Sesame Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna with Avocado

Light, healthy and refreshing, Seared Ahi Tuna is also low in fat, high in protein, low in carbs and absolutely delicious. Served with a mound of wasabi, some sweet and tangy picked ginger and a bowl of soy sauce, this dish is as elegant and simple as it gets. Excellent as an entrée, seared tuna is also fabulous as a posh appetizer or sexy hors d'oeuvre, because it can be seared ahead of time, chilled until needed and assembled à la minute.

Seared Ahi Tuna canapé on a sesame cracker 

with a dollop of wasabi mayonnaise

Sesame Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna
Serves 2

1 lb sashimi-grade Ahi tuna, at least 1-inch thick
3 tbsp black and white sesame seeds
1 cup vegetable oil for frying and coating the tuna
1 bunch baby arugula
1 avocado, sliced
1 container seaweed salad

Garnishes:
4 tbsp soy or ponzu sauce
1 tbsp wasabi powder, mixed with a little water to form a paste
3 tbsp pickled ginger


Slice the tuna into uniform size rectangles, or even triangles, so that the grain is running lengthwise in the fish. Combine the black and white sesame seeds on a large plate and coat the tuna by pressing it into the sesame seeds so that it's completely covered. I often brush the tuna first with a little oil to ensure the seeds adhere really well.

Preheat a pan to medium-high and add just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil is shimmering, add the tuna and sear for about 45 seconds on all sides for seared edges and a raw red centre. Extend the cooking time if you prefer your tuna more well done. 

Using a very sharp knife, gently slice the tuna into 1/4-inch thick pieces and serve on a bed of arugula with slices of avocado and small bowls of wasabi, pickled ginger and soy sauce on the side, for dipping. Seaweed salad is also a nice accompaniment with seared tuna.