Season and coat with sesame seeds.
1.Season both sides of each tuna steak with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
2.Mix white and black sesame seeds on a flat plate.
3.Press each tuna steak firmly into the sesame seed mix, coating all sides evenly. Use your hands to pat seeds onto the edges.
TIPPress firmly so the seeds adhere. The natural moisture of the fish helps them stick.
fry · ~2 min
Sear the tuna steaks.
1.Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until shimmering and just beginning to smoke.
2.Carefully lay the sesame-crusted tuna steaks in the pan. Sear for 45 to 60 seconds per side for rare, or 90 seconds for medium-rare.
3.Use tongs to also briefly sear the edges—about 15 seconds each edge—to set the crust all around.
TIPHigh heat is crucial. The pan must be screaming hot to form a golden crust while keeping the center rare. Do not move the fish once it hits the pan.
rest · ~2 min
Rest the tuna briefly.
Transfer seared tuna steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 2 minutes. This allows the juices to settle before slicing.
TIPResting prevents the rare center from bleeding out when sliced.
assemble
Slice and serve.
1.Using a sharp knife, slice each tuna steak against the grain into ½-inch thick slices.
2.Fan the slices on a plate. Serve immediately with a drizzle of soy sauce and a lime wedge on the side.
TIPSlice cleanly in one motion—do not saw back and forth—to keep the crust intact.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Let the tuna rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even searing.
2
Pat the tuna extremely dry with paper towels so the sesame seeds adhere and the crust stays intact.
3
Use a cast iron or heavy stainless steel pan; it holds heat best for a fast, high-temp sear.
4
Do not move the tuna once it hits the pan—let it develop a crisp, golden crust undisturbed.
5
Slice the rested tuna against the grain in one clean stroke to keep the sesame crust from crumbling.
6
Briefly sear the edges (15 seconds each) to lock the crust all around and prevent the coating from falling off.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

spicy sesame

Spicy-sesame

Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sesame seed mix for a kick of heat that complements the nutty crust.

ginger soy glaze

Ginger-soy glaze

Brush the cooked tuna with a mixture of 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger instead of plain soy sauce for a sweet-salty glaze.

low oil

Low-oil

Instead of pan-searing, cook the sesame-crusted tuna on a non-stick skillet lightly misted with cooking spray to reduce oil while still achieving a crust.

herb crusted