sesame seared tuna

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet wine)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

• 4 (6 ounce) tuna steaks

• Toasted sesame ginger seasoning (substitute 1/4 cup sesame seeds)

• wasabi 

• olive oil

Preparation

In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, mirin, honey and sesame oil. Divide equally into two parts. Set one aside as marinade and stir the rice vinegar into the other as a dipping sauce.

1. Toss the tuna steaks with the remaining soy sauce mixture. Coating well then grind some fresh pepper on both sides. 

2. Sprinkle the sesame ginger seasoning onto both sides of the tuna and press the short sides to use up any seasoning that is left. 

3. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking and very hot. Place tuna steaks in the pan and sear for about 30 to 45 seconds on each side. Do not overcook. 

4. Serve with the dipping sauce and wasabi. An excellent side would be some fluffy long grain rice. 

Urban Cowgill 2007 (updated 2023)