Six-Minute Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks

Six-Minute Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks

from bowlofdelicious.com
Fish
6 min
331 kcal / serving

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!

Ingredients

  • 2ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna) steaks ((about 4 oz. each, 1" thick - see notes for thinner or thicker))
  • 2 tablespoonssoy sauce (preferably low sodium, see notes)
  • 1 tablespoontoasted sesame oil (see notes)
  • 1 tablespoonhoney (see notes)
  • ½ teaspoonkosher salt (optional, see notes)
  • ¼ teaspoonblack pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ teaspooncayenne pepper ((optional))
  • 1 tablespoonoil (canola, olive, or other high-heat cooking oil of preference)
  • green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges (for serving (optional))

Directions

  1. 1

    Pat the 2 ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna) steaks dry with a paper towel. Place on a plate or inside a plastic bag.

  2. 2

    Mix the 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon kosher salt (if using), 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 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. 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 to 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. 4

    Add the 1 tablespoon oil 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. 5

    Remove to a cutting board. Slice into 1/2 inch slices and serve garnished with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges, if desired. If you find it needs more salt, I recommend sprinkling with flaky sea salt when serving.