Making perfectly seared ahi tuna is easier than you may think, and adding a golden sesame seed crust takes it over the top! Ahi tuna sears quickly and doesn't require much for it to be totally delicious, so follow this recipe, and you can serve a gourmet fish dinner at home!
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Instructions
To begin, place the 2 tablespoon sesame seeds, 2 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon coarse sugar, and seasonings (1 teaspoon salt,½ teaspoon ground black pepper,½ teaspoon Italian seasoning) on a shallow plate and mix them together.
Pat your 12 oz ahi tuna portions dry with paper towels, then brush 1 tablespoon soy sauce on all sides.
Sprinkle the sesame blend generously over the tuna. Use your hands and gently, yet firmly, press the sesame coating into the fish. *Before proceeding, read ahead because the remaining steps will go very quickly.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and wait until it is VERY hot (*see note). Add your 2 tablespoon cooking oil and coat the pan. Let it heat up until it's shimmering hot.
Lay your ahi tuna in the pan carefully and press it down with your spatula. Sear for 45-60 seconds, then lift a corner of the fish to check the color. If golden, flip it over. Sear the opposite side for 60-90 seconds until golden.
Use tongs to hold the fish on its side so you may sear the edges. The edges will sear quickly, don't hold them to the pan for too long.
Transfer the cooked ahi tuna to a cutting board, slice it thinly, and serve right away.
Notes
A neutral-flavored cooking oil with a high smoke point is preferred. Peanut oil, canola oil, or avocado oil are all great options.
You can use a combination of black and white sesame seeds, or not. Black sesame seeds alone are also very stunning.
When the pan is hot enough, a drop of water should sizzle and skip across your pan surface.