Grilled Sesame Ahi Tuna

5 from 13 votes

Grilled Sesame Ahi Tuna is a delicious, quick & easy dinner. It's coated in sesame seeds, seared to a crispy outside and tender inside & ready in 20!

Prep Time5

Cook Time4

Marinating Time10

Total Time19

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Servings: servings

Calories: 430kcal

Mix all ingredients for marinade in small bowl.
Place tuna steak in small resealable zippered bag and add marinade. Turn to coat. Let stand for 10-20 minutes, turning several times.
Place black and white sesame seeds on a plate. Remove tuna steak from marinade and dip into sesame seed mixture, patting into steak until all sides are coated.
Preheat grill on high. Place tuna steaks directly on grill and quickly sear, about 1-½ to 2 minutes per side.

What type of tuna should I use?

You always want to start with high-quality ahi tuna, sushi grade if possible. It also goes under the names yellowfin and bigeye tunas. Purchase it from a reputable fish store where you know it is fresh or buy it frozen. Frozen tuna is usually cut and frozen directly on the boat making it as good as fresh. Also, the flash freezing kills any bacteria that might be on the fish.
When choosing your fresh tuna steaks, make sure that the color is a rich pink or deep red, which depends on the depth at which the tuna is found, and has no dark patches.

Do I have to marinate my ahi tuna?

Marinating the tuna steak will help prevent the fish from drying out as it is seared. The marinade should be on the basic side, containing ingredients such as soy, honey and oil, so as not to cook the fish while sitting.

How long should I grill my tuna?

Seared tuna needs a very hot grill, preheated to high, before searing since the cooking time is so short. Usually only 2 minutes a side will provide you the pinkish red interior that is most recommended.