JAPANESE SOY-GINGER SEARED TUNA
Japanese Soy-Ginger Seared Tuna is a flavour-packed dish that highlights the rich umami of soy sauce, sesame oil, the warm spice of fresh ginger and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. The tuna steak is lightly marinated in a soy-ginger mixture before being seared for a crispy, golden crust while keeping the centre rare and tender. The combination of flavours brings a perfect balance of saltiness, spice and toasty richness, making this dish an excellent choice for a light yet satisfying meal. Whether served over steamed rice, alongside a crisp salad or with sautéed greens, this dish is a healthy, protein-packed option. The quick cooking time and minimal ingredients make it ideal for busy weeknights or an impressive yet simple meal.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Entrée, Dinner, Lunch
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Japanese, Asian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Pan-Fry, 5 ingredients or less
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Dinner Party, Date Night, Healthy Eating, Summer
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Quick & Easy, Healthy, High Protein, Low Carb, Dairy-Free
DISH TYPE
Main Course
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Japanese Soy-Ginger Seared Tuna:
- 100g tuna steak
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fibre: 5g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
PREPARATION
- Pat The Tuna Dry: Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture for a better sear.
- Season The Tuna: Rub the grated ginger onto the tuna, ensuring even coverage.
- Drizzle With Soy Sauce: Lightly coat the tuna in soy sauce to infuse umami flavour.
- Sprinkle With Sesame Seeds: Press sesame seeds onto the tuna, covering all sides.
- Heat The Sesame Oil: Warm a pan over a medium-high flame and add the sesame oil.
- Sear The Tuna Steak: Place the tuna in the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes on one side.
- Flip And Sear The Other Side: Cook for another 1–2 minutes, keeping the centre rare.
- Remove From Heat: Let the tuna rest for a minute before slicing.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy with a side of rice, salad or steamed greens.
PREP TIME
2 minutes
COOKING TIME
4 minutes
TIPS
Here are some tips for the preparation of Japanese Soy-Ginger Seared Tuna:
- Use Fresh Tuna: High-quality sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.
- Don’t Overcook: The centre should remain rare for the best texture and flavour.
- Toast The Sesame Seeds: Lightly toasting them before coating adds extra nuttiness.
- Let The Tuna Rest: Resting the tuna for a minute ensures even distribution of juices.
- Use A Hot Pan: A properly heated pan helps develop a crisp crust.
- Slice Against The Grain: Cutting against the grain ensures tender bites.
- Pair With A Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra soy sauce or ponzu for added flavour.
- Try A Non-Stick Pan: This prevents the sesame seeds from sticking or burning.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of wasabi or chilli flakes to the marinade for heat.
- Citrus Twist: Replace soy sauce with ponzu sauce for a fresh, citrusy flavour.
- Garlic Infusion: Add a small amount of minced garlic to the marinade for depth.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Sweet-Savoury Balance: Add a drop of honey to the marinade for a subtle sweetness.
- Extra Crunch: Coat the tuna in panko breadcrumbs before searing for a crispier texture.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Enjoy cold or reheat lightly.
- Freezing: Freeze raw tuna steaks for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Marinate the tuna for up to 30 minutes before cooking for a deeper flavour.