Tuna Ataki | Seared Tuna Steaks

If you are looking for a quick and impressive dish, this seared tuna with sesame seeds is a must try! This tuna ataki recipe is perfect for anyone who wants gourmet results without spending hours in the kitchen. It probably doesn’t take you more than 10 minutes to prepare this dish.

I used frozen tuna steaks for this recipe, letting them fully defrost before cooking. The sesame seed crust adds a crunch and nutty flavour, fitting well to the flavour of the tuna. Whether you are hosting a dinner or craving a restaurant style meal at home, this easy recipe will have everyone coming back for more!

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Tuna Ataki

Seared Tuna with Sesame Seeds
Prep Time5 minutes
Cooking Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: seared tuna, tuna ataki
Author: Annely
Servings: 2

Adjust servings here:

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • paper towels
  • plate

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tuna steaks*
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds white
  • 2 tbssp sesame seeds black

Instructions

  • Place the tuna steaks on a paper towel and gently pat dry to remove any excess liquid.
  • Spread the white and black sesame seeds on a plate. Dip the steaks into the seeds, make sure all sides are evenly coated.
  • Heat a frying pan over high heat.
  • Sear the steaks briefly on both sides until the sesame seeds turn golden brown, about 30-40 seconds per side. Sear the edges by holding the steaks upright with your hand or a tool.
  • Using your sharpest knife, cut the steaks into slices approximately 0.5 cm (about 0.2 inches) thick.
  • Arrange the slices on a plate, leaving a bit of space between each slice. Press them gently to create a fan-like presentation. Serve with your sauce of choice.

Notes

*For this recipe, I use frozen tuna steaks. On the day of cooking, I take them out of the freezer at least 6 hours in advance to allow for a slow defrost.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
Pair this dish with a red wine sauce or a homemade honey dill yogurt sauce.

Enjoy!