5 Delicious Ahi Tuna Recipes You Must Try

Classic Seared Ahi Tuna with Sesame Crust

Ahi tuna, also known as yellowfin tuna, is prized for its vibrant color and delicate texture, making it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned chefs. One of the most straightforward yet rewarding ways to enjoy this fish is through a sesame-seared preparation that highlights the tuna's freshness and flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces of fresh ahi tuna steak (about 6 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup of white sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup of black sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Wasabi, for serving
• Pickled ginger, for serving

Instructions

Begin by ensuring your ahi tuna steaks are at room temperature for even cooking:

1. Combine soy sauce, mirin, and grated ginger in a small bowl.
2. In another bowl, mix the white and black sesame seeds.
3. Dip each tuna steak into the soy mixture to coat lightly, then press into the sesame seed mix to fully encrust the tuna.
4. Heat a skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot. Add a small amount of oil if needed.
5. Sear the tuna for about 1-2 minutes per side to achieve a rare center and a crispy exterior.

🔍 Note: For a medium-rare to medium doneness, increase the cooking time slightly, but be cautious not to overcook as tuna can become dry.

Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl

The Poke Bowl trend has taken the world by storm, offering a fresh, vibrant, and nutritious meal that's both easy to assemble and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of sushi-grade ahi tuna, cubed
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of Sriracha
• 1/2 teaspoon of honey
• 1 cup of cooked rice (white or brown)
• Assorted toppings: avocado, cucumber, edamame, seaweed salad, carrots, etc.

Instructions

Here's how to create your own Poke Bowl:

1. Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, Sriracha, and honey to make the marinade.
2. Add the cubed tuna to the marinade, let it sit for 5-10 minutes in the fridge.
3. Prepare your rice and gather your toppings.
4. Assemble the bowl with rice at the bottom, followed by the marinated tuna, and top with your choice of toppings.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and maybe a drizzle of Sriracha or soy sauce for extra flavor.

Ahi Tuna Tacos

Transform your Ahi tuna into a delightful, hand-held meal with these Ahi Tuna Tacos. Here's how:

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ahi tuna, sliced into strips
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Cabbage slaw (with shredded cabbage, carrot, cilantro)
• Sriracha Mayo (mayo mixed with Sriracha to taste)
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Avocado or guacamole, for topping

Instructions

Create these tacos with the following steps:

1. Marinate the tuna strips in soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sesame oil.
2. Quickly sear the tuna in a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
3. Warm the tortillas in the same skillet or on a griddle.
4. Assemble the tacos with slaw, avocado, seared tuna, and drizzle with Sriracha Mayo.
5. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra zest.

🍋 Note: The freshness of the ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of these tacos. Opt for the freshest possible ingredients for the best experience.

Grilled Ahi Tuna Steaks with Mango Salsa

The combination of grilled ahi tuna with a tangy and sweet mango salsa brings a tropical twist to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 4 Ahi tuna steaks (6 oz. each)
• 1 mango, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup of cilantro, chopped
• Lime juice from 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Here's how to make this vibrant dish:

1. Mix the mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the salsa.
2. Brush the tuna steaks with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the tuna over high heat for about 3 minutes per side for a rare to medium-rare finish.
4. Serve the tuna topped with generous scoops of mango salsa.

Ahi Tuna Tataki

Ahi Tuna Tataki is a Japanese delicacy where thinly sliced, lightly seared tuna is dressed with a savory sauce, offering a combination of melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of fresh ahi tuna
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon ponzu sauce
• Scallions, thinly sliced for garnish
• Daikon sprouts or microgreens (optional)

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare this exquisite dish:

1. Pat the tuna dry with paper towels. Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan until very hot.
2. Quickly sear the tuna for about 20-30 seconds on each side to keep the center raw.
3. Allow the tuna to cool slightly, then slice into thin pieces.
4. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and ponzu sauce for the dressing.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the sliced tuna, garnish with scallions and microgreens if using.

In summary, these five ahi tuna recipes provide a spectrum of culinary adventures, from the simple elegance of seared tuna to the colorful and textured experience of a poke bowl, the hand-held delight of tacos, the tropical zest of grilled tuna with mango salsa, to the delicate art of Tataki. Each dish not only celebrates the natural flavors of ahi tuna but also enhances them with complementary ingredients, ensuring that every bite is both a sensory and culinary delight. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or just seeking a new way to enjoy this incredible fish at home, these recipes will certainly elevate your cooking game.