Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna

Savor an oceanic symphony of gourmet flavors with my tantalizing Sesame-Crusted Tuna recipe! This melt-in-your-mouth recipe for seared tuna steaks encrusted with a delicate blend of toasted sesame seeds requires just 7 simple ingredients and only 25 minutes of prep time. Cheers for restaurant-quality eats in the comfort of your own home!

Featured comment: I have a confession – I’m obsessed with this sesame tuna! I’ve tried a ton of online recipes, but had yet to meet the perfect recipe. Tried this and was met with the most perfect, vibrant, flavorful piece of seared tuna. THANK YOU!” – Mary

About this recipe for seared tuna 

Experience the ultimate culinary magic with this sensational sesame-seared ahi tuna recipe! This delightful dish showcases succulently seared yellowfin tuna encased in a flavorful crust for a restaurant-quality meal right in your own home.

Why you’ll love seared sesame tuna

If you’re a fan of gorgeously red, barely cooked pan-seared tuna steaks, this one’s for you. Aside from having a delectably tender consistency and a stunning appearance on the plate, this sesame-crusted ahi tuna recipe is also:

• Made With Only 7 Ingredients. You’ll be amazed by the remarkable flavors achieved with only a handful of common kitchen items. A simple yet powerful combination of chili powder, coriander, and ginger, plus a smattering of crunchy, two-toned sesame seeds creates an enticing fusion of flavors that will impress even the most discerning palates.
• Versatile. One of the most significant advantages of this crusted ahi tuna steak recipe is its remarkable versatility. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or craving a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this dish effortlessly adapts to any occasion. Serve it as a stunning main course alongside a vibrant salad or slice it thinly to create a delectable appetizer.
• Budget-Friendly. As if that weren’t enough to love, this seared sesame tuna also helps you save your hard-earned dollars. By preparing this exquisite dish at home, you’re taking a budget-friendly approach that gives you all the flavors of dining out at a high-end seafood restaurant for a fraction of the cost.  

So why settle for the ordinary when you can savor the extraordinary? Give this sesame-crusted tuna recipe a whirl and experience seafood bliss tonight!

What is ahi? 

In short, ahi is a superstar in the world of seafood. Also known as yellowfin tuna for its vibrant saffron stripe and fins, this yummy fish is known for its deep ruby-red color and rich, meaty flavor. The name “Ahi” comes from the Hawaiian language, and translates to “fire,” a nod to the vibrant hue of the meat. It’s like the James Bond of the fish world — sleek and sophisticated.

What truly sets Ahi Tuna apart is its melt-in-your-mouth texture; when it’s just barely cooked, you get to experience the naturally tender, buttery consistency. Trust me: it’s like taking a bite of pure indulgence. People often enjoy it seared on the outside, leaving the inside nice and rare, giving you that perfect balance of umami flavors.

So, whether you’re a seafood aficionado or just someone looking to try something new and exciting, this sesame-crusted seared ahi tuna is definitely worth a try. Like Nike says, Just Do It!

Ingredients in seared tuna recipe

Sesame crust

• Chili Powder – This spice blend is made from ground dried chili peppers and often includes earthy cumin, packing a punch of heat and a delightful complex flavor. Depending on the type of chili peppers used, chili powder can have varying levels of spiciness, ranging from mild to hot – so pick the heat level you prefer.
  • Substitutions: Swap in other varieties like mildly sweet paprika, smoked paprika, hot paprika, spicy cayenne, smoky ancho or chipotle.
• Ground Coriander – Its citrus undertones lend a refreshing element, while its warm and earthy essence adds depth. 
  • Substitutions: Garam masala is a spice blend that offers a flavor profile similar to coriander since it typically contains coriander along with other aromatic spices Alternatively, cumin is a suitable substitute, especially if you’re looking for a warm and earthy flavor. However, keep in mind that cumin has a stronger flavor, so you may want to use it in smaller quantities.
• Ground Ginger – For a spicy, warm, and slightly sweet flavor, with a hint of citrus freshness. 
  • Substitutions: In a pinch, use approximately 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of the fresh stuff. Ground allspice can also be used as a substitute for ground ginger, although it will provide a slightly different flavor. Use an equal amount of ground allspice for ground ginger.
• Sesame Seeds – I use a mix of both black and white seeds for the greatest visual appeal. Feel free to use either on its own if you prefer.
• Kosher Salt & Ground Pepper – Because basic seasoning makes the world go round.

