Sesame Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna with Cilantro Lime Aioli Recipe

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Pan seared ahi tuna has always been one of my favorite seafood dishes. My recipe features a sesame crusted ahi tuna steak (yellowfin or bigeye) that is crispy on the outside with a melt-in-your-mouth, raw interior. If you’re a sushi lover, this recipe is absolutely for you.

I like to serve pan seared tuna over jasmine or brown rice and top with both spicy cilantro-lime aioli and soy sauce. It’s a fresh and flavorful dish (or poke bowl if you will) you won’t forget. While this feels like an elegant dish, it’s one of the easiest recipes to pull off on this blog! Assuming you have access to fresh tuna from a trusted source, this recipe will cycle on repeat.

How to Pan Sear Ahi Tuna

Pan searing tuna is really easy. I use a cast-iron skillet, a little Canola oil, and medium-high heat. For the perfect rare tuna, sear both sides for approximately 90 seconds in a hot skillet. Remove from the heat and let rest for 3 minutes before slicing.

If you prefer tuna that is more cooked through with a slightly pink center, sear for 2-3 minutes per side. Just to note, cooking oil at high temps tends to get smokey. Be prepared to open a window or use your range hood to control the smoke.

What to Look for When Buying Fresh Tuna

Both bigeye and yellowfin tuna fall under the “Ahi” tuna nomenclature. Yellowfin tuna tends to be dark red (almost maroon), whereas bigeye tuna is more red/pink. Regardless, look for tuna that is vibrant in color and slightly shiny. Tuna that appears dull, matte, or browning is likely not as fresh. Color is not always going to be an indicator of freshness, but hopefully, it points you in the right direction.

Fresh tuna should smell like salty ocean air and or virtually have no smell at all. Any offputting aromas is a bad sign. Always buy from trusted sources. I’m really lucky to live right on the coast and have access to ultra-fresh seafood. If it’s not fresh, I’m not eating it raw or rare. I bought the pictured piece from Mullaney’s in Scituate, MA.

Spicy Cilantro Lime Aioli

Seared ahi tuna is really good drizzled with soy sauce, however, if you’re looking for additional flavor and texture, try pairing with my cilantro lime aioli. My aioli is a mix of mayonnaise, jalapeno, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, and fresh cilantro. It’s a medley of fresh flavors that pairs beautifully with raw fish. Combine all ingredients in any sort of blender you own and blend until smooth and creamy.

You can omit the jalapeno if you aren’t a fan of heat! Full disclosure, it’s pretty mild with the mayo.

How to Slice Ahi Tuna

One final tip before you start slicing and dicing. Ahi Tuna is best sliced against the grain for optimal tenderness, especially if consuming raw or rare. Look for the natural lines/grain that run through the fish prior to cooking and cut across the grain. This ensures your slices easily tear apart and melt in your mouth. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.

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