This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Learn how to prepare, cook and serve this fresh, quick and easy to make Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna. Great to serve on its own with ginger lime soy sauce or top over salads, poke or grain bowls.
I rarely make this sesame crusted tuna, but when I do, my whole family loves it! It is very easy to make and requires less that 2 minutes of cooking time. A less expensive option, to make a restaurant quality meal at home.
Serve with pickles vegetables or your favorite salad. Just make sure you get a high quality piece of fish and be careful not to overcook it. Ahi tuna is best served either raw, or seared on the outside and left pink and soft on the inside.
While you can sear it without the sesame crust, I love the extra crunch and flavor that it creates.
Sushi Grade Ahi Tuna
You may have heard the term “sushi grade ahi tuna” but what does it really mean? There is no official standard regarding this label.
The label (term) “sushi grade” means that it is the highest quality fish the specific store is offering, and the one they feel confident can be eaten raw.
Tuna fish is usually graded by the wholesalers and the highest quality is Grade 1.
What is Yellowfin Ahi tuna?
Ahi is a species of tuna and is divided into two different types: yellowfin and bigeye. Both are sport and eating fishes.
Yellowfin is more common, can be easily found at the store, a little less expensive and has an amazing flavor. Yellowfin is known for its mild taste and firm texture, so it’s a preferred tuna for sashimi or poke, but it can be grilled or seared as well.
Big Eye is characterized by its plump body, larger head and unusually large eyes. It dwells in colder waters than Yellowfin and has a higher fat content, which is the main difference between the two.
What ingredients do you need to make this Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna with ginger lime soy sauce?
- Sushi grade Ahi Tuna (I used Yellowfin tuna)
- salt
- black pepper
- sesame seeds
- grape seed, vegetable or olive oil
- soy sauce
- ginger
- lime or lemon juice
- green onions (optional)
How long to cook this Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna on the stove top?
Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet.
In a plate combine the sesame seeds, salt and pepper. Press the fish on top to make sure it is covered with sesame seeds on all sides.
Cook the fish for 30 seconds on top and bottom and sides and 10 seconds on the ands.
Slice thinly. Serve.
More Tuna Recipes:
Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna
Video
Ingredients
- 8 oz sushi grade ahi tuna
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp grape seed or vegetable oil
For the sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat, until shimmering.
- In a plate combine the sesame seeds, salt and pepper. Press the fish on top to make sure it is covered with sesame seeds on all sides.
- Cook the fish for 30 seconds on top and bottom and sides and 10 seconds on the ands.
- Slice thinly. Serve.
For the ginger lime soy sauce:
- Combine everything in a bowl and serve with he fish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made the tuna last night. It was quick, easy and delicious. The sauce was the perfect accent.