5 from 114 votes
Ahi Tuna with Ponzu Sauce
This recipe for Ahi Tuna with Ponzu Sauce features fresh ahi tuna steaks marinated in a tangy, citrus-based ponzu sauce combining soy, lemon and lime juices, mirin, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The tuna is briefly seared to maintain a rare center and served thinly sliced with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. The reserved ponzu sauce provides an extra dimension for dipping alongside a bed of white rice, offering a bright and balanced flavor profile with a delicate texture.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
235 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Asian
Ingredients
For the Ponzu Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 2-3 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons mirin (see note 1)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar plus more to taste (see note 2)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (see note 3)
For the Ahi Tuna:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 (8 ounce) ahi tuna steaks (about 3/4 of an inch thick, see note 4)
- scallions for garnish
- sesame seeds for garnish, toasted
- rice for serving, cooked
Instructions
To make the Ponzu Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, lime juice, mirin, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Divide sauce in half and reserve half the sauce for dipping.
Cup of Yum
To make the Ahi Tuna:
- Coat the tuna steaks in remaining ponzu sauce and marinate for at least one hour.
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Remove tuna steaks from marinade, wipe off excess, and add to skillet without moving. Sear 1 to 2 minutes per side for rare.
- Transfer to cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Slice into 1/4-inch slices and garnish with scallions. Serve with white rice and reserved ponzu sauce for dipping.
Notes
- If mirin is not available, substitute with a mixture of white wine or rice vinegar combined with sugar to approximate the sweetness.
- Brown sugar quantity can be adjusted in the ponzu sauce to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- The cayenne pepper is optional; adjust or omit according to your tolerance for heat.
- Select fresh ahi tuna that is moist and bright in color, avoiding any dull, brownish or flaky pieces.
- For best quality, prepare and consume the tuna on the day of purchase, storing it wrapped and chilled properly.
Nutrition Information
Serving
4 ounces
Calories
235kcal
(12%)
Carbohydrates
9g
(3%)
Protein
29g
(58%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
43mg
(14%)
Sodium
1190mg
(50%)
Potassium
342mg
(7%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
2501IU
(50%)
Vitamin C
8mg
(9%)
Calcium
13mg
(1%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 235
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 4 ounces | |
| Calories | 235kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 43mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 1190mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 342mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 2501IU | 50% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 13mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.