Sesame Crusted Tuna

I'll be honest: this recipe was born on one of those "ugh, what's for dinner" nights. I had zero motivation, but I remembered a couple of ahi tuna steaks waiting in the fridge. Cue the sesame seeds and a hot skillet, and suddenly, I had a crispy, golden-crusted tuna that looked (and tasted) like it came from a restaurant.

The outside is perfectly toasted thanks to the sesame seeds, while the inside stays juicy and rare. It's light, packed with protein, and endlessly versatile. Serve it with rice, add it to a salad, tuck it into a poke bowl, or make sushi-style wraps.

Before You Get Started

A few quick tips to make sure your tuna turns out just right.

• Use sushi-grade tuna. Make sure to use high-quality ahi tuna steaks. They should be sushi-grade if you are searing them. If they are frozen, make sure they are fully defrosted.
• Dry the tuna well. Patting it dry helps the soy sauce stick and prevents splattering.
• Sear in a very hot pan. You want that high heat to toast the sesame seeds fast without overcooking the inside.
• Don't overcook. A quick sear on each side is all you need. Watch it closely!
• Have your fan on. This searing step can get smoky. A fan and an open window help!

How to Make Sesame Crusted Tuna

This recipe is all about quick prep and high-impact flavor. Here's how to make it:

1. Prep the Tuna

Pat the tuna dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with soy sauce.

2. Coat in Sesame Seeds

Press tuna into sesame seeds until well coated on both sides (skip the edges if you want easier searing).

3. Sear in a Hot Skillet

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, swirl in the oil, then sear the tuna for 45–60 seconds per side until golden and crisp outside, rare inside.

4. Rest and Slice

Let the tuna rest for 2–3 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Pro tip: If you prefer a more done center, aim for 125°F internal temp—but avoid cooking it all the way through or the sesame crust may burn.

Quick Soy-Ginger Dipping Sauce

You'll want to drizzle this on everything! It's savory, tangy, and full of umami.

Combine:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1–2 tsp honey
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp chopped green onion

Whisk together and chill until ready to serve. Perfect for dipping or spooning over the sliced tuna.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Here are some of my top tricks for the best sesame crusted tuna:

• For a medium-rare cook, you want to cook your ahi tuna to 125 degrees F. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature, keeping in mind that the temperature will rise a few more degrees after you stop cooking the fish.
• The key to the best seared ahi tuna is using a searing hot pan to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the interior. You want a rare to medium-rare cook on the tuna.
• I love using a combination of black and white sesame seeds for a really eye-catching presentation, but any sesame seeds you have will work fine.
• For added flavor, you can mix the sesame seeds with the seasonings of your choice before coating the tuna. Some great choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. For a traditional Hawaiian option, swap in Furikake.
• Try adding a small amount of sugar to the sesame seed mixture before coating the tuna. The sugar caramelizes under high heat, which will help to give the exterior of the ahi tuna a really beautiful golden color.
• Garnish with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

What to Serve With Sesame Crusted Tuna

I typically like to keep the side dishes simple to allow the tuna to be the star of the show. Here are some of my favorite healthy sides to pair with this dish:

• Asian Noodle Salad
• Stir Fried Vegetables
• Stir-Fried Chinese Broccoli
• Asian Noodle Bowls
• Roasted Bok Choy

Storage and Leftovers

You can store leftover tuna, but it's best enjoyed fresh if you love that rare center.

• Fridge: Store cooked tuna in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Best served cold or gently reheated.
• Freezer: If your tuna started frozen, avoid freezing again. Otherwise, freeze cooked tuna up to 2 months, wrapped tightly.
• Reheat gently: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or serve cold over salad or rice bowls.