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- 1 lb Ahi tuna, sashimi-grade, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1/4 cup sesame seeds (white and black mixed) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon grated ginger - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 teaspoon wasabi paste (optional) - 1 tablespoon green onions, finely sliced (for garnish) - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing) The main part of this dish is Ahi tuna. You want it to be fresh and of the best quality. Sashimi-grade tuna is perfect for this dish. It gives you the best taste and texture. Next, you need sesame seeds. Mixing white and black seeds makes your dish look great and adds a nice crunch. The marinade is simple but packs a punch. You mix soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Ginger gives a warm spice, while garlic adds depth. If you like heat, add wasabi paste. It gives a nice kick, but you can skip it if you want. For cooking, vegetable oil is key. It has a high smoke point, which is great for searing. You want that golden crust on the tuna. The green onions are for garnish. They add color and a fresh taste that brightens the dish. This blend of ingredients makes the sesame crusted Ahi tuna bites flavorful and easy to make. Each bite is a burst of taste, from the savory tuna to the crunchy seeds. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a mixing bowl. Combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. If you like a kick, add 1 teaspoon of wasabi paste. Stir until all the ingredients blend well. Next, take your 1 lb of Ahi tuna, cut into 1-inch cubes. Add the tuna cubes to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Let the tuna sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. This step helps the flavors soak in. Now, prepare your sesame seeds. Mix white and black seeds on a plate to create a nice look. After marinating, take the tuna cubes out of the bowl. Roll each cube in the sesame seeds. Ensure the sides are nicely coated with the seeds. It's time to cook! Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Place the sesame-coated tuna cubes in the hot skillet. Sear each side for about 30 to 45 seconds. This gives them a nice crust while keeping the center rare. Once golden brown, remove the cubes from the heat. Finally, arrange the seared tuna bites on a serving platter. This makes it look beautiful. To add a pop of color, garnish with finely sliced green onions. Now, your sesame crusted Ahi tuna bites are ready to impress! Choosing sashimi-grade Ahi tuna is key. This grade means the fish is fresh and safe to eat raw. Look for bright color and a clean smell. Fresh tuna should feel firm and moist to the touch. Ask your fishmonger for sashimi-grade options. If it's not available, look for tuna labeled as sushi-grade. This ensures you get the best quality for your dish. You can change the marinade to fit your taste. Try adding lime juice or honey for sweetness. A splash of rice vinegar can add brightness. You can also use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. Always taste the marinade before adding it to the tuna. Adjust flavors to make it just right for you. Remember, this dish should reflect your style. Searing the tuna is all about timing and heat. Heat your skillet on medium-high until it shimmers. This means it's hot enough for a good sear. Sear each side for only 30 to 45 seconds. You want a nice crust but a rare center. To check doneness, gently press the tuna. It should feel soft and springy. If it’s too firm, you may have overcooked it. Pro Tips Choose Quality Tuna: Always opt for sashimi-grade Ahi tuna to ensure the best flavor and texture. Freshness is key for this dish! Marination Time: While 15 minutes is sufficient, letting the tuna marinate longer (up to 30 minutes) enhances the flavor even more. Perfect Searing: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the tuna to achieve a nice crust while keeping the inside rare. Garnish Wisely: Using finely sliced green onions not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that complements the rich tuna. {{image_2}} You can switch up the crust for your tuna bites. Instead of sesame seeds, try using panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives a nice crunch. You could also use crushed nuts like almonds or cashews for a different flavor. These options add texture and taste. You can also create flavorful crusts by using spices. Try mixing paprika, garlic powder, or even chili powder with your crust. This will add a nice kick and make your bites unique. Dipping sauces can elevate your dish. I love pairing these tuna bites with ponzu sauce. Soy sauce also works well, especially with a dash of lime. You can serve them on a platter with small bowls of these sauces. For side dishes, consider a fresh salad. A light cucumber salad or a citrus salad pairs well. Steamed veggies or rice can also complement the flavors nicely. These sides add color and nutrition. If you want a healthier cooking method, consider air-frying. This method gives you a crispy outside without all the oil. It’s an easy switch to make your meal lighter. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce. This option will cut down on salt while keeping flavor. It’s a great way to make this dish even healthier without losing taste. To keep your sesame crusted Ahi tuna bites fresh, refrigerate them right away. Use an airtight container to prevent air from spoiling their taste. They will last about 2 days in the fridge. If you see any change in color or smell, it’s best to throw them away. If you want to save leftovers for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the tuna bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This method helps keep their flavor and texture. For safe reheating, use the stovetop or microwave. If using a pan, add a small amount of oil over low heat. Heat each side for about 1-2 minutes, just until warm. If you choose the microwave, use short bursts of 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. This way, you keep that nice crust and tender inside. Enjoy your tasty bites! Yes, you can use frozen Ahi tuna. Just make sure to thaw it properly. Place it in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and helps maintain its quality. After thawing, check for any ice crystals. If there are none, the tuna is ready to use. Freshness is key for the best taste. If you don’t have sesame seeds, try using crushed nuts or panko breadcrumbs. You can also use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. These alternatives can add a nice crunch and flavor. Be creative and experiment with what you have on hand. You can marinate the tuna for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in without changing the texture. Marinating too long can make the tuna mushy. So, keep an eye on the time to ensure the best taste and texture. Yes, it is safe to eat seared tuna rare. Ahi tuna is often served raw or lightly cooked. However, ensure you use sashimi-grade fish. This type of fish is handled safely for raw consumption. Always check for freshness to enjoy your dish safely. This article covers a delicious recipe for seared Ahi tuna. We explored main ingredients, marinade, and garnishes. You learned about cooking methods, tips for freshness, and variations for flavor. Remember, using sashimi-grade tuna ensures quality. Adjust the marinade to fit your taste. Also, consider healthy cooking options like air-frying. Don't forget about storage and reheating tips too. Enjoy this dish with friends and family for a delightful dining experience. Happy cooking!

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Bites

Deliciously seared Ahi tuna cubes coated in a mix of sesame seeds, served with a flavorful marinade.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ahi tuna, sashimi-grade, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds (white and black mixed)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon wasabi paste (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and wasabi paste (if using). Stir well to combine.
  • Marinate the Tuna: Add the Ahi tuna cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
  • Coat with Sesame Seeds: After marination, remove the tuna cubes and sprinkle the sesame seeds on a plate. Gently roll the sides of each tuna cube in the sesame seeds until well coated.
  • Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Sear the Tuna: Place the sesame-coated tuna cubes in the hot skillet. Sear each side for about 30-45 seconds to achieve a nice crust while keeping the center rare. Remove the cubes from the heat as soon as they are golden brown.
  • Serve: Arrange the sesame crusted Ahi tuna bites on a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Notes

For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of wasabi paste to your liking.
Keyword appetizer, seafood, sushi, tuna