Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
	
		Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks offer a quick, elegant, and healthy dinner option featuring perfectly seared sushi-grade tuna with a flavorful crust and tender, pink center. Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe combines simple pantry ingredients with gourmet flair, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s nutritious, visually stunning, and versatile for pairing with various sides and sauces.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Judy
 
							- Prep Time: 5 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 5 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 10 minutes
 
							- Yield: 2 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Appetizers
 
							- Method: Searing
 
							- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
 
							- Diet: Gluten Free
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			Main Ingredients
- 2 fresh sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks (6 oz each)
 
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
 
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
 
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
 
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
 
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
 
- Optional: 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Prepare the Tuna: Pat the ahi tuna steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Season generously on all sides with coarse sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly brush both sides with sesame oil to enhance flavor and help with browning.
 
- Heat the Pan: Heat a heavy-bottom skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking. Add a small amount of sesame oil to coat the surface evenly, creating the ideal environment for forming a golden crust.
 
- Sear the Tuna Steaks: Place the tuna steaks gently in the pan and sear for about 1 to 1.5 minutes per side. Aim for a deeply browned exterior while keeping the center rare and pink. Avoid moving the fish to allow a crisp crust to form.
 
- Rest and Slice: Remove the tuna steaks from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board for 2 minutes. Slice them thinly against the grain to showcase the beautiful seared exterior and tender interior, then serve or add to your favorite dishes.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Use sushi-grade ahi tuna for safety and superior texture.
 
- Ensure the pan is very hot before searing for a proper crust.
 
- Serve tuna rare to medium-rare to avoid dryness.
 
- Press gently on the steak to check doneness: firm outside and soft inside indicates perfect cooking.
 
- Let the tuna rest after cooking to lock in juices and maintain tenderness.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak (6 oz)
 
							- Calories: 180 kcal
 
							- Sugar: 0 g
 
							- Sodium: 450 mg
 
							- Fat: 8 g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 1 g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0 g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 1 g
 
							- Fiber: 0 g
 
							- Protein: 28 g
 
							- Cholesterol: 55 mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: ahi tuna, seared tuna, quick dinner, healthy seafood, sushi-grade tuna, easy weeknight meal, gluten free, protein rich