Ahi Tuna Steak Recipe

Here’s the most amazing Marinated Seared Ahi Tuna you can make at home! It’s bursting with flavor, super easy to make, and fantastic as an appetizer or healthy dinner.

We’re so pumped about today’s recipe because it is one of our tried-and-true favorites for all the protein-packed, healthy, and flavorful meals .

It’s time to spotlight this tasty, fast, and easy marinated seared ahi tuna recipe. If you thought seared ahi tuna sounded like a tantalizing menu item (it is) that only restaurant chefs could make (it’s not)… you’re about to discover how simple it is for you to make in your own kitchen.

By the way, if any of your eaters prefer their fish fully cooked, feel free to mosey on over to this delicious lemon butter fish or this Asian steamed fish for them.

Nothing compares to a fresh, beautiful ahi tuna steak, marinated thoroughly and seared to perfection from your own kitchen. When doing it yourself, there’s no worries about being served over-cooked (and thus, tough) ahi tuna. Plus, you’ll ensure that every bite of your fresh ahi is well seasoned — nothing bland here.

It’s easy to pair your perfectly seared tuna with healthy side dishes, for a well-rounded meal:

Six-Minute Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks

These seared ahi tuna steaks take only 6 minutes to make- they’re healthy, crispy and seared on the outside, and medium-rare on the inside, and bursting with umami flavor!

Prep: 1min

Total: 6min

Yield: 2

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 331 kcal, Carbohydrate 10 g, Protein 28 g, Fat 20 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 43 mg, Sodium 1632 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 9 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 2 ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna) steaks ((about 4 oz. each, 1″ thick – see notes for thinner or thicker))
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (see notes)
• 1 tablespoon honey (see notes)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ((optional))
• 1 tablespoon canola oil (or olive oil)
• green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges (for serving (optional))

Instruction:

1. Pat the ahi tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. Place on a plate or inside a plastic bag.
2. Mix the soy sauce (2 tablespoons), toasted sesame oil (1 tablespoon), honey (1 tablespoon) kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon- OMIT if marinating for more than a couple hours, see notes), pepper (1/4 teaspoon), and cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon) until honey is fully dissolved. Pour over the ahi tuna steaks and turn over to coat completely. Optional: allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Also optional: Reserve a spoonful or two of the marinade before coating the fish for drizzling on top after you’ve cooked it.
3. Heat a medium skillet (preferably non-stick or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet) on medium-high to high until very hot ( or medium medium-high for nonstick). I recommend giving cast iron 3-5 minutes to get hot and nonstick about 1 minute, depending on how thick it is.
4. Add the canola oil (1 tablespoon) to the hot pan. Sear the tuna for 1 – 1½ minutes on each side for medium rare ( 2 -2½ minutes for medium-well to well, 30 seconds for very rare. See notes – this will vary based on thickness of the tuna steaks). (Note: different burners get hotter depending on your stove. Use your best judgement whether you use medium, medium-high, or high heat, as the marinade may burn if too high heat is used)
5. Remove to a cutting board. Slice into 1/2 inch slices and serve garnished with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, if desired.

Marinated Seared Ahi Tuna

Here’s the most amazing Marinated Seared Ahi you can make at home! It’s bursting with flavor, super easy to make, and fantastic as an appetizer or healthy dinner.

Prep: 10min

Total: 12min

Serving Size: 1 g

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 g, calories 246 kcal, Sugar 3.8 g, Sodium 922.4 mg, Fat 7 g, Saturated Fat 1.6 g, Carbohydrate 8.7 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 36.6 g, Cholesterol 63.5 mg

Ingredients:

• 2 TB regular strength soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari sauce)
• 2 TB freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 TB Asian toasted sesame oil (found in the Asian aisle)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 1/2 pounds fresh ahi tuna steaks (about 1 1/2-1 2/3 inches thick)
• 3 TB canola or vegetable oil (for searing)
• Optional: freshly chopped cilantro (green scallions, sesame seeds for garnish.)
• Optional: Sriracha mayo for drizzling

Instruction:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the first 7 ingredients to make a marinade. Towel dry tuna steaks and place in a glass or ceramic dish. Pour marinade over the fish, turning to coat well throughout. Cover tightly and chill several hours to overnight; turn fish over at least once in the middle of marinade time.
2. Heat 3 TB oil in a large heavy skillet – use aluminum or stainless steel; not nonstick, as it won’t sear – until oil is smoking. Sear ahi steaks 1 1/2 minutes per side on high heat, taking care to flip carefully with a flat, steel spatula. (If your tuna is less than 1 1/2 inches thick, sear for only 1 minute per side.)
3. Transfer seared ahi to a large cutting board and let rest/cool 10 minutes. Use a very sharp (serrated works well) knife to slice thinly across the grain.
4. Serve chilled or at room temp. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro or green onions, if desired. Drizzle with Sriracha mayo if desired.

seared ahi tuna steaks

FAQ

How is ahi tuna supposed to be cooked?

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