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Restaurant-Style at Home

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Create perfectly seared ahi tuna at home with a simple Asian-inspired marinade and quick high-heat searing method. Impressive yet surprisingly easy.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:06 GMT
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A plate of sliced seared tuna topped with sesame seeds and chili flakes, accompanied by fresh salad greens. Pin it
A plate of sliced seared tuna topped with sesame seeds and chili flakes, accompanied by fresh salad greens. | recipesbyclare.com

This seared ahi tuna reminds me of my favorite Hawaiian restaurants but now I make it in my own kitchen. The sesame soy marinade and quick searing create that perfect contrast between the seared crust and tender center. Once you try this recipe you'll never believe how simple it is to make restaurant quality tuna at home.

Simple Yet Stunning

After perfecting this recipe I rarely order tuna out anymore. With just a handful of ingredients and few minutes of cooking you get amazing results. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or dinner party this dish always impresses while keeping things budget friendly.

What You'll Need

  • Fresh ahi tuna steaks nice thick cuts
  • Good quality soy sauce I use low sodium
  • Everything bagel seasoning my secret ingredient
  • Fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • Hot honey adds lovely warmth
  • Pure coconut oil for perfect searing

Let's Get Cooking

Start with Flavor
Mix soy sauce lemon juice hot honey pour over tuna let marinate few hours
Get Things Hot
Heat your heaviest pan with coconut oil until it shimmers
Quick Cooking
Sear tuna under a minute each side for that perfect rare center
Time to Serve
Let rest briefly slice against the grain serve with extra sauce

Perfect Pairings

I love serving this tuna over fluffy rice with Asian slaw on the side. Slice it thin for appetizers with ponzu sauce or turn it into amazing fish tacos. Sometimes I just lay it over fresh greens with avocado for a light dinner.

My Kitchen Secrets

Give your tuna those full three hours to soak up the marinade. Use your heaviest pan cast iron works beautifully. Work fast when searing that's the key to perfect tuna every time.

Sliced seared tuna garnished with sesame seeds, served atop a bed of fresh greens on a round plate. Pin it
Sliced seared tuna garnished with sesame seeds, served atop a bed of fresh greens on a round plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Save Some for Later

Leftover tuna keeps two days in the fridge. Skip reheating just enjoy it cold in salads or rice bowls. The flavors stay lovely when chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use coconut oil?

High smoke point prevents burning while getting hot enough to sear properly.

→ How long should I marinate?

3-6 hours ideal, longer better for more flavor penetration.

→ How do I slice it?

Use serrated knife, cut against grain for tender slices.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

Great in salads or tacos. Store properly chilled.

→ Is it safe to eat rare?

Sushi-grade tuna is safe rare. Buy from reputable source.

Seared Ahi Tuna

Restaurant-quality seared ahi tuna with a flavorful honey-soy marinade. Quick to cook and impressively elegant.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
2 Minutes
Total Time
12 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1-1.5 lbs ahi tuna steaks (about 2 steaks).
02 3 tbsp soy sauce.
03 1 tbsp Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
04 1 tbsp sesame oil.
05 1/2 tsp salt.
06 1/2 tsp black pepper.
07 1 tbsp hot honey (or regular).
08 Juice of 1 lemon.
09 3 tbsp coconut oil for cooking.
10 Black sesame seeds for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Whisk soy sauce, seasonings, oils, honey, lemon juice.

Step 02

Place tuna in shallow dish, pour marinade over.

Step 03

Cover and refrigerate 3-6 hours.

Step 04

Heat coconut oil in cast iron over high heat.

Step 05

Sear tuna 45-60 seconds per side.

Step 06

Rest 5 minutes before slicing against grain.

Step 07

Garnish with sesame seeds.

Notes

  1. Make extra marinade for dipping sauce.
  2. Use dutch oven to prevent splatter.
  3. Coconut oil needed for high heat.
  4. Great for salads or tacos if leftover.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or cast iron skillet.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Whisk.
  • Baking dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy.
  • Fish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 306
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 28 g