Searing sesame tuna

• Tuna Steak – It may be sold as Ahi, Bigeye, or Yellowfin, so just keep your eyes peeled. If it has a “Sashimi-grade” stamp, all the better.
• Peanut Oil – You’ll want a high-heat cooking oil here.
  • Substitutions: Any neutral-flavored oil with a relatively high smoke point, including avocado, grapeseed,  or canola.
• Sesame Oil: For a savory, toasty flavor that perfectly complements this sesame ahi tuna.

Seared tuna steaks variations

While we think this recipe for seared tuna with sesame seeds is simply perfect the way it is, you definitely have some wiggle room to make it your own. Here are a few possible ways to switch things up:

• Sweet-n-Savory: Prepare a soy ginger glaze by combining soy sauce or tamari, freshly grated ginger and garlic, a touch of honey or brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar. Brush the glaze over the seared tuna before applying the sesame crust for a sweet-savory flavor profile.
• Citrusy: Before applying the sesame crust, grate some fresh orange or lime zest onto the tuna steaks. The vibrant citrus notes will add a bright and tangy element to the dish, complementing the nutty sesame crust beautifully.
• Spice Up the Crust: Enhance the flavor of the sesame crust by incorporating additional spices or herbs. You can experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, or try mixing in some dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to infuse the crust with aromatic notes.

How to make sesame crusted tuna

This quick and simple yellowfin tuna recipe comes together in a flash. Here’s how:

1. Make Sesame Crust: On a small plate, mix together the chili powder, coriander, ginger, salt, pepper, and sesame seeds.
2. Prepare Tuna Steak: Place the ahi tuna on a clean work surface and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Brush the tuna all over with soy sauce and sesame oil.
3. Coat Tuna with Sesame Seeds: Transfer the ahi tuna to the plate with the sesame seed mixture. Press the tuna steak down into the sesame seeds mixture. Flip the tuna over and press again to coat the tuna all over with sesame seeds.

How to sear tuna with sesame crust

After you’ve crusted the tuna steak in sesame seeds, you’ll want to sear it on the stove-top in a hot pan. Here’s how:

1. Heat Skillet to Blazing Hot: Place a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Leave the skillet on the stove-top and let it heat up until VERY HOT. (Note: You can tell the pan is hot enough by adding a couple drops of water to the pan. If the water sizzles, the pan is hot and ready for searing!)
2. Add Oil: Once the pan is very hot, add the peanut oil, followed by the sesame oil.
3. Sear Sesame Crusted Tuna: Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the tuna steak to the hot oil, using the back of a fish spatula to gently press down on the tuna. Let the tuna sear – undisturbed – for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Use your fish spatula to gently lift up one corner of the ahi tuna to check the bottom. Once the bottom of the tuna steak is beautifully golden in color, carefully flip the tuna. Continue to sear the tuna for 45 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes, or until both sides of the tuna steak are deeply golden in color. (Note: If you would like to sear the edges of the ahi, use tongs to hold the tuna upright in the hot pan.)
4. Rest: Transfer the seared tuna to a clean work surface and let rest for 1 minute.
5. Slice Tuna: Using a sharp slicing knife or sharp Chef’s knife, thinly slice the tuna steak against the grain.
6. Serve or Store: Serve sesame crusted tuna steak with your favorite seafood side dish, or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert tips for the best sesame crusted seared ahi tuna

Wondering how to cook seared tuna? Keep the following tips and tricks in mind and your sesame seed-crusted tuna will come out beautifully every single time:

5 tips for the best sesame tuna

• Look for fresh, high-quality ahi tuna steaks. Opt for steaks that have a vibrant red color and firm texture. Make sure they have a mild, fresh smell that’s reminiscent of the ocean. If possible, purchase “sushi-grade” or “sashimi-grade” fish, to ensure the highest quality and freshness. 
• Toasting the sesame seeds before applying them to the tuna adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances their nuttiness. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, then add the sesame seeds and stir frequently until they turn golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning and allow the seeds to cool before using them to coat the tuna.
• Pat the tuna steaks dry with a clean towel before seasoning and applying the seasoned sesame crust. This helps ensure a better sear and enhances the adherence of the sesame seeds. 
• To achieve a beautifully seared exterior while keeping the interior rare or medium-rare, preheat your skillet over high heat. Sear the tuna steaks for about 1-2 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness. The sesame crust should turn golden brown and crispy while the center of the tuna remains rare or medium-rare. 
• Once you’ve finished searing the tuna, allow it to rest for a few minutes like you would a regular steak. This allows the juices to redistribute. When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife to slice the tuna against the grain into thin, even slices. 

