Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna Salad Bowl
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
607 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Asian
Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna Salad Bowl
Description
The recipe centers on thick yellowfin tuna steaks brushed with oil, seasoned, and coated in black sesame seeds, then seared briefly in a hot pan to form a crunchy crust while keeping the center rare. After slicing, the tuna is marinated briefly in a sauce featuring fresh lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, lime zest, and olive oil, which imparts citrusy heat and umami.
The salad base combines peppery arugula, buttery avocado cubes, sharp scallions, and spicy jalapeño, adding freshness and varying textures that complement the seared tuna. Mixing the tuna with its marinade juices into the salad ensures layering of flavor throughout.
This bowl can be served with cooked forbidden rice for a more substantial meal but works well as a light, protein-rich salad. It's suited for those who appreciate the contrast of sesame's crunch, the tuna's creamy texture, and a bright, spicy dressing.
For those preferring more cooked tuna, the searing time can be extended to medium or medium-well, but longer marinating times risk altering the creamy texture. Leftovers should be consumed the day of preparation or stored refrigerated up to one day for best quality.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 5 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed, from 3-4 limes
- lime zest of 2
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or any other hot sauce you like (i.e. Tabasco)
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sesame Crusted Tuna:
- 1 1/2 pounds yellowfin tuna steak 2-3 pieces, pat-dried with paper towels
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or peppercorn mix, freshly ground
- 1 cup black sesame seeds or white sesame seeds
For the salad:
- 2 cups arugula rinsed and dried, baby
- 2 avocado pitted and cut into smaller cubes, ripe
- 5 scallions chopped, stalks
- 1 jalapeño seeded and chopped
- For the Bowl: optional
- 4 cups forbidden rice black or brown rice, cooked
Instructions
- To make the sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set it aside.
- To make the Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna Steaks: Brush both sides of each tuna steak with 1/2 teaspoon (each) vegetable oil. Season them with salt and pepper. Place the sesame seeds on a large plate and gently press both sides of tuna steak in sesame seeds to coat.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large non-stick skillet until it is just beginning to smoke. Add tuna steaks (make sure they are not touching each other) and cook for 1 minute* without moving them. Using tongs flip the steaks and cook for another minute. Place the steaks on a cutting board and slice into cubes. Transfer them in a mixing bowl and pour the reserved sauce over the steaks. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
- To make the salad: Place baby arugula, avocados, scallions, and jalapeno in a salad bowl. Add in the marinated tuna steaks into the salad (with all of its juices) and give it a gentle stir. Taste for seasoning and add if necessary.
- To serve: When ready to serve, place a cup of forbidden rice at the bottom of a bowl. Spoon some of the salad and its juices on top. Continue with the rest of the bowls. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a more cooked tuna texture, sear the steaks up to 2 minutes per side and marinate slightly longer, but avoid over 30 minutes to maintain creaminess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one day to retain freshness.
- The optional forbidden rice adds heft but is excluded from the nutritional calculation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 607 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 607kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 43g | 86% |
| Fat | 44g | 68% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 65mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 1146mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 1016mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 4285IU | 86% |
| Vitamin C | 25mg | 28% |
| Calcium | 58mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.