SouthernTurk

Unusual recipes for curious cooks.

https://southernturk.com/recipe/seared-tuna-with-sesame-and-ginger
Printed July 29, 2026

5-Ingredient Magic

Seared Tuna with Sesame and Ginger

Name: Seared Tuna with Sesame and Ginger
Ingredients: 1 lb sushi-grade tuna steak, about 1.5 inches thick; 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds; 2-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated; 2 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos

Sushi-grade tuna gets a lightning-fast sear and a punchy Asian-inspired coating. This is the dinner you make when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

1 min Mild Rebel 5 ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb sushi-grade tuna steak, about 1.5 inches thick
3 tablespoons white sesame seeds
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
2-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated
2 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos

Preparation

The key to perfect seared tuna is understanding that you're not really cooking it—you're just warming the outside while keeping the center jewel-like and raw. The sesame crust adds texture, while grated fresh ginger brings a sharp, clean heat that cuts through the richness of the fish.

Preparation

Pat the tuna completely dry and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
Mix white and black sesame seeds on a plate. Press all sides of the tuna into the seeds to create an even coating.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat until it's smoking hot—this is not the time for medium heat.
Sear the tuna for exactly 45 seconds per side (including the edges) for rare, or up to 90 seconds for medium-rare.
Remove immediately, slice against the grain into 1/4-inch slices, and serve drizzled with tamari and topped with fresh grated ginger.

Pro tip: Keep a bowl of ice water nearby to dunk your fingers after handling the ginger—it'll neutralize the spicy oils and keep your hands comfortable.

5-Ingredient Magic

Seared Tuna with Sesame and Ginger

July 9, 2026 1 min read Mild Rebel 5 ingredients

Sushi-grade tuna gets a lightning-fast sear and a punchy Asian-inspired coating. This is the dinner you make when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients

0/5 ready

1 lb sushi-grade tuna steak, about 1.5 inches thick
3 tablespoons white sesame seeds
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
2-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated
2 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos

The Story & Steps

Preparation

Pat the tuna completely dry and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
Mix white and black sesame seeds on a plate. Press all sides of the tuna into the seeds to create an even coating.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat until it's smoking hot—this is not the time for medium heat.
Sear the tuna for exactly 45 seconds per side (including the edges) for rare, or up to 90 seconds for medium-rare.
Remove immediately, slice against the grain into 1/4-inch slices, and serve drizzled with tamari and topped with fresh grated ginger.

Pro tip: Keep a bowl of ice water nearby to dunk your fingers after handling the ginger—it'll neutralize the spicy oils and keep your hands comfortable.

More 5-Ingredient Magic