Sep 05 2026
RestaurantsPitaya Mexican RestaurantTacos De Ahi Tuna Recipe

Tacos De Ahi Tuna Recipe

Time30m
Serves3

Three soy – lime marinade Ahi – Tuna tacos with red onions, and topped with heaps of cabbage, avocado and cheese.

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Ingredients

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Marinated Ahi Tuna

Pickled Red Onions

Method

Marinated Ahi Tuna

  1. 1

    Prepare marinade

    In a shallow bowl or rimmed plate, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon neutral oil, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper until combined.

  2. 2

    Marinate tuna

    Pat the ahi tuna dry with paper towels. Place the steak into the marinade and turn to coat all sides. Let rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 30 minutes). Do not over-marinate — the lime will begin to cure the fish if left too long.

  3. 3

    Sear (optional) or slice raw

    Heat a heavy skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 tsp neutral oil. For a seared tuna: remove tuna from marinade (reserve marinade), blot excess, and sear 30–45 seconds per side for rare center. Let rest 2 minutes, then slice into 1/4-inch strips or small bite-sized cubes. For raw-style (poke) tacos: remove tuna from marinade, blot, and slice or cube directly without searing. If you reserved marinade, discard any used marinade that contacted raw fish (do not reuse).

Pickled Red Onions

  1. 4

    Combine 2 tbs white vinegar, 2 tbs water, 1/2 tsp sugar and 1/8 tsp salt in a small jar or bowl and stir until sugar and salt dissolve. Add the thinly sliced red onion, press down so onions are submerged, and let sit at least 10 minutes at room temperature. For best flavor, refrigerate 30 minutes to 1 hour. Drain before building tacos.

Taco Build & Toppings

  1. 5

    Warm tortillas

    Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with a little olive oil or butter. Warm tortillas 20–30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred spots appear. Keep wrapped in a clean towel to stay warm.

  2. 6

    Assemble tacos

    On each warmed tortilla, place a layer of shredded cabbage (about 1/4 cup). Top with sliced or cubed ahi tuna (about 2–3 oz per taco), a spoonful of pickled red onions, a few slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija or queso fresco (about 1–2 tbs). Add chopped cilantro and a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne if desired.

  3. 7

    Finish and serve

    Squeeze a lime wedge over each taco just before eating. Serve immediately while tortillas and tuna are fresh.

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