Go Back
- 2 Ahi tuna steaks (6 oz each) - 1/4 cup sesame seeds (mix of white and black) - 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine) - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 teaspoon grated ginger The main ingredients in this dish create a delicious balance. Ahi tuna steaks are tender and rich in flavor. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch. Mixed greens provide a fresh base. Sliced avocado brings creaminess, while halved cherry tomatoes add sweetness. The cucumber and red onion give extra crunch and flavor. For the dressing, sesame oil gives a deep, toasty essence. Low-sodium soy sauce adds umami without too much salt. Rice vinegar gives bright acidity. Honey brings sweetness, and ginger adds warmth and spice. This dressing ties all the ingredients together perfectly. - First, pat the Ahi tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick well. - Next, season both sides with salt and pepper. Use just enough to enhance the flavor. - Take a plate and spread the sesame seeds evenly. Press each side of the tuna steaks firmly into the seeds. Make sure they are coated evenly. - In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until it shimmers, then you are ready. - Add the tuna steaks and sear them for about 1-2 minutes per side. For medium-rare, that’s perfect. Adjust the time if you want it cooked more. - Once done, remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest. This step keeps the juices in. - In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger. - Whisk these ingredients together until they are well mixed. The dressing should be smooth and flavorful. - In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, and red onion. - Toss the salad gently to mix the ingredients. Then, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss again to coat everything evenly. - After the tuna has rested, slice it thinly. This makes it easy to eat and looks nice. - Divide the salad among serving plates. Top each plate with slices of the sesame-crusted tuna. - For a beautiful presentation, add extra sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. A drizzle of extra dressing adds flair too. When you choose ahi tuna, look for bright color. Fresh tuna should have a rich, deep red hue. Avoid fish that looks dull or brown. Check for a clean smell, not a fishy one. Firmness is key; the fish should spring back when you press it. If you find it in a market, ask the fishmonger about its source. Sustainable options often have better flavor. Toasting sesame seeds adds a nutty taste. It makes your dish more flavorful. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the seeds and stir often. Watch them closely; they can burn quickly. You want them golden brown, not dark. Remove them from the heat as soon as they change color. Let them cool before using them in your salad. A great dish looks as good as it tastes. Add more sesame seeds on top for flair. Chopped green onions add a pop of color and flavor. Drizzle a bit of extra dressing to enhance the appeal. Serve on a bright plate to make the colors stand out. Place the tuna slices artfully over the salad for a stunning look. Enjoy the blend of colors and textures. {{image_2}} You can make your sesame crusted ahi tuna salad even more exciting! Here are some options: - Fruits: Try adding sliced mango or diced apples for a sweet touch. - Nuts: Crushed almonds or walnuts add great crunch and flavor. For a heartier salad, you can mix in: - Quinoa: This grain boosts protein and makes the dish filling. - Chickpeas: They add texture and extra nutrition. If you want to switch up the dressing, consider these ideas: - Creamy Avocado Dressing: Blend avocado with lime juice for a smooth texture. - Spicy Peanut Dressing: Mix peanut butter with soy sauce and a bit of sriracha. These options can give your salad a new twist and exciting flavor. You can cook your ahi tuna in different ways. Here are some methods to try: - Grilling: This method adds a smoky flavor. Just grill for 1-2 minutes on each side. - Searing: This is what we do in the main recipe. It gives a crisp crust. If you prefer baking, here’s a simple way: - Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the tuna for about 10 minutes. This keeps it tender and juicy. To keep your sesame crusted ahi tuna salad fresh, store the salad and tuna separately. This helps maintain the texture of the salad and the tuna. Place the salad in an airtight container. Store the tuna in another container with a lid. You can keep both in the fridge for up to two days. After that, the salad may wilt and the tuna may lose its taste. When reheating tuna, do it gently. Use a skillet over low heat for the best results. Heat the tuna for about one minute on each side. This keeps it tender and prevents it from becoming dry. Avoid microwaving, as this can spoil the flavor and texture. For the salad, keep it fresh by not reheating it. If you have leftover dressing, you can drizzle it on when serving. Enjoy the fresh taste of your salad with each bite! Yes, you can use frozen tuna. To defrost it, place the tuna in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Avoid using hot water, as it can cook the fish unevenly. Always check the texture after thawing; it should feel firm and not mushy. Ahi tuna is safe to eat raw if it's sushi-grade. Sushi-grade fish comes from a trusted source and is handled with care. It undergoes freezing to kill harmful parasites. Always buy from a reputable fish market and ask for the sushi-grade label. This ensures you enjoy your sesame-crusted ahi tuna salad safely. If you don’t have sesame seeds, try using crushed nuts like almonds or cashews. You can also use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. For a sesame flavor, consider sesame oil or tahini in your dressing. Be creative and adjust based on what you have in your kitchen. To check if the tuna is cooked right, use a food thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F for medium-rare. If you prefer it more cooked, go for 135°F. Look for a warm, pink center when you slice it. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out and lose flavor. Always let the tuna rest before slicing for the best texture. In this article, I shared how to make a delicious ahi tuna salad. You learned about the key ingredients, from fresh tuna to ripe avocados. I outlined step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the tuna, making the dressing, and assembling the salad. I also included helpful tips for selecting fresh tuna and adding flavor. Remember, you can customize this dish with different add-ins or dressings. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t be afraid to try new things!

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad

Savor the flavors of this delicious sesame crusted ahi tuna salad that's perfect for any meal! This easy recipe combines tender ahi tuna, crispy sesame seeds, and fresh mixed greens for a dish that's both nutritious and satisfying. With a quick 20-minute prep time, you'll have a stunning salad ready in no time. Click to discover how to make this culinary delight and impress your friends and family today!
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 Ahi tuna steaks (6 oz each)

1/4 cup sesame seeds (mix of white and black)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tuna: Pat the Ahi tuna steaks dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.

    Coat with Sesame Seeds: Spread the sesame seeds on a plate and press each side of the tuna steaks firmly into the seeds to coat them evenly.

      Sear the Tuna: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tuna steaks and sear for about 1-2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if desired. Remove from the skillet and let them rest while you prepare the salad.

        Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger until well combined.

          Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently with the dressing to coat the salad evenly.

            Slice the Tuna: After resting, slice the seared tuna steaks thinly.

              Plate the Dish: Divide the salad among serving plates and top each with slices of sesame-crusted tuna.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 2 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Garnish with additional sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added color. Drizzle a bit of extra dressing on top for visual appeal.