Seared Tuna Recipe
Recipe information
Make Seared Tuna in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
Tuna & Marinade
Coating & Finish
Garnish & Sauce
Tuna & Marinade
1. Prepare the tuna
Pat the tuna loin dry with paper towels. Trim away any silver skin or dark veins and shape into a neat rectangular/oval portion about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick so it sears evenly.
2. Make the marinade
In a shallow dish combine 3 tbs soy sauce, 1 tbs mirin, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp minced garlic and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Marinate briefly
Place the tuna in the dish and spoon marinade over it to coat all sides. Marinate for 10–15 minutes at room temperature (no longer than 30 minutes) — just long enough to season the surface without cooking the interior.
Coating & Finish
4. Prepare sesame coating
On a plate combine 2 tbs white sesame seeds and 1 tbs black sesame seeds. Spread into an even layer.
5. Coat the tuna
Remove tuna from marinade and let excess drip off. Lightly season all sides with 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Press the longer sides and top of the tuna gently into the sesame seeds to adhere a thin coating; leave the sides you plan to slice through sparingly coated so you get a clean cut if desired.
6. Heat the pan
Heat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over high heat until very hot, about 2–3 minutes. Add 2 tbs neutral oil and swirl to coat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke aggressively.
7. Sear the tuna
Place the tuna in the pan, sesame‑coated side down. Sear for 25–30 seconds without moving to develop a deep golden crust. Flip and sear the next sesame‑coated side for 25–30 seconds. If the loin is 1–1.5 inches thick and you prefer rare center, you should only need 25–30 seconds per side; for medium‑rare add an extra 15–20 seconds per side. During the last 10 seconds, add 1 tbs butter to the pan and spoon the foaming butter and oil over the top of the tuna to finish and add flavor.
8. Rest
Transfer the tuna to a cutting board and let rest for 3–4 minutes to allow carryover warmth to even out. Resting keeps juices inside and makes slicing cleaner.
Garnish & Sauce
9. Make quick garnish/sauce
While the tuna rests, whisk together 1 tbs fresh lemon juice with a pinch of the reserved marinade (or a teaspoon soy if none reserved). If using, whisk in 1/2 tsp wasabi paste for heat. Adjust to taste.
10. Slice and plate
With a very sharp knife, slice the tuna across the grain into 1/4‑inch to 1/2‑inch slices. Arrange slices on a warm plate. Drizzle lightly with the lemon‑soy/wasabi sauce, scatter sliced scallions (2 tbs), microgreens or cilantro, and place pickled ginger on the side.
11. Serve
Serve immediately while the crust is hot and the center is rare to medium‑rare. Offer extra soy, wasabi and lemon on the side. Leftovers (if any) are best eaten cold or gently warmed; avoid reheating aggressively to preserve texture.
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