Dive into a culinary adventure with our Black Sesame Almond Crusted Ahi Tuna, a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests! This Asian-inspired recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 15 minutes from start to finish—but it also features a delightful combination of nutty flavors and a perfectly seared crust. Imagine succulent ahi tuna steaks, coated in a crunchy blend of black sesame seeds and sliced almonds, creating a mouthwatering contrast to the tender fish inside. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ahi tuna steaks
- 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Start by preparing the ingredients. Rinse the ahi tuna steaks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and allows the crust to adhere better.
- In a shallow dish, combine the black sesame seeds and sliced almonds. Mix them well to ensure an even distribution of the two ingredients.
- Season the ahi tuna steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the fish and complement the nutty crust.
- Press each seasoned tuna steak into the sesame-almond mixture, ensuring that both sides are evenly coated. Apply gentle pressure to help the crust adhere to the fish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is ready by flicking a drop of water into the pan; if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the crusted tuna steaks in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness. Aim for a nice golden-brown crust while keeping the center rare to medium-rare.
- After cooking, remove the tuna steaks from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. This allows the juices to redistribute within the fish.
- Slice the ahi tuna steaks against the grain into thick slices for serving. This will enhance the presentation and texture.
- Serve the black sesame almond crusted ahi tuna on a plate, optionally garnishing with additional sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce for added flavor.
Tips
- Prep Your Tuna Right: Rinse the ahi tuna steaks thoroughly and pat them dry to ensure the crust adheres perfectly. This step is crucial for achieving that delicious, crunchy exterior.
- Mix Your Coating Well: Combine the black sesame seeds and sliced almonds in a shallow dish, mixing them evenly. This will guarantee that each bite is packed with flavor.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Seasoning the tuna steaks before coating them enhances the overall flavor and complements the nutty crust beautifully.
- Press Firmly: When coating the tuna steaks, press them firmly into the sesame-almond mixture. This helps the crust stick and ensures a satisfying crunch when cooked.
- Get the Oil Hot: Make sure your olive oil is hot enough before adding the tuna. A good test is to flick a drop of water into the pan; if it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
- Cook to Perfection: Depending on the thickness of your steaks, aim for 2-3 minutes on each side. For the best texture, keep the center rare to medium-rare, allowing the fish to remain tender and juicy.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the cooked tuna to rest for a minute before slicing. This step is essential for keeping the juices locked in, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Presentation Matters: Slice the tuna against the grain for a beautiful presentation. Consider garnishing with extra sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce to elevate the dish further.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg
