Sesame-Encrusted Seared Tuna with Savory Japanese Sauce
Experience a delightful dish featuring tuna steaks encrusted with toasted sesame seeds, perfectly seared to maintain a tender center. Accompanied by a savory and subtly sweet Japanese dipping sauce, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Not only is this meal quick and easy to prepare, but it's also a healthy option, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
tuna steaks
4 (fresh, approximately 6 oz each)
sesame seeds
1/2 cup (enough to cover one side of each tuna steak)
miso paste
18 grams (white or yellow for milder flavor)
mirin
3 tablespoons (can use less for a less sweet flavor)
sake
3 tablespoons (premium if available)
sugar
2 tablespoons (fine granulated)
rice vinegar
2 tablespoons (unseasoned)
Japanese soy sauce
2 teaspoons (low-sodium recommended)
wasabi
1/4 teaspoon (prepared or freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Prepare the ingredients sourced from a local Asian grocery or well-stocked supermarket. Note that imitation mirin is available, which lacks alcohol and is sweeter; adjust quantity accordingly.
2
Coat one side of each tuna steak with sesame seeds. Return the steaks to the refrigerator while you prepare the dipping sauce.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine miso paste, mirin, sake, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and wasabi. Heat gently, stirring often until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Keep the sauce on low heat to maintain warmth.
4
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the tuna steaks, sesame-coated side down, in the pan. Sear for approximately 4 minutes on each side, adjusting the time based on steak thickness. The interior should be pink for optimal tenderness, though you may cook through if preferred for a firmer texture.
5
Remove the tuna from the pan and serve immediately on plates. Present the dipping sauce in small individual bowls for each serving.
6
For additional garnish, consider serving with sautéed spinach topped with roasted sesame seed dressing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Sesame-Encrusted Seared Tuna with a Savory Japanese Sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of fish is required?
You will need 4 fresh tuna steaks, approximately 6 oz each.
How do I prepare the tuna before searing?
Coat one side of each tuna steak with sesame seeds and refrigerate them while preparing the sauce.
What are the ingredients for the Japanese dipping sauce?
The sauce contains miso paste, mirin, sake, sugar, rice vinegar, Japanese soy sauce, and wasabi.
How long should I sear the tuna steaks?
Sear the tuna for approximately 4 minutes on each side, adjusting for the thickness of the steak.
Should the tuna be cooked all the way through?
For optimal tenderness, the interior should remain pink, though you can cook it longer for a firmer texture.
Can I use imitation mirin?
Yes, but note that it lacks alcohol and is sweeter, so you should adjust the quantity accordingly.
What health benefits does this dish offer?
This meal is a healthy option rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
What is a suggested garnish for this recipe?
Consider serving the tuna with sauteed spinach topped with a roasted sesame seed dressing.
How much olive oil is used for frying?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What kind of miso paste is best for the sauce?
White or yellow miso paste is recommended for a milder flavor.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Heat the sauce ingredients gently in a saucepan and stir often until the sugar dissolves.
Where can I source the ingredients?
Ingredients can be found at local Asian groceries or well-stocked supermarkets.
What kind of soy sauce is recommended?
Low-sodium Japanese soy sauce is recommended for this recipe.
How much wasabi should be added to the sauce?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of prepared or freshly grated wasabi.
What type of rice vinegar should be used?
The recipe specifies unseasoned rice vinegar.
How much sugar is in the dipping sauce?
The sauce requires 2 tablespoons of fine granulated sugar.
Is the dipping sauce served hot or cold?
The sauce should be kept on low heat to maintain warmth and served in individual bowls.
What is the purpose of refrigerating the tuna after coating?
Refrigerating the steaks after coating with sesame seeds helps the seeds adhere while you prepare the sauce.
What heat setting should I use for searing?
Use medium-high heat to sear the tuna steaks in a large frying pan.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Yes, you can use less mirin if you prefer a less sweet flavor profile.
How many sesame seeds are needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of sesame seeds, or enough to cover one side of each tuna steak.
What type of sake should I use?
Premium sake is recommended if it is available.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, this is a simple recipe that is quick and easy to prepare.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this dish.
What is the texture of the sesame-encrusted tuna?
It features a toasted sesame seed exterior with a tender, seared center.
How should the sauce be presented?
Present the dipping sauce in small individual bowls for each person.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This is a seafood dish categorized under Japanese and Asian cuisine.
Is this meal high in protein?
Yes, the tuna steaks provide a high protein content for this meal.