05 May 2025
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 65 min
Ingredients:
1 onion
1 garlic clove
1 tsp lime juice
1 tbsp ginger root
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
16 oz tuna fish
Ginger-lime seared ahi tuna with soy sauce and sesame oil is a delightful and elegant dish that brings together the freshness of lime and ginger with the umami richness of soy sauce and sesame oil. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party entrée.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, lime juice, grated ginger root, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. Marinate the Tuna:
- Rinse the ahi tuna under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the tuna in a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the tuna, ensuring it’s well-coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. For deeper flavor, you may marinate for up to 1 hour, turning occasionally.
3. Preheat the Pan:
- Place a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Let it heat up for about 2-3 minutes until it's very hot.
4. Sear the Tuna:
- Remove the tuna from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. You can reserve the marinade for additional flavor or to use as a light sauce later, but be sure to bring it to a boil first to kill any bacteria if using it as a sauce.
- Add a small amount of sesame oil or cooking oil to the pan if necessary, though the tuna should have enough from the marinade.
- Place the tuna steaks in the pan and sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more cooked. The goal is to have a flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender and slightly pink.
5. Serve:
- Remove the tuna from the pan and let it rest for a minute. Slice the tuna into thin, even slices.
- If desired, drizzle a bit of the boiled marinade over the top or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
- Garnish with additional lime wedges, sesame seeds, or green onions if you like.
6. Accompaniments:
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice, a light salad, or some sautéed vegetables.
Tips:
- Ensure your tuna is fresh and of high quality. The fresher the fish, the better the dish.
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan to achieve a perfect sear on the tuna.
- Avoid overcooking the tuna. Sear each side for just 1-2 minutes to maintain a tender and rare center.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of lime juice, soy sauce, and ginger according to your taste preferences.
- Serve the tuna with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of mixed greens for a complete meal.
Ginger-lime seared ahi tuna with soy sauce and sesame oil is a flavorful and nutritious dish that's sure to impress. With its bright citrus, spicy ginger, and savory soy and sesame flavors, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy fresh tuna. Follow these simple steps and tips for a meal that's as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.