Are you ready to transform your home kitchen into a gourmet Japanese seafood restaurant? Prepare to be amazed by these incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple Sesame Crusted Tuna Steaks that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! In less than 20 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive, tastes extraordinary, and will have everyone wondering if a professional chef secretly visited your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tuna steaks
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 2 tuna steaks, 1/4 cup of sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Ensure the tuna steaks are fresh and ideally about 1 inch thick for even cooking.
- In a shallow dish, pour in the 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. This will be used to marinate the tuna steaks briefly, adding flavor and helping the sesame seeds adhere better.
- Place the tuna steaks in the dish with the soy sauce, ensuring they are well-coated on both sides. Allow them to marinate for about 5 minutes. While they marinate, prepare the sesame seed coating.
- On a plate, spread out the 1/4 cup of sesame seeds. You can use a mix of white and black sesame seeds for a visually appealing presentation, but white sesame seeds will work just fine.
- After marinating, remove the tuna steaks from the soy sauce and let any excess drip off. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Press each tuna steak firmly into the sesame seeds, coating both sides evenly. Make sure the seeds adhere well, creating a crust that will add flavor and texture when cooked.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, depending on your desired level of doneness. The exterior should be golden brown and crispy.
- Using tongs, gently flip the tuna steaks and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. For a rare center, aim for a total cooking time of around 4-5 minutes. Adjust the time if you prefer a more well-done steak.
- Once cooked to your liking, remove the tuna steaks from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful steak.
- Slice the tuna steaks against the grain into thick slices for serving. Arrange them on a plate, and you can drizzle with extra soy sauce or serve with a side of wasabi and pickled ginger for an authentic Japanese touch.
- Serve the sesame crusted tuna steaks immediately, garnished with additional sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose high-quality, sushi-grade tuna steaks for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat the tuna steaks completely dry before marinating to ensure the sesame seeds stick perfectly.
- Use a mix of white and black sesame seeds for a stunning visual presentation.
- Don't overcook the tuna - aim for a rare to medium-rare center to preserve its delicate texture.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and a perfect golden crust.
- Let the tuna rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest sesame crust and most tender meat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
