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- 2 Ahi tuna steaks (6 oz each) - 1/4 cup sesame seeds (mix of black and white) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine) - 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced - 1 carrot, julienned - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped - Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, salt, and pepper to taste Let’s break down why each ingredient shines in this salad. Ahi tuna is a firm fish with a mild flavor. It’s low in fat and high in protein. The sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. They give a nutty taste that pairs well with the tuna. Soy sauce and sesame oil bring bold umami flavors. They also enhance the tuna's natural taste. The mixed salad greens create a fresh base. They add color and texture to the dish. Cucumber and radishes add crispness. The carrot offers sweetness. Avocado gives a creamy texture that balances the dish. The dressing ties everything together. Olive oil adds richness. Rice vinegar gives a tangy twist, while honey adds a hint of sweetness. This salad is not just tasty; it's also packed with nutrients. You get healthy fats from the tuna and avocado. The greens and veggies provide vitamins and minerals. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal! First, you need to pat the tuna steaks dry using paper towels. This step helps the crust stick better. Next, mix soy sauce and sesame oil in a shallow dish. Place the tuna in this mixture and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This adds flavor and makes the tuna juicy. Now, it’s time to coat the tuna. Spread both black and white sesame seeds on a plate. After marinating, take the tuna out and press each side into the sesame seeds. Ensure the tuna is fully coated for a nice crunch. To achieve the perfect sear, use a non-stick skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. When the oil is hot, place the tuna steaks in the skillet. Sear each side for about 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the inside tender and rare. Remove the tuna from heat and let it rest for a minute. Resting helps keep the juices inside. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens. Add thinly sliced cucumber, julienned carrot, sliced avocado, and radishes. These veggies add color and crunch. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle this over the salad and gently toss to mix. Now, it’s time to slice the tuna. Use a sharp knife and cut the seared tuna into thin slices. This makes it easy to eat. On each plate, divide the salad and top it with the sliced tuna. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle with green onions and add extra sesame seeds if you like. This adds extra flavor and a lovely look to your dish. To get the best sear on your Ahi tuna, timing matters. For rare tuna, sear it for about 1 minute on each side. If you prefer medium-rare, go for 1.5 to 2 minutes. Always use a high-quality non-stick skillet. This type of skillet helps prevent the tuna from sticking and makes cleanup easy. To boost flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh ginger to your marinade. You can also substitute the sesame oil with a splash of chili oil for a spicy kick. When choosing sesame seeds, look for fresh seeds. They should smell nutty, not stale. A mix of black and white seeds adds both taste and visual appeal. For a stunning salad, layer your ingredients. Start with mixed greens, then add cucumber, carrot, and avocado. Arrange the sliced tuna on top. This way, each layer shows through. Use garnishes like extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions. They add color and texture, making your dish pop! {{image_2}} If you cannot find Ahi tuna, consider these tasty swaps: - Salmon: Rich in omega-3s and flavorful. - Tofu: Great for a plant-based option. Marinate it like tuna for added taste. - Chicken: Grilled chicken breast offers a hearty substitute. Each option brings unique flavors while keeping the dish fresh and exciting. You can switch up the dressing for new flavors. Here are some ideas: - Spicy Peanut Dressing: Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic. - Creamy Avocado Dressing: Blend avocado, yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs. - Citrus Vinaigrette: Whisk orange juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Feel free to include extra ingredients like garlic, ginger, or herbs for added depth. Seasonal veggies can change the salad’s vibe. Try these swaps: - Spring: Use asparagus and peas. - Summer: Add sweet corn and cherry tomatoes. - Fall: Incorporate roasted squash or kale. For an extra crunch, toss in fruits like apples or berries, or add nuts like almonds or walnuts. They boost nutrition and flavor! Store any leftover salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to two days in the fridge. If you have leftover tuna, keep it separate from the salad. Tuna stays fresh for about three days when stored properly. To keep the salad greens crisp, avoid adding dressing until you are ready to eat. You can freeze Ahi tuna steaks if you have extras. Wrap each steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. For best results, use the tuna within three months. When you want to cook it again, thaw the tuna in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice and firm. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can lead to uneven cooking later. You can cook Ahi tuna by searing or grilling it. Searing gives a nice crust. Grilling adds a smoky taste. For searing, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sear each side for 1-2 minutes. This keeps the inside rare and juicy. Yes, you can prep this salad in advance. Wash and cut the veggies ahead of time. Store them in the fridge. You can also marinate the tuna earlier. Cook it just before serving for the best taste. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. Yes, this salad is healthy! Ahi tuna is high in protein and low in fat. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. The mixed greens provide vitamins and fiber. Avocado adds healthy fats. Overall, this salad is packed with nutrients and flavor. This salad pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with brown rice for extra carbs. You could also have it with steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. A light soup can work well too. Each option can enhance your meal nicely. This post covered how to make a sesame crusted Ahi tuna salad. We talked about ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You learned about alternatives and how to store leftovers. Remember, you can adjust flavors and ingredients as you like. This salad is not just healthy; it’s also easy to make. Enjoy creating a dish that impresses and nourishes!

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad

Indulge in a delicious Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad that's perfect for any meal! This vibrant dish features seared ahi tuna coated in sesame seeds, served over fresh mixed greens with a zesty homemade dressing. With simple ingredients and quick prep, you'll enjoy this gourmet salad in just 30 minutes. Ready to impress your taste buds?
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Ingredients
  

2 Ahi tuna steaks (6 oz each)

1/4 cup sesame seeds (mix of black and white)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine)

1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced

1 carrot, julienned

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tuna: Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix the soy sauce and sesame oil. Marinate the tuna in this mixture for about 10 minutes.

    Coat with Sesame Seeds: Spread the sesame seeds on a plate. Remove the tuna from the marinade and press each side into the sesame seeds until fully coated.

      Sear the Tuna: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and when hot, sear the tuna steaks for about 1-2 minutes on each side (for rare to medium-rare). Remove from heat and let rest.

        Make the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, cucumber, carrot, avocado, radishes, and half of the green onions.

          Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

            Slice the Tuna: Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the seared tuna.

              Assemble the Plate: Divide the salad among plates and top with sliced tuna.

                Garnish: Sprinkle with remaining green onions and add extra sesame seeds if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2