Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad

$For this salad, you need two fresh ahi tuna steaks. Each steak should weigh about six ounces. Choose bright, deep red tuna for the best flavor. Freshness is key to a great dish. You will also need 1/4 cup of sesame seeds. A mix of black and white seeds adds beauty and crunch. For the marinade, gather two tablespoons of soy sauce and one tablespoon of sesame oil. These give the tuna a rich flavor. You may also add one tablespoon of olive oil for cooking. For the salad, use four cups of mixed greens. A blend of arugula, spinach, and watercress works great. You will also need one cucumber, sliced into rounds, and one ripe avocado, cut into wedges. Add 1/4 cup of julienned carrots for crunch and two thinly sliced radishes for a peppery kick. For the dressing, you will need two tablespoons of rice vinegar, one tablespoon of honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Optional: extra toasted sesame seeds make a nice garnish. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with fresh ahi tuna steaks. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This step helps create a good sear. If the fish is wet, it won't brown well. In a shallow dish, mix soy sauce and sesame oil. This blend gives the tuna a rich flavor. Place the tuna steaks in the marinade. Make sure they are fully coated. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step adds depth to the taste. Next, spread sesame seeds on a plate. Press each tuna steak into the seeds firmly. Ensure both sides are covered. This creates a crunchy outer layer. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Carefully place the tuna in the skillet. Sear it for 1-2 minutes on each side. Adjust the time if you want it cooked differently. When done, take the tuna out and let it rest for a few minutes. While the tuna rests, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cucumber, avocado, carrot, and radishes. Gently toss these ingredients together. This mix adds color and texture to your dish. In a small bowl, whisk rice vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing offers a nice tang. Drizzle it over the salad, then toss everything together. Make sure the veggies are well-coated. Once the tuna has rested, slice it into thin strips. Arrange the slices on top of the salad. This adds elegance to your dish. Finally, sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top for garnish. You can also add a few radish slices for color. Serving the salad in shallow bowls makes it look more appealing. To cook ahi tuna perfectly, aim for medium-rare. This keeps the fish tender and juicy. Sear the tuna for 1-2 minutes on each side. Adjust the time based on your taste. For a thicker steak, you may need extra time. Use a timer for accuracy. After cooking, let the tuna rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. Flavor matters in this dish. The marinade of soy sauce and sesame oil adds depth. Allow the tuna to soak up these flavors for 10 minutes. Also, use fresh veggies to bring brightness. The crisp cucumber and creamy avocado balance the rich tuna. Add rice vinegar and honey for a sweet-tangy dressing. This combination makes every bite exciting. Presentation is key for any dish. Serve the salad in shallow bowls for a beautiful display. Slice the tuna thinly to show off the sesame crust. Arrange the slices atop the salad for a colorful look. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds for crunch. A few radish slices add color and charm. This makes the dish not only tasty but also eye-catching. Pro Tips Freshness is Key: Always choose the freshest ahi tuna steaks available. Look for bright red color and a firm texture for the best flavor and quality. Marinade Time: While 10 minutes is sufficient for flavor, you can marinate the tuna for up to 30 minutes if you prefer a stronger taste. Just be cautious not to over-marinate, as this can change the texture. Perfect Sear: For a perfect sear, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the tuna. This will help create a nice crust while keeping the inside tender and rare. Garnish Wisely: Consider adding microgreens or edible flowers alongside the sesame seeds for an elevated presentation and extra flavor dimensions. {{image_4}} You can switch up the salad greens to match your taste. Try romaine for a crunchier bite. Add kale for more nutrients. Spinach gives a soft texture, while arugula adds a peppery flavor. Mixing greens makes the salad more colorful and fun. You can also use baby greens for a delicate touch. If you can't find ahi tuna, don't worry! You can use salmon for a similar taste. Grilled chicken works well too. For a vegetarian option, try marinated tofu. It will soak up the flavors and add protein. Each alternative adds its own flair to the dish. Feel free to mix it up with the dressing. Instead of rice vinegar, try balsamic for a sweeter taste. A splash of lime juice adds zest. You can also use a yogurt-based dressing for creaminess. Adding fresh herbs, like cilantro or basil, gives a fresh twist. Experiment with what you like best! You can store leftover sesame crusted ahi tuna salad in the fridge. Use an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to two days. Keep the tuna and salad separate to prevent sogginess. If you have extra dressing, store that in a separate container too. If you want to reheat the tuna, do it gently. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Heat for about one minute on each side. Avoid cooking it too long, or it will dry out. You can also enjoy it cold right from the fridge. It tastes great either way! To save time, prep the salad ingredients ahead. Wash and slice your veggies a day or two in advance. Store them in the fridge in airtight bags. You can also marinate the tuna a few hours before cooking. That way, you can make a quick meal on busy days. Yes, you can use frozen ahi tuna. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and tasty. Fresh tuna has the best flavor. But frozen can work well if fresh isn’t available. If you don't have sesame oil, use olive oil instead. Olive oil is a great choice for cooking. It adds a nice flavor too. You can also try avocado oil or peanut oil for a different taste. Each oil will give a unique twist to your dish. Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! You can store the salad and dressing separately. Keep the tuna in the fridge for a few days. This way, it stays fresh. Just add the dressing when you are ready to eat. To make this salad gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce. Check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. Using fresh, whole ingredients also helps keep it healthy and safe. Enjoy your gluten-free meal! This blog post covers making a fresh ahi tuna salad, from ingredients to presentation. You learned how to prepare and cook the tuna, including tips for perfect doneness. I shared ways to mix flavors and enhance your dish. You also discovered storage tips and variations for your salad. Remember, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy trying new greens or dressing options. Happy cooking and enjoy your healthy meal!$

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad

A fresh and vibrant salad featuring sesame-crusted ahi tuna, mixed greens, and a tangy dressing.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Fusion

Servings 2

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 steaks fresh ahi tuna
0.25 cup sesame seeds
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups mixed salad greens
1 cucumber thinly sliced
1 ripe avocado sliced into wedges
0.25 cup carrot, julienned
2 radishes thinly sliced
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
to taste salt
to taste pepper
optional additional toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Begin by preparing the ahi tuna steaks; gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a nice sear.
In a shallow dish, mix together the soy sauce and sesame oil until well-combined. Place the tuna steaks in the marinade, ensuring each side is thoroughly coated. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Spread the sesame seeds out on a flat plate. Firmly press each tuna steak into the seeds, ensuring both sides are evenly coated to create a crunchy crust.
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks in the skillet. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the cooking time if you prefer a different level of doneness. Once cooked to your liking, remove the tuna from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes.
While the tuna rests, prepare the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, avocado wedges, julienned carrot, and thinly sliced radishes. Gently toss to combine the ingredients evenly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a delicious dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated.
Once the tuna has rested, slice it into thin strips, allowing the beautiful sesame crust to shine. Arrange the slices artfully on top of the dressed salad.
To finish, sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds over the top for extra crunch and an appealing garnish.

Notes

Serve the salad in shallow bowls for an elegant presentation.

Keyword ahi tuna, healthy, salad, seafood, sesame crusted