Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsCharred HanoverSeared Ahi Tuna Recipe

Seared Ahi Tuna Recipe

Inspired by Charred Hanover
Time25m
Serves4

daikon slaw, pickled ginger

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Ingredients

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Seared Ahi

Method

Seared Ahi

  1. 1

    Prepare tuna

    Pat the ahi tuna dry with paper towels. Season all sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using sesame seeds, press seeds into both long sides of the loin so they adhere.

  2. 2

    Heat pan

    Place a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until just smoking, about 2–3 minutes. Add the neutral oil and swirl to coat.

  3. 3

    Sear

    Carefully place the tuna in the hot pan. Sear without moving for 30–45 seconds per side for a rare center (adjust to 60–90 seconds per side for medium-rare depending on thickness). Use tongs to sear all four thin edges for a few seconds each to create an even crust.

  4. 4

    Rest and slice

    Transfer tuna to a cutting board and let rest 2 minutes. Slice across the grain into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch slices. Keep warm or chill briefly if serving slightly cool.

Daikon Slaw

  1. 5

    Julienne and mix vegetables

    Combine the julienned daikon, julienned carrot, and sliced scallions in a mixing bowl. Add the chopped cilantro if using.

  2. 6

    Make dressing

    Whisk together rice vinegar, light soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or agave), fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until honey is dissolved and dressing is emulsified.

  3. 7

    Dress slaw

    Pour dressing over the vegetable mix and toss thoroughly to coat. Let sit 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to marry. Taste and adjust seasoning (add more vinegar for brightness, salt for balance, or a pinch of sugar if too tart).

Pickled Ginger & Garnishes

  1. 8

    Plate components

    Arrange a small bed of microgreens or baby arugula (if using) on each plate. Spoon a portion of daikon slaw beside or on top of greens. Fan sliced seared ahi over or next to the slaw.

  2. 9

    Add pickled ginger and finish

    Place a small mound (about 1–2 tablespoons per serving) of pickled ginger on the plate. Drizzle a few drops of toasted sesame oil over the tuna or slaw if desired. Add lime or lemon wedges alongside for squeezing.

Optional Dipping Sauce

  1. 10

    Combine sauce

    Whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, and sliced scallion in a small bowl. Serve alongside the tuna for dipping.

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