Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious! Our Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna with Zoodles is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the essence of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. Imagine perfectly seared tuna, encrusted with nutty sesame seeds, paired with fresh, spiralized zucchini noodles that add a delightful crunch. This dish is not only quick to prepare, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish, but it’s also a feast for the eyes and the palate. Dive into our recipe and discover how to create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ahi tuna steaks
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini noodles (zoodles) by washing zucchinis and using a spiralizer to create long, noodle-like strands. Set aside.
- Pat the ahi tuna steaks completely dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sesame seed crust. Season both sides of the tuna with salt and pepper.
- Spread sesame seeds on a flat plate. Press each side of the tuna steaks into the sesame seeds, creating an even, thick coating that adheres to the fish.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks into the hot pan. Sear for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side, ensuring the sesame seeds turn golden brown while keeping the center rare to medium-rare.
- While tuna is cooking, quickly sauté the zoodles in a separate pan with a touch of olive oil for 1-2 minutes, keeping them crisp and not overly soft.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and grated ginger to create a quick dipping sauce.
- Remove tuna from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice against the grain if desired.
- Plate the zoodles and place the sesame-crusted tuna on top. Drizzle with the ginger-soy sauce.
- Serve immediately while the tuna is still warm and the zoodles are fresh and crisp.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Tuna: For the best flavor and texture, select high-quality, fresh ahi tuna steaks. Look for bright color and a firm texture.
- Pat Dry for a Perfect Crust: Make sure to pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels before seasoning and coating them with sesame seeds. This helps the crust adhere better and ensures a perfect sear.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the tuna, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook one or two steaks at a time to maintain the pan’s temperature and achieve that beautiful golden crust.
- Sear Quickly: Keep an eye on the cooking time; sear the tuna for just 1-2 minutes on each side. The goal is to have a warm, rare center while achieving a crispy outer layer.
- Keep Zoodles Crisp: When sautéing the zucchini noodles, cook them quickly over medium-high heat to keep them crisp. Overcooking can lead to mushy zoodles, so aim for just 1-2 minutes.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to enhance the dipping sauce by adding a splash of sesame oil or a hint of chili paste for some extra flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after plating to ensure the tuna is warm and the zoodles are crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 445kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 47g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
