Sesame-Crusted Ahi with Ponzu Vinaigrette

  4.2 – 10 reviews  • Main Dish
Level: Intermediate
Total: 40 min
Active: 30 min
Yield: 2 to 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
  2. 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
  3. 1 pound sashimi-grade ahi tuna (steaks or loin)
  4. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  5. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  6. 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (from about a 1/2-inch piece)
  7. 1/2 cup ponzu
  8. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  9. 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  10. 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  11. 1/2 Fresno chile, thinly sliced
  12. Canola oil, for cooking
  13. 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  14. Kosher salt
  15. Olive oil, for searing
  16. 1 scallion, finely sliced on the bias

Instructions

  1. Combine the sesame seeds in a shallow bowl. Lightly rub the tuna in the olive oil, then sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Press the tuna into the sesame seeds, applying firm pressure so the seeds stick. Cover completely and chill in the refrigerator, uncovered, for 5 minutes, to allow the seeds to stick.
  2. For the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together the grated ginger, ponzu, soy, vinegar, sesame oil and Fresno. Pour into a serving bowl and set aside.
  3. In a large nonstick pan, heat 1/2 inch canola oil to 320 degrees F.
  4. Add the shallots to the oil in small batches and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and drain. Season with salt.
  5. Add 1/4 cup olive oil to another large, nonstick pan and turn the heat on high until hot. Add the sesame-crusted tuna and sear all over for 30 seconds on each side. Remove from the pan and slice 1/2-inch thick.
  6. Shingle the tuna on a platter, then sprinkle over the fried shallots and sliced scallions. Serve with the vinaigrette alongside.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 of 4 servings
Calories 338
Total Fat 18 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Carbohydrates 10 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sugar 3 g
Protein 33 g
Cholesterol 44 mg
Sodium 1424 mg
Serving Size 1 of 4 servings
Calories 338
Total Fat 18 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Carbohydrates 10 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sugar 3 g
Protein 33 g
Cholesterol 44 mg
Sodium 1424 mg

Reviews

Tara Fowler
I made this last week because the recipe included ingredients we always have on hand. The recipe was easy to follow and cooking time worked out perfectly. The flavors were spot on and so delicious. I will keep this one and recommend it to all cooks regardless of experience.
Teresa Hayden
Absolutely outstanding Hunter – we eat Ahi often and finally a recipe that does it justice!  Thank you – keep giving us more!
Jonathan Walker
Excellent!! I didn’t make the shallots  but the ponzu vinaigrette was soooo good with the tuna! I served with potstickers and the vinaigrette was great with them too. 
Juan Woodward
This meal was absolutely delicious! Great job Hunter, I wish I could share a picture 
Margaret Dillon MD
Incredible date night dinner! Couldn’t wait to make after watching the show. Served with warm sake and green beans (using essentially the same sauce for the beans). Keep giving us recipes that knock it out of the park Hunter!
Jesus Thompson
This was a delicious recipe, Hunter!   Highly recommend!

 

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