Marinated Seared Ahi
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 2 min | Total Time: 12 min | Serves: 6
INGREDIENTS
2 TB soy sauce
2 TB freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 TB toasted sesame oil (found in the international aisle)
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
2 to 2 ½ lbs fresh ahi tuna steaks, about 1½-1⅔ inches thick
oil for cooking
Optional: freshly chopped cilantro, green scallions, sesame seeds for garnish.
Optional: Sriracha mayo for drizzling (a must in our house!)
DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, whisk together the first 7 ingredients to make a marinade. Towel dry tuna steaks and place in a glass or ceramic dish. Pour marinade over the fish, turning to coat well throughout. Cover tightly and chill several hours to overnight; turn fish over at least once in the middle of marinade time.
Heat 3 TB oil in a large heavy skillet (aluminum or stainless steel; not nonstick) until oil is smoking. Sear ahi steaks 1½ minutes per side on high heat, taking care to flip carefully with a flat, steel spatula. (If your tuna is less than 1½ inches thick, sear for only 1 minute per side.)
Transfer seared ahi to a large cutting board and let rest/cool 10 minutes. Use a very sharp (serrated works well) knife to slice thinly across the grain.
Serve chilled or at room temp, over your favorite salad greens. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro or green onions, if desired. Drizzle with Sriracha mayo if desired.
NOTES:
Seared ahi is best eaten on same day. However, leftovers can be tightly wrapped and chilled for up to 1 day. A good quality Riesling is superb with this dish!