If you’re on the hunt for a stunning, quick, and utterly delicious seafood dish, then you’ll be thrilled to discover the magic of Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna Recipe. This delightful creation brings together the rich, buttery texture of sushi-grade ahi tuna with a crunchy sesame seed crust and a perfectly balanced Asian-inspired sauce. It’s so elegant yet easy, making it the perfect recipe to wow friends or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re a seasoned tuna lover or curious about stepping into the world of seared tuna, this dish offers the right combination of flavors and textures you won’t forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna Recipe is essential, but don’t worry—most of them are pantry staples or easy to find. Each one adds a unique flavor or texture, ensuring your tuna is vibrant, savory, and perfectly balanced.
- 2 sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each): The star of the dish, choosing sushi-grade ensures freshness and the perfect rare center after searing.
- 1/4 cup white sesame seeds: These give a nutty, toasty flavor and lovely crunch to the crust.
- 1/4 cup black sesame seeds: Together with the white seeds, they create a beautiful visual contrast and an extra depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds the essential salty, umami punch that ties the dish together.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds a subtle spicy warmth and brightness to the sauce.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Gives the sauce a mild hint of savory depth without overpowering the tuna.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings acidity that balances the richness of the tuna and sweetness of the honey.
- 1 tsp honey or mirin: A touch of sweetness that softens the soy-based sauce and makes it irresistible.
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado): Perfect for high-heat searing without burning the sesame crust.
- Optional – wasabi paste or cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro: These garnishes add extra layers of flavor and a fresh finish.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Tuna
First things first, gently pat your sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture makes sure the sesame seeds stick well and the sear is crisp and even. This simple step sets up the perfect texture for the final dish.
Step 2: Coat the Tuna with Sesame Seeds
Mix your white and black sesame seeds on a shallow plate or dish. Press each tuna steak firmly into the seeds on all sides, creating a beautiful, even crust. This coating will toast up quickly during searing, adding a wonderful crunch and toasty flavor in just a minute or so.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
Now, combine the soy sauce, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and honey or mirin in a small bowl. Whisk these together until well blended—the sauce is the perfect balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and aromatic, designed to enhance but never overpower the flavor of your ahi tuna.
Step 4: Sear the Tuna
Heat your neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks into the pan. Sear each side for 30 seconds to 1 minute—this quick cooking method crisps up the sesame seeds to a golden brown while leaving the center beautifully rare and tender.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Then, slice it crosswise into 1/2-inch thick pieces against the grain to maximize tenderness. Arrange the slices on a plate and drizzle with the luscious sauce you whisked earlier. This final presentation is as inviting as a dining-out experience at Ruth’s Chris.
How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dash of wasabi paste or wasabi cream for an exciting kick that plays beautifully with the umami flavors of the dish. Sprinkle sliced green onions or chopped cilantro on top to introduce a fresh burst of color and brightness that rounds out the rich tuna.
Side Dishes
This seared ahi tuna pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides. Think steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sauce or a crisp cucumber salad for refreshing crunch. Roasted or grilled asparagus adds an elegant vegetable component without competing with the tuna’s flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve slices atop a bed of mixed greens dressed with a sesame vinaigrette. You could also create sushi-style bites by placing the tuna over small mounds of sushi rice and garnishing with pickled ginger. Presentation makes this dish feel even more special and restaurant-quality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the sliced tuna and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture and flavor. Consume within one to two days, as tuna is freshest when enjoyed promptly.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for cooked ahi tuna with sesame crust since it can affect the texture and flavor. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerate it briefly.
Reheating
Because the tuna is best served rare and with a crispy crust, reheating isn’t ideal—it can overcook the fish and soften the sesame seeds. If necessary, gently warm the sauce separately and serve it alongside cold slices for a tasty cold dish.
FAQs
Can I use another type of tuna for Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna Recipe?
While sushi-grade ahi tuna is preferred for its flavor and texture, you could use other high-quality, fresh tuna steaks. Just be sure they are thick and fresh to achieve that rare center after searing.
How do I know when the tuna is perfectly seared?
The tuna should be seared for about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side until the sesame crust turns golden brown. The inside should remain rare and pink. Overcooking will make the tuna tough.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be whisked together a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This even allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.
What can I substitute for white and black sesame seeds?
You can use all white or all black sesame seeds if you prefer. They both offer a lovely nutty flavor, though the mix adds a striking appearance. Toasting seeds lightly before coating can enhance their aroma.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can easily be made gluten-free by choosing gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish accessible for gluten-conscious eaters.
Final Thoughts
Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna Recipe is one of those dishes that feels luxurious without any fuss. Its radiant sesame-crusted exterior paired with a rare, melt-in-your-mouth center and a vibrant sauce makes every bite memorable. Whether treating yourself on a weeknight or impressing guests, this recipe promises simplicity, elegance, and incredible flavors all in one. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new favorite go-to!
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Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Description
This Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna recipe features sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks coated in a savory blend of white and black sesame seeds, seared quickly to achieve a perfectly golden crust while keeping the center rare and tender. The tuna is complemented by a flavorful soy-ginger sauce and optionally garnished with fresh green onions or cilantro, delivering a restaurant-quality dish that’s quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Tuna and Sesame Crust
- 2 sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or mirin
Cooking Oil
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado)
Optional Garnishes
- Wasabi paste or cream
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Tuna: Pat tuna steaks dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the sesame seeds adhere well.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: Combine white and black sesame seeds on a plate. Press each tuna steak firmly into the seeds, coating all sides evenly for a flavorful crust.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and honey or mirin in a small bowl until well combined.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil, heating it until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sear the Tuna: Add the coated tuna steaks to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, allowing the sesame seeds to turn golden and crisp while keeping the center rare.
- Slice the Tuna: Remove the tuna from the skillet and slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Serve: Drizzle the prepared sauce over the sliced tuna and garnish with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro. Add wasabi paste or cream as desired for extra flavor and heat.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade tuna to ensure the best flavor and safety when serving rare.
- Press the sesame seeds firmly to prevent them from falling off during searing.
- The perfect sear achieves a crispy sesame crust with a rare center for optimal texture.
- Adjust the cooking time slightly for thicker or thinner tuna steaks to avoid overcooking.
- Honey or mirin in the sauce adds a subtle sweetness balancing the savory soy and tart vinegar.
- Try serving with steamed rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
