Grilled Ahi Recipe
Make Grilled Ahi Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Ahi and Marinade
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Ahi and Marinade
- 1
Prep tuna
Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Trim any sinew and, if steaks are thicker than 1 inch, slice in half horizontally for even cooking.
- 2
Make marinade
In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey (or brown sugar), cracked black pepper, and kosher salt until combined.
- 3
Marinate
Place tuna steaks in the dish and turn to coat both sides. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes — acid will begin to cure the fish and overly flavor the exterior.
Grilling
- 4
- 5
Prepare tuna for grilling
Remove tuna from marinade and let excess drip off. Brush both sides lightly with neutral oil to prevent sticking. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly onto both sides, pressing gently so they adhere.
- 6
Grill
Place tuna steaks on the hot grill. For rare center: grill 1–1.5 minutes per side (crosshatch optional by rotating 45° halfway through each side). For medium-rare: 2 minutes per side. For medium: 3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking — ahi is best rare to medium-rare. Use tongs or a thin spatula to flip once.
- 7
Rest
Transfer grilled tuna to a cutting board and let rest for 3–4 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute and keeps the center tender.
Finishing & Serve
- 8
Slice and garnish
Slice the steaks across the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices if serving atop a salad or as an entrée. Arrange on plates, sprinkle with sliced scallions and any remaining sesame seeds, and scatter microgreens or cilantro if using.
- 9
Serve
Serve immediately with lime wedges alongside for squeezing. Offer extra soy or a simple ponzu on the side if desired.
