Description
A quick, restaurant-quality seared ahi tuna dish with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a romantic date night in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Ahi tuna steaks (sushi-grade, 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 to 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Remove tuna steaks from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. Pat them completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over high heat for 2 minutes. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat; the oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Place tuna steaks in the hot pan. Sear undisturbed for 60-90 seconds until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 60 seconds, then sear edges for 15 seconds each.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and soy sauce. Tilt pan to pool the butter.
- Baste the tuna continuously with the garlic butter mixture for 30-60 seconds using a spoon.
- Remove tuna from the pan and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Pour remaining garlic butter over the tuna.
- Slice tuna against the grain and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the tuna is sushi-grade for food safety as the center remains raw. Do not overcrowd the pan. Patting the tuna dry is crucial for a good sear. Garlic burns easily, so add it at the end and reduce heat. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days but are best eaten fresh.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak per ser
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 40
Keywords: garlic butter seared ahi tuna, date night dinner, quick seafood recipes, sushi grade tuna, healthy dinner, keto friendly meals, easy gourmet cooking