FAQs: sesame crusted ahi tuna

Is sesame crusted tuna healthy?

TBH, “healthy” is one of those terms that I prefer to keep my distance from. First, it can mean lots of different things to lots of people. (Example: followers of the keto diet think carbs are the devil, while Whole30 devotées are appalled at the idea of sugar alcohols. Who’s right?) 

Second, I’m not a licensed nutritional professional. If you want real diet advice, I advise you seek out a licensed dietician with great google reviews.

That said, ahi tuna steaks are an excellent source of lean protein. Tuna is loaded with omega-3’s, and it otherwise very nutrient dense. And, since you will be searing the tuna steak, you aren’t adding a ton of extra fat, so it’s a pretty virtuous dish from a calorie-counting standpoint as well. For someone who considers herself as a gym and fitness enthusiast, this is most definitely one of my go-to meals.

Is seared ahi tuna any safer than raw?

Pan-seared tuna is generally considered safer than consuming raw or completely uncooked tuna. Searing tuna steaks involves quickly cooking the outer layer of the tuna, while the interior remains rare or medium-rare. This cooking process helps to kill potential bacteria and parasites that may be present on the surface of the fish.

However, it’s important to note that while searing ahi reduces the risk of bacteria and parasites, it does not completely eliminate them. To ensure food safety, it’s crucial to source fresh, high-quality tuna from reputable suppliers and handle it properly. 

This includes storing it at the correct temperature*, keeping it separate from other raw ingredients, and practicing good hygiene and sanitation during preparation.

*According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, freezing fish at a temperature of -4°F (-20°C) or below for a minimum of 7 days should kill most parasites that may be present. The FDA recommends extending the freezing time to at least 14 days for fish with a thickness of 6 inches (15 centimeters) or less, and up to 7 days for each additional inch (2.5 centimeters) of thickness.

It’s important to note that these guidelines are specifically for parasite control. Freezing may not completely eliminate all types of bacteria that could be present in fish. Therefore, proper handling, storage, and preparation practices should still be followed to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

Serving ahi seared tuna 

• Zoodle it up! Serve your seared sesame-crusted tuna over delicate, crisp zucchini noodles with fresh veggies, bright herbs, and crunchy peanuts. Finish it with a generous drizzle of a silky, smooth Asian dressing.
• Serve With Dipping Sauce, like soy-ginger dipping sauce, a tangy ponzu sauce, or even a creamy wasabi aioli to elevate the overall taste experience. To create a super simple spicy dip, try mixing wasabi paste with mayonnaise. 
• Opt to lay your gorgeous fish on a bed of fresh mixed greens or a vibrant salad. Consider using a combination of baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix, and a sesame ginger dressing. YUM.
• Create a refreshing noodle salad by tossing cooked soba noodles or rice noodles with julienned vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber. Then, top it off with the sesame-seared tuna slices.
• Prepare an Asian-inspired slaw using shredded cabbage, and carrots. Toss the vegetables with a dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and a touch of lime juice. Wrap the tuna and slaw up in rice paper to create delightful spring rolls!
• Create a unique Asian-American fusion by serving the tuna alongside wasabi mashed potatoes. It’s like a whole new take on steak and potatoes!
• Go for a south-of-the-border flair! Prepare a vibrant pico de gallo, then spoon it over the tuna slices.
• Build a nourishing Asian-inspired grain bowl with a base of quinoa or brown rice. Top it with steamed or stir-fried veggies, add the sesame seed tuna, and drizzle the whole thing with sesame dressing for the best darn WFH lunch.

Storing leftover tuna steaks

• Place any leftover seared tuna in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• To prevent the sesame crust from becoming soggy, it’s advisable to store the tuna separately from any accompanying sauces or dressings. 
• I suggest serving any leftovers cold or at room temperature, as reheating can overcook the tuna and diminish its desirable texture.

Alright, friends! It’s time to cast aside those takeout menus, reel in your inner chef, and embark on a culinary adventure that’s fin-tastically budget-friendly. Don’t let this opportunity swim away—dive into the kitchen and let this pan-seared tuna with sesame seeds be the shining star of your homemade feast. Sea-riously, you won’t regret it! 

