Seared Tuna Steak
A restaurant-quality dish featuring a perfectly seared, sesame-crusted tuna steak that is buttery on the inside and savory on the outside.
Ingredients
- •4 tuna steaks (about 1 inch thick, 6oz each)
- •2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or black)
- •1 tablespoon black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as grapeseed or avocado oil)
- •2 tablespoons soy sauce
- •1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- •1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- 1
Pat the tuna steaks completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- 2
In a shallow dish, combine the sesame seeds, crushed peppercorns, and kosher salt.
- 3
Press each side of the tuna steaks firmly into the sesame mixture until well coated.
- 4
Heat the neutral oil in a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over high heat until the oil is shimmering and just beginning to smoke.
- 5
Place the tuna steaks in the pan and sear for 60 to 90 seconds per side, or until a golden crust forms while the center remains rare.
- 6
Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board for 2 minutes.
- 7
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and lime juice to create a quick dipping sauce.
- 8
Slice the tuna against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices and serve immediately with the sauce on the side.
💡 Chef tips
- Use a high-smoke point oil like grapeseed or avocado oil to prevent the sesame seeds from burning or tasting bitter.
- Ensure the tuna is at room temperature before searing to guarantee even cooking throughout the steak.
- If you prefer your tuna more well-done, increase the searing time to 2 minutes per side, though it is traditionally served rare.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished tuna should have a dark, crunchy sesame crust with a vibrant pink, tender center that tastes fresh, savory, and nutty.