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Sesame-Crusted Tuna Steak Recipe

Sesame-Crusted Tuna Steak Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 9 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sesame tuna steak delivers restaurant-quality seafood right to your dinner plate with minimal effort. Crispy sesame seeds create a perfect golden crust while keeping the center tender and delicious.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 tuna steaks (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white and/or black)

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Instructions

  1. Remove tuna steaks from refrigerator and thoroughly blot each steak with paper towels to ensure a dry surface for optimal sesame seed adherence.
  2. Create a seasoning blend by mixing 2 tablespoons of white and black sesame seeds with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper in a shallow dish.
  3. Carefully press each 6-ounce tuna steak into the sesame seed mixture, rotating to coat both sides completely with an even layer of seeds.
  4. Place a skillet over medium-high heat and pour 1 tablespoon olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Gently lay the sesame-crusted tuna steaks into the hot skillet, listening for a satisfying sizzle that signals perfect temperature.
  6. Sear each side for precisely 1-2 minutes for a rare center, adjusting time if you prefer a more cooked texture.
  7. While tuna cooks, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger to create a vibrant dipping sauce.
  8. Transfer tuna to a cutting board and let it rest for 60 seconds to redistribute internal juices.
  9. Slice the tuna steak against the grain and arrange on plates with the prepared dipping sauce alongside.

Notes

  • Fresh tuna steaks should be deep red and look moist, without any brown or gray spots when purchasing.
  • Sesame seeds create a delicate, nutty crust that adds texture and flavor without overwhelming the delicate fish.
  • Searing at high heat creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior while keeping the center rare and tender.
  • For gluten-free diets, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari and ensure your sesame seeds are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Pan-Seared
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg