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- 2 Ahi tuna steaks (approx. 6 oz each) - 1/4 cup sesame seeds (a mix of white and black) - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine) - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced - 1/2 red bell pepper, julienned - 1 avocado, sliced - 2 green onions, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste In this salad, Ahi tuna steaks take center stage. Their rich flavor pairs well with sesame seeds. I like to use a mix of white and black seeds for a nice touch. The mixed greens provide a fresh base. I often choose arugula, spinach, and romaine for a great crunch. For extra texture and color, add shredded carrots, cucumber, and red bell pepper. The creamy avocado adds richness, while green onions bring a fresh pop. The dressing is simple yet full of flavor. Fresh ginger and lime juice brighten up the salad. A splash of soy sauce and sesame oil adds depth. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. With these ingredients, you can create a bright and tasty salad in no time. It’s perfect for a light meal or a hearty side dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by patting the Ahi tuna steaks dry with paper towels. This step helps to remove any excess moisture. 2. Season both sides with salt and pepper for taste. Then, brush them lightly with low-sodium soy sauce. This adds a nice depth of flavor. 3. Next, pour sesame seeds onto a flat plate. Take each seasoned tuna steak and press it into the seeds. Make sure to coat all sides evenly. This gives your tuna a beautiful crust. 1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the tuna. 2. Sear each side of the tuna for about 1-2 minutes for a rare finish. If you prefer it more cooked, adjust the time accordingly. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. 3. Once done, remove the tuna from the skillet. Let it rest briefly before slicing. This keeps the juices inside. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and julienned red bell pepper. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients. 2. For the dressing, whisk together grated ginger, fresh lime juice, a splash of soy sauce, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. 3. Now, slice your seared tuna into thin pieces against the grain. This makes it tender and easy to eat. 4. Arrange the salad mixture on serving plates. Top it generously with the sliced tuna. Drizzle the ginger-lime dressing over the salad. 5. Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a burst of flavor and color. These steps will guide you to a delicious Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad. Enjoy the fresh flavors! To get that perfect sesame crust, start with the tuna. First, pat the Ahi tuna dry with paper towels. This keeps the crust from getting soggy. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Next, brush a bit of low-sodium soy sauce on the tuna. This adds flavor and helps the sesame seeds stick. Now, spread your sesame seeds on a flat plate. Gently press the seasoned tuna into the seeds, coating all sides evenly. The mix of white and black sesame seeds not only looks great but also adds flavor. For cooking the tuna, I prefer searing. It gives a nice crust while keeping the inside tender. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the tuna steaks. Sear each side for about 1-2 minutes for a rare finish. You can cook longer if you prefer more doneness. Remember, the tuna should still be pink inside for the best taste. When it comes to serving, get creative! You can use a large platter for sharing or individual bowls for a personal touch. Arrange the mixed salad greens at the bottom, then layer the sliced tuna on top. To make it pop, garnish with chopped green onions and a lime wedge. A sprinkle of leftover sesame seeds adds a lovely finish. This simple touch enhances both the look and taste of your dish. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Tuna: Opt for sushi-grade Ahi tuna for the best flavor and texture. Freshness is key when serving raw or lightly seared fish. Perfectly Toasted Seeds: Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan before coating the tuna. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to modify the ginger-lime dressing by adding a touch of honey or chili flakes for a sweet or spicy twist that suits your palate. Rest the Tuna: Allow the seared tuna to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and results in a more tender texture. {{image_4}} You can change up the salad greens for a fresh twist. Try using kale or mixed baby greens. Both options add great flavor and nutrition. You can also mix in some crunchy radicchio for a touch of color and bitterness. For vegetables, feel free to get creative. Add cherry tomatoes for sweetness or shredded cabbage for crunch. You could also try diced bell peppers for a colorful pop. Each swap brings a new taste and texture to your salad. If Ahi tuna isn't your favorite, consider salmon as a great substitute. Salmon offers a similar rich flavor and works well with sesame. You can also use tofu for a plant-based option. Tofu absorbs flavors well and adds a nice texture. Both salmon and tofu can be prepared using the same methods as the Ahi tuna. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness. While the ginger-lime dressing is fantastic, you can switch it up too. A sesame vinaigrette adds a nutty flavor that complements the tuna. Mix sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey for a simple and tasty dressing. Another option is a wasabi dressing. It gives a spicy kick to the dish. Combine wasabi paste with soy sauce and a splash of lime juice. This dressing pairs wonderfully with the tuna. Experimenting with these variations can make your salad unique each time you prepare it. To keep your salad fresh, store the salad components separately. Place mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper in airtight containers. This helps prevent wilting and sogginess. For the tuna, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container. This keeps sushi-grade tuna fresh and safe to eat. When reheating tuna, use low heat. This helps avoid overcooking. Place the tuna in a skillet and warm it for about 30 seconds on each side. Avoid using a microwave, as it can dry out the fish. You want to keep that tender texture. Leftover salad components can last 2-3 days in the fridge. Store the tuna separately for the best taste. If kept properly, the tuna will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. To make the salad gluten-free, you can swap out regular soy sauce. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead. Both options keep the flavor while ensuring you avoid gluten. You can also use coconut aminos as an alternative. This sauce is naturally gluten-free and adds a nice sweetness. This salad pairs great with several side dishes. You might enjoy serving it with: - Steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty touch. - Edamame for a crunchy snack. - A light miso soup to complement the flavors. - Fresh fruit like mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast. These options enhance your meal while keeping it fresh and vibrant. Yes, you can prep parts of the salad ahead of time. Here’s how: - Tuna: You can coat and sear the tuna a few hours before serving. Just keep it in the fridge. - Salad Ingredients: Wash and chop the greens, carrots, and veggies. Store them in airtight containers. - Dressing: Make the dressing a day ahead. Just whisk it together and keep it in the fridge. For best taste, assemble the salad right before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and fresh. We explored how to make a delicious Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad. You learned about essential ingredients like ahi tuna, sesame seeds, and fresh greens. The step-by-step instructions guided you through preparing the tuna and assembling the salad. Tips helped you achieve a perfect sesame crust and suggested creative ways to present your dish. In summary, this salad is fresh, tasty, and easy to customize. Enjoy making it your own!

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad

A delightful salad featuring seared Ahi tuna steaks coated in sesame seeds, served over a vibrant mix of greens and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 steaks Ahi tuna
  • 0.25 cup sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 0.5 cucumber thinly sliced cucumber
  • 0.5 red bell pepper julienned red bell pepper
  • 1 avocado sliced avocado
  • 2 green onions finely chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by patting the Ahi tuna steaks dry using paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly brush them with soy sauce to infuse flavor.
  • Spread the sesame seeds onto a flat plate. Gently press the seasoned tuna steaks into the sesame seeds, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides for a perfect crust.
  • Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the sesame-crusted tuna steaks. Sear each side for approximately 1-2 minutes (for a rare finish) or until your preferred level of doneness is achieved. Once done, remove from the skillet and allow the tuna to rest briefly before slicing.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, julienned bell pepper, and avocado. Toss gently to incorporate all the vibrant ingredients.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the grated ginger, fresh lime juice, a splash of soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  • Slice the seared tuna into thin slices against the grain for tenderness. On serving plates, arrange the salad mixture beautifully and top generously with the sliced tuna. Drizzle the ginger-lime dressing artfully over the salad.
  • For an added pop of flavor and color, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the finished salad.

Notes

Present the salad on a large platter for sharing or in individual bowls. Garnish with lime wedges and leftover sesame seeds for a charming finish.
Keyword healthy, salad, seafood, sesame, tuna