Hugs & Fishes,

Cheyanne

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More delicious tuna recipes! 

• Macaroni Tuna Salad
• Fresh Tuna Salad
• Spicy Tuna Recipe

How to make the best Spicy Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna recipe at home👇

Print Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Seared Sesame Crusted Tuna

Savor an oceanic symphony of gourmet flavors with my tantalizing Sesame-Crusted Tuna recipe! This melt-in-your-mouth recipe for seared tuna steaks encrusted with a delicate blend of toasted sesame seeds requires just 7 simple ingredients and only 25 minutes of prep time. Cheers for restaurant-quality eats in the comfort of your own home!

Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian, Fusion

Keyword: recipe for seared tuna, seared ahi tuna recipe, seared sesame tuna, seared tuna steak, sesame crusted ahi tuna, sesame crusted tuna, sesame seared ahi tuna, sesame seared tuna, tuna recipes seared, tuna sesame crust, tuna steak with sesame crust

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 200kcal

Author: Cheyanne Holzworth

This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my links.

Equipment

• 1 Plate (for mixing tuna seasonings and sesame seeds)
• 1 Cast Iron Skillet (for searing tuna)
• 1 Fish Spatula (for cooking tuna)

Ingredients

Sesame Crusted Tuna:

• 3 TBS Sesame Seeds – mix of both black and white
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• ½ tsp Ground Coriander
• ¼ tsp Ground Ginger
• Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper - to taste
• 1 TBS Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
• 2 tsp Sesame Oil - DIVIDED

Searing Tuna

• 8-12 ounces Ahi Tuna Steak - thawed (SEE NOTES)
• 2 TBS Peanut Oil
• Optional for Serving: Veggie Noodles, Steamed Rice, Asian Cucumber Salad

Instructions

• Make Sesame Crust: On a small plate, mix together the chili powder, coriander, ginger, salt, pepper, and sesame seeds.
• Prepare Tuna Steak: Place the ahi tuna on a clean work surface and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Brush the tuna all over with soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. 
• Coat Tuna with Sesame Seeds: Transfer the ahi tuna to the plate with the sesame seed mixture. Press the tuna steak down into the sesame seeds mixture. Flip the tuna over and press again to coat the tuna all over with sesame seeds.
• Heat Skillet to Blazing Hot: Place a dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Leave the skillet on the stove-top and let it heat up until VERY HOT.

  (Note: You can tell the pan is hot enough by adding a couple drops of water to the pan. If the water sizzles, the pan is hot and ready for searing!)
• Add Oil: Once the pan is very hot, add the peanut oil, followed by the remaining teaspoon sesame oil.
• Sear Sesame Crusted Tuna: Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the tuna steak to the hot oil, using the back of a fish spatula to gently press down on the tuna. Let the tuna sear - undisturbed - for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Use your fish spatula to gently lift up one corner of the ahi tuna to check the bottom.

  Once the bottom of the tuna steak is beautifully golden in color, carefully flip the tuna. Continue to sear the tuna for 45 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes, or until both sides of the tuna steak are deeply golden in color.

  (Note: If you would like to sear the edges of the ahi, use tongs to hold the tuna upright in the hot pan.)
• Rest: Transfer the seared tuna to a clean work surface and let rest for 1 minute.
• Slice Tuna: Using a sharp slicing knife or sharp Chef's knife, thinly slice the tuna steak against the grain.
• Serve or Store: Serve sesame crusted tuna steak with your favorite seafood side dish, or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

1. When consuming raw (or quickly seared) fish, it is VERY important to purchase your fish from a trusted, reputable source. Make sure you are buying fish that is safe for raw consumption and has been handled/stored properly. I recommend using sashimi grade ahi or yellowfin tuna in this tuna steak recipe.
2. Searing Times: If you like your tuna quickly seared and rare, I recommend cooking the tuna for 30-45 seconds per side. If you prefer your tuna closer to medium, bump the cooking time up to about 75 seconds (1 minute 15 seconds) per side.
3. Sesame Seeds: I typically use a mixture of both black and white sesame seeds to encrust my tuna, because I prefer the visual appeal. However, you can use just one color if you prefer - black or white.

Nutritional information is an estimate based upon 4 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 175mg | Potassium: 197mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 1387IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 2mg