Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
I always zero in on Ahi Tuna when I’m looking over a restaurant menu. To me Tuna
steaks are equal parts healthy and exotic. I especially love the medium rare Ahi Tuna
when its paired with avocado and fresh greens or sushi rice and some green veggies.
The marinade below has the nuttiness of the sesame seed oil but then the spice of
the Sambal Oelek. I think the two flavors together are a great pairing.
Ahi Tuna steaks can be a bit of a splurge but if you keep your eyes open for sales you
can get two good size pieces for under $10. Our grocery store runs deals on Ahi
Tuna once or twice a month.
When picking out Ahi Tuna I like to choose smaller, thicker steaks over the thin
ones. This gives a little leeway in the cook time so I have less of chance of over
cooking them. Traditionally, Ahi Tuna steaks are cooked to medium rare so they are
very pink inside. This is the way I prefer it because when the fish is cooked through
it becomes drier.
I also like to use these steaks to create my own poke bowl type of meal, as shown
here. I start with some sushi rice seasoned with a little rice wine vinegar and a
sprinkle of salt. Then I just top it with tuna, avocado and whatever veggies I have on
hand!
2 small – medium Ahi Tuna steaks
1 cup low sodium Soy Sauce
2 teaspoon Sambal Oelek
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh Ginger
3 teaspoons Sesame Oil
Combine the soy sauce, sesame oil and Sambal Oelek in a bowl. Peel and finely chop
the fresh ginger and that to the liquids. Place both steaks in the marinade so the
marinade comes about half way up the steak. Let sit for 15 minutes. After 15
minutes flip the steaks and let sit for another 15 minutes.
Bring your grill or grill pan to medium high heat. You want a good sear on the Tuna
but you don’t want to cook the fish all the way through. After two minutes, flip the
Tuna. Cook for another two minutes. After two minutes, check the inside of the fish
to see if it’s to your liking. Remember, the Tuna will continue to cook for a bit once
you pull it off the grill.
Once cooked, slice the Ahi Tuna on a bias and plate it on a bed of greens and avocado
or cube it to create your own poke bowl with sushi rice.