Name: Seared Ahi Tuna Recipe with Sesame-Citrus Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 x 6-oz ahi tuna steaks, about 1-inch thick; 1 tsp fine sea salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or grapeseed); 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp tamari (or extra soy sauce); 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice; 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 garlic clove, grated; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green separated); 1 small cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeds scraped, thinly sliced; 1 small carrot, julienned or grated; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped; 1 small red chili or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Cooked jasmine or short-grain rice, to serve (optional); Lime wedges, for serving

Seared Ahi Tuna Recipe with Sesame-Citrus Glaze

Quick, restaurant-quality seared ahi tuna topped with a bright sesame-citrus glaze and crunchy scallion-sesame salad. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s a flavorful high-protein centerpiece for weeknights or entertaining.

⏱

Prep Time 15 min

🔥

Cook Time 30 min

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Total Time 45 min

👥

Servings 4

⭐

Difficulty Medium

Instructions

1
Step 1: Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with sea salt and black pepper.
2
Step 2: Make the sesame-citrus glaze by whisking together toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, tamari, orange juice, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, and grated garlic in a small bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the glaze for finishing.
3
Step 3: Quick-pickle the cucumber and carrot: place the sliced cucumber and julienned carrot in a bowl with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon honey. Toss and set aside to marinate while you cook.
4
Step 4: Heat a large heavy skillet over high heat until very hot. Add the neutral oil and swirl to coat. When shimmering, place the tuna steaks in the pan, searing without moving for 45–60 seconds to form a crust.
5
Step 5: Turn the steaks and sear the second side 45–60 seconds for rare to medium-rare (adjust time for desired doneness). Spoon a little of the reserved glaze over each steak as it finishes. Remove tuna to a cutting board and rest 2–3 minutes.
6
Step 6: While the tuna rests, toss the pickled cucumber and carrot with sliced scallion whites, chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and optional chili or red pepper flakes. Add a splash of the remaining glaze if desired.
7
Step 7: Slice the tuna against the grain into 1/4-inch slices. Arrange over rice or a bed of greens, top with the scallion-sesame salad, drizzle remaining glaze, and garnish with scallion greens and lime wedges.
8
Step 8: Serve immediately, enjoying the contrast of the seared crust, tender rare center, and bright citrus-sesame flavors.

💡 tips

For best texture, sear tuna over very high heat for a short time to keep the center rare. Let tuna rest briefly before slicing to retain juices. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until fragrant for maximum flavor. If serving for a crowd, sear steaks ahead and briefly reheat slices in a hot pan for 10–15 seconds per side.