andrejthechef
InternationalSeafoodDinnerHigh proteinLow carb

Seared Tuna with Sesame Crust

Sushi-grade tuna rolled in sesame seeds and seared hard for under a minute per side. Restaurant quality in about 10 minutes.

prep
5 min
cook
5 min
total
10 min
serves
1
level
easy
Sliced seared tuna with a sesame seed crust and a rare pink center

Seared tuna looks like restaurant food but asks very little of you. A sesame crust, a very hot pan and under a minute per side. The center stays rare and silky.

Buy sushi-grade tuna, since the middle stays essentially raw. Beyond that, the only skill involved is pulling it off the heat in time.

method

  1. Pat the tuna steak dry with paper towels.

  2. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

  3. Spread the sesame seeds on a plate and press the tuna into them, coating all sides.

  4. Heat the olive oil in a pan over high heat until very hot.

  5. Sear the tuna for 30 to 60 seconds per side, depending on how done you like it.

  6. Remove from the heat and let it rest for 1 minute.

  7. Slice thinly against the grain and serve, with the soy and wasabi dip if you like.

chef's tips

  • The pan must be genuinely hot before the tuna goes in. A weak sear overcooks the center before the crust forms.
  • Use sushi-grade tuna only. The inside barely cooks.
  • Slice with a sharp knife in one clean stroke per cut, so the crust doesn’t tear.