Savory Ahi Tuna Sliders with Sesame Crust
Delight your guests with these delicious Savory Ahi Tuna Sliders, perfectly seared and coated in a crispy sesame crust. Ideal for parties, these sliders are easy to prepare in advance—just roll the tuna in sesame seeds, chill overnight, and follow the cooking instructions the next day. Each slider features succulent, high-protein ahi tuna, complemented by the sweet heat of wasabi ketchup, all nestled in lightly toasted rolls. Perfect for elevating your appetizer game!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black sesame seeds
1.5 cups (Whole seeds)
White sesame seeds
1.5 cups (Whole seeds)
Olive oil
6 tablespoons (For cooking)
Sesame oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
Ahi tuna steaks
3 lbs (Cut into 3 inch by 3 inch square portions)
Dinner rolls
12 (Small, sliced in half horizontally and lightly toasted)
Wasabi ketchup
To taste (For serving)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the black and white sesame seeds until well mixed. Dredge each ahi tuna steak in the sesame seed mixture, gently rolling to ensure an even coating on all sides.
2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Reduce the heat to medium. Carefully place the sesame-crusted tuna steaks in the skillet.
3
Sear the tuna for about 2 minutes, or until the white sesame seeds are lightly golden brown. Use a spatula to flip the tuna steaks carefully, ensuring the crust remains intact. Cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.
4
Once cooked, remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
5
Slice each tuna steak into smaller portions suitable for sliders. Place each portion on the bottom half of a toasted dinner roll. Drizzle with sweet wasabi ketchup to taste, then cover with the top half of the roll.
6
Serve immediately for an impressive and tasty appetizer!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Ahi Tuna Sliders?
Savory Ahi Tuna Sliders are appetizer-sized sandwiches featuring seared ahi tuna steaks coated in a black and white sesame crust, served on toasted rolls with wasabi ketchup.
What ingredients are needed for the sesame crust?
The crust is made using 1.5 cups of black sesame seeds and 1.5 cups of white sesame seeds mixed together.
How do I prepare the tuna for the sliders?
You should use 3 lbs of ahi tuna steaks cut into 3 inch by 3 inch square portions before dredging them in the sesame seed mixture.
Can I prepare the tuna in advance?
Yes, you can roll the tuna in sesame seeds and let them chill in the refrigerator overnight before cooking the next day.
What type of oil is best for searing the tuna?
The recipe calls for a combination of 6 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil for the best flavor and searing results.
How long should I sear the ahi tuna?
Sear the tuna for about 2 minutes per side over medium heat until the white sesame seeds are lightly golden brown.
What is the heat setting for cooking the tuna?
Start by heating the oil on medium-high heat until shimmering, then reduce to medium heat before adding the tuna steaks.
How do I know when to flip the tuna?
Flip the tuna carefully with a spatula after about 2 minutes, or once the white sesame seeds have turned a light golden brown color.
Should I let the tuna rest after cooking?
Yes, remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for a more succulent result.
What kind of rolls should be used?
The recipe recommends using 12 small dinner rolls, sliced in half horizontally and lightly toasted.
How is the wasabi ketchup used?
The wasabi ketchup is drizzled to taste over the sliced tuna portions once they are placed on the toasted rolls.
Is this recipe considered high in protein?
Yes, ahi tuna is a high-protein seafood, making these sliders a protein-rich appetizer option.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 12 sliders using 3 lbs of ahi tuna and 12 dinner rolls.
How do I ensure the sesame crust stays intact?
Gently roll the tuna in the seed mixture for an even coating and use a spatula to flip the steaks carefully during cooking.
Can I use only one type of sesame seed?
While the recipe uses both for visual appeal and flavor, you can use only one type if necessary, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.
What is the best way to serve these sliders?
Serve them immediately while warm for an impressive and tasty appetizer at parties or gatherings.
Is the tuna fully cooked or rare in the middle?
Searing for 2 minutes per side typically leaves the center of the ahi tuna rare to medium-rare, which is the traditional preparation for this dish.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a mixing bowl for the seeds, a large nonstick skillet for searing, and a spatula for flipping the tuna.
Are these sliders healthy?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as healthy due to the use of lean ahi tuna, heart-healthy oils, and protein-packed sesame seeds.
Can I substitute the wasabi ketchup?
If you prefer less heat, you can use regular ketchup or a spicy mayo, though wasabi ketchup provides the intended sweet heat.
How do I toast the dinner rolls?
Slice the rolls horizontally and lightly toast them in a toaster oven or under a broiler until just golden.
Can I use frozen tuna steaks?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before dredging in the sesame seeds to ensure the crust adheres.
What makes the tuna 'savory' in this recipe?
The combination of the toasted sesame seeds, the rich sesame oil, and the umami of the seared ahi tuna creates a deeply savory flavor.
What is the purpose of the sesame oil?
The sesame oil adds a distinct nutty aroma and flavor that complements the sesame seed crust.
How do I slice the tuna for the rolls?
After resting, slice each 3x3 inch tuna steak into smaller portions that fit the size of your dinner rolls.
Is this a good party food?
Absolutely, these sliders are designed for parties as they are impressive, easy to eat as finger food, and can be prepped ahead.
What is the texture of the sesame crust?
The crust is crispy and provides a crunchy contrast to the tender, succulent ahi tuna inside.
Should the skillet be very hot?
The oil should be shimmering (medium-high) initially to start the sear, then reduced to medium to cook the seeds without burning them.
Can I add greens to the sliders?
While the basic recipe focuses on tuna and ketchup, you can add arugula or microgreens for extra freshness if desired.
How long does the whole process take?
Excluding the optional overnight chill, the preparation and cooking take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.