Wo-seared Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe
Make Wo-seared Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Seared Ahi Tuna
Salad Base
Dressing
Garnish & Serve
Method
Seared Ahi Tuna
Prepare Tuna
Pat the tuna dry with paper towels. Season all sides lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Coat with Sesame
Spread sesame seeds on a plate and press the top and sides of the tuna into the seeds so they adhere, leaving the very center of each long face mostly plain (this gives a thin sesame crust while preserving a rare center).
Sear
Heat a heavy skillet (cast-iron or stainless) over high heat until very hot, about 2–3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and swirl. Add the tuna and sear 30–45 seconds per side for rare (adjust 60–75 seconds per side for medium-rare), turning with tongs so all edges get a quick sear. If using, add 1/2 tablespoon butter to the pan in the final 15 seconds and spoon melted butter over the tuna for gloss. Remove tuna to a cutting board and let rest 2–3 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain into 1/4-inch slices.
Dressing
In a small bowl or jar combine 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon honey (or agave), 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic and 1 tablespoon neutral oil. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified. Taste and adjust—add a pinch of salt if needed or 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Salad Base
Assemble the salad: divide 4 cups mixed salad greens between two plates or bowls. Arrange half the sliced cucumber, half the radishes, half the avocado slices and half the sliced scallions on each plate. Drizzle a small amount (about 1 tablespoon) of dressing over each salad and gently toss or turn the ingredients to coat—reserve most dressing for finishing after plating.
Garnish & Serve
Place sliced seared tuna across each salad. Drizzle remaining dressing over the tuna and salad. Finish with a light drizzle (about 1/8–1/4 tsp) of sesame oil if using, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, add 1 tablespoon pickled ginger per plate if desired, and serve with lime wedges alongside.
Serve immediately while tuna is warm. Leftovers: store tuna slices and salad components separately; consume tuna within 24 hours.