It’s grilling season, and nothing beats this mouthwatering Grilled Sesame Ahi Tuna, which only takes 20 minutes to prepare, is seared on the grill to a crispy, savory exterior while remaining soft and tender inside, imparts a delicious umami flavor with the help of a soy-honey marinade, and is quick and simple to clean up. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, elegant enough for company, and also serves as an appetizer.
I think I could eat this grilled tuna every day of the week because it’s so simple and delicious; it’s one of our family’s favorite recipes.
It just goes to show you how absolutely delicious it is and how much cheaper it is to make it for yourself than to buy it at your neighborhood market or fish store. However, with all the other lovely grilled seafood I like to make, such as Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce, Pineapple Mahi Mahi, and Grilled Shrimp Packets, Im not really going to do that.
The fish itself is low in calories, sodium, and sugar while being rich in protein, niacin, phosphorous, selenium, and Vitamins A, B6, and B12. We try to include fish in our weekly diet at least twice a week, and tuna is one of the healthiest fish and available year-round.
Many essential amino acids found in tuna protein support the immune system, which is crucial right now, and omega 3 fatty acids, which help to protect the heart.
Tuna Steak Recipe – Best Way to Grill
Grilled Sesame Ahi Tuna 🔗
Grilled Sesame Ahi Tuna is a delicious, quick & easy dinner. It's coated in sesame seeds, seared to a crispy outside and tender inside & ready in 20!
Prep: 5min
Total: 19min
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 430 kcal, Carbohydrate 14 g, Protein 28 g, Fat 30 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 32 mg, Sodium 880 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 5 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 6 oz 1" to 1-1/2" thick ahi tuna steak
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds (white & black mixed)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon sake
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
Instruction:
- Mix all ingredients for marinade in small bowl.
- Place tuna steak in small resealable zippered bag and add marinade. Turn to coat. Let stand for 10-20 minutes, turning several times.
- Place black and white sesame seeds on a plate. Remove tuna steak from marinade and dip into sesame seed mixture, patting into steak until all sides are coated.
- Preheat grill on high. Place tuna steaks directly on grill and quickly sear, about 1-1/2 to 2 minutes per side. Medium rare has an internal temperature of 125 degrees.
FAQ
Can ahi tuna be cooked on the grill?
Grill Your Ahi Tuna Steaks Place the thawed, seasoned, and placed ahi tuna steaks directly on the grill grates. If you prefer a medium-rare doneness, cook the tuna steaks for 60-90 seconds on each side, or until seared. If you prefer a medium doneness, cook the tuna steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until opaque throughout.
How long does it take to sear tuna on the grill?
Sear and Cook the Tuna Place the tuna steaks over the hotter part of the grill, leaving that side down for 1–2 minutes until browned and crispy, then flip to the other side and sear for 1–2 minutes more. At this point, you can either remove it from the grill or continue cooking it to the desired level of doneness.
How should I cook my ahi tuna?
The tuna steaks are seasoned with salt and pepper, rolled in sesame seeds until both sides are completely coated, and then placed in a saute pan with about a tablespoon of oil until the oil is smoking hot and the steaks are seared for about 45 seconds without moving them.