Ahi Tuna Recipe
Make Ahi Tuna Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Tuna & Marinade
Finish & Garnish
Method
Tuna & Marinade
- 1
- 2
Make marinade
In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp fresh lime juice and 1 tbsp thinly sliced green onions until combined.
- 3
Marinate briefly
Place the tuna in the dish and spoon some marinade over the top. Marinate for 10–15 minutes at room temperature (no more than 30 minutes) — the goal is to flavor the exterior while keeping the interior raw/rare.
- 4
Coat with sesame seeds
Spread 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on a plate. Remove tuna from the marinade and allow excess to drip off. Press each long face and the two short sides gently into the sesame seeds so the exterior is evenly coated. Reserve remaining marinade for finishing sauce if desired.
Searing & Finishing
- 5
Heat pan
Heat a heavy skillet (cast-iron or stainless steel) over medium-high to high heat until very hot, about 2–3 minutes. Add 1 tbsp neutral oil and swirl to coat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke heavily.
- 6
Sear tuna
Carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna into the hot pan. Sear for 30–40 seconds on each long side for rare (the center should remain pink/red). Sear 20–30 seconds on the short ends to seal. For medium-rare, add 10–20 seconds per side. Avoid overcooking — tuna cooks quickly.
- 7
Rest and slice
Transfer the seared tuna to a cutting board and let rest for 2 minutes. Using a very sharp knife, slice across the grain into 1/4-inch (about 0.6 cm) thick slices. Wipe the knife between passes for clean slices.
- 8
Plate and garnish
Arrange microgreens or salad greens (if using) on plates, fan sliced avocado alongside, and place tuna slices on top. Drizzle a little reserved marinade or extra soy/sesame mixture over the slices (do not pour raw marinade used with raw fish unless you cooked it — use a reserved portion or make a fresh dressing). Sprinkle additional thinly sliced green onions and a pinch of sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges and optional spicy mayo.
- 9
Make quick spicy mayo (optional)
Mix 2 tbsp mayo with sriracha to taste (about 1/2–1 tsp) and a squeeze of lime. Serve on the side for dipping.