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
Scale
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.
