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How to Sear Ahi Tuna Steaks

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Searing ahi tuna steaks like it came from a restaurant is super easy and delicious as an appetizer, healthy meal, or alongside other Japanese dishes.

Below we’ll show you how to buy, cut and sear ahi tuna steaks. Plus, a few seasoning ideas and what to serve with seared ahi tuna steaks.

How To Sear Ahi Tuna Steaks

How to Buy Sushi Grade Tuna

“Sushi-grade” or “Sashimi-grade” is fish that is deemed safe for raw consumption by humans. However, this is not a government standard like USDA graded beef. The FDA does not grade fish for raw consumption rather only provides guidance for buying and handling fish. “Sushi-grade” labels are typically designated by the seafood market, or seafood or sushi restaurant that is preparing or selling the fish.

To buy sushi-grade tuna, you can follow these steps using the three S’s:

  1. Sight: The fish should have a vibrant color with no fogginess, graying or discoloration. Watch to see how the fish is stored (on ice) and handled by the staff. “Sushi-grade” labels are a definite plus.
  2. Smell: The fish should not have a fishy smell.
  3. Source: Get to know the seafood markets, or seafood or sushi restaurants and choose a reputable source. Read reviews, ask friends and talk to the staff. Asking questions such as where the fish was sourced and handled, fresh or frozen, and if they would recommend for raw consumption.

Frozen sushi grade ahi tuna can also be used. Be sure to thaw prior to cooking.

These are the different types of tuna available to buy in order of typical cost and quality:

  1. Bluefin Tuna ($$$$$)
  2. Bigeye Tuna ($$$$)
  3. Yellowfin Tuna ($$$)
  4. Albacore ($$)

How to Sear Ahi Tuna Steaks

Fresh or frozen, allow the steaks to come to room temperature prior to searing.

Skillet or Pan Seared

  1. Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
  2. Season the tuna on both sides with your favorite seasoning blend.
  3. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over high heat and add enough cooking oil (I use olive oil) to coat the bottom of the pan.
  4. Once the oil is hot, add the tuna steaks to the pan and sear for about 30 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes on each side, depending on desired level of doneness. The steaks should be brown on the outside and rare on the inside.
  5. Let the ahi tuna steaks rest for a couple of minutes and then cut. I recommend 2 inches thick and then cut in half into smaller pieces, or cut how you prefer.

BBQ Grill Seared

  1. Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
  2. Season the tuna on both sides with your favorite seasoning blend.
  3. Preheat the grill to a high heat.
  4. Place tuna steaks to the grill and sear for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes on each side, depending on desired level of doneness.
  5. Let the ahi tuna steaks rest for a couple of minutes and then cut. I recommend 2 inches thick and then cut in half into smaller pieces, or cut how you prefer.

Ahi Tuna Steak Seasoning

There are many ways to season ahi tuna but most importantly you don’t want to mask the tuna’s flavor so however you season, keep it simple. Here are a few suggestions to season ahi tuna.

  • Salt and pepper (I prefer kosher salt and peppercorns)
  • Salt and cayenne pepper
  • Sesame seed, salt and pepper
  • Sesame seed and soy sauce
  • Garlic Salt
  • Everything bagel seasoning
  • Marinading is another preferred method such as with soy sauce and other seasonings

Coating Oils: I recommend brushing a coat of oil on the fish so the dry ingredient mix will be better stick. I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EEVO) but vegetable oil, sesame seed oil, avocado oil, soy sauce, canola oil and other cooking oils can be used as well.

Lemon is an optional element to be added to many of these seasonings.

Seared Ahi

What to Serve with Seared Ahi Tuna

Seared ahi can be enjoyed plain or simply with soy sauce but there are also a variety of sides and garnishes to create a more flavorful experience. Here are some popular options to serve with ahi tuna steaks:

  • Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is commonly served with seared ahi to enhance the flavor.
  • Ponzu Sauce: Ponzu is much like soy sauce but is made with a citrus base.
  • Wasabi: Served solo or a small amount of wasabi can be mixed with soy sauce to add a spicy kick to the seared ahi.
  • Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can be sprinkled on top of the seared ahi for added flavor and texture.
  • Pickled Ginger: Thinly sliced pickled ginger, also known as gari, adds a slight sweetness and a tangy, refreshing flavor to the palate.
  • Daikon Radish: Thinly sliced daikon radish can be served as a palate cleanser.
  • Seaweed: Roasted seaweed, or nori, can be served as a wrap for the seared ahi or as a garnish.
  • Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumbers or pickled cucumber are a refreshing side dish alongside seared ahi. Cucumbers can also be served in a cucumber salad, or Sunomono, a tasty blend of fresh cucumber with seaweed and sushi vinegar.
  • Tempura & Seaweed Flakes: Tempura or seasoned seaweed flakes can be sprinkled on top of the seared ahi for added flavor and a crunchy texture.
  • Seaweed Salad: Another palate cleanser but also a nice contrast of flavors to the seared ahi.
  • Sushi Rice: Steamed Japanese short-grain rice provides a contrasting texture and helps balance the flavors.
  • Edamame: A fun and healthy complement to seared ahi.
  • Gyoza: These Japanese-style dumplings work well as a fulfilling appetizer prior to enjoying seared ahi.
  • Miso Soup: Miso is one soup that pairs well with seared ahi and serves as a palate cleanser as well.
  • Sushi: Sushi paired with seared ahi provides a nice mix of flavor and texture.
  • Vegetable & Shrimp Tempura: Hot and crispy tempura is another dish to kick off a seared ahi meal.
  • Kani Salad: Kani is the Japanese word for crab and combines crab with a mayo-based dressing.
  • Green Tea: Hot Japanese green tea cuts through the oil of the fish and keeps your palate refreshed.
  • Sake: Saki is a rice wine that is traditionally paired with sashimi and goes great with seared ahi.
  • Japanese Beer: Similar to Saki, popular Japanese beers are rice lagers.
  • Ice Cream: Sweet, soft mochi or creamy, flavorful matcha ice cream are wonderful ways to conclude the meal.
Seared Ahi

Ahi Tuna Steaks

Yield: 2-4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Searing ahi tuna steaks like it came from a restaurant is super easy and delicious as an appetizer, healthy meal, or alongside other Japanese dishes.

Ingredients

  • Favorite seasoning blend or marinade
  • 1 lbs Ahi Tuna Steaks (or any amount preferred)
  • Cooking Oil (I used EVOO but use what you prefer)

Instructions

    1. Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
    2. Season the tuna on both sides with your favorite seasoning blend.
    3. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over high heat and add enough cooking oil (I use olive oil) to coat the bottom of the pan.
    4. Once the oil is hot, add the tuna steaks to the pan and sear for about 30 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes on each side, depending on desired level of doneness. The steaks should be brown on the outside and rare on the inside.
    5. Let the ahi tuna steaks rest for a couple of minutes and then cut. I recommend 2 inches thick and then cut in half into smaller pieces, or cut how you prefer.

Notes

See above in the article for how to cook ahi tuna steaks on a grill.

© Monique McArthur
Cuisine: Japanese / Category: Appetizers
How to Sear Ahi Tuna Steaks

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