Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience - crispy, golden sesame seeds encrusting a perfectly seared tuna steak that practically melts in your mouth. This Asian-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to a high-end restaurant, without the hefty price tag. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious seafood experience, this Pan Seared Sesame Crusted Tuna Steak is your ticket to culinary excellence.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tuna steaks
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 tuna steaks, 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. This will help achieve a nice crust and prevent steaming.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of the tuna steaks.
- On a plate, spread out the sesame seeds. Press each tuna steak into the sesame seeds, coating both sides evenly. Ensure the seeds adhere well to the fish.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks in the skillet. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on one side, without moving them, to develop a golden crust.
- Using tongs, gently flip the tuna steaks and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. The center should remain pink for a medium-rare finish; adjust cooking time according to your desired doneness.
- Once cooked to your liking, remove the tuna steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a cutting board. Let them rest for a minute to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the tuna steaks against the grain into thick slices. Serve immediately, garnished with extra sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce if desired.
Tips
- Always start with the freshest tuna steak possible - look for bright, firm flesh with a deep red color.
- Pat the tuna completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use high-heat oil like olive oil and make sure your pan is hot before adding the tuna to achieve that beautiful sear.
- For the best sesame seed coating, press the seeds firmly into the fish to help them adhere.
- Cook time is crucial - 2-3 minutes per side will give you a perfect medium-rare finish. Overcooking will make the tuna tough and dry.
- Let the tuna rest for a minute after cooking to help redistribute the juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- For added flavor, consider using a mix of white and black sesame seeds for visual appeal and a more complex taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 237kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
