These seared ahi tuna steaks take only 6 minutes to make- they're healthy, crispy and seared on the outside, and medium-rare on the inside, and bursting with umami flavor!
Prep time: PT1M
Cook time: PT5M
Total time: PT6M
Rating
4.96 stars (2017 reviews)
Keywords
Ahi tuna recipe, How to cook ahi tuna, Seared ahi tuna medium rare
Ingredients
2 ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna) steaks ((about 4 oz. each, 1" thick - see notes for thinner or thicker))
2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low sodium, see notes)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (see notes)
1 tablespoon honey (see notes)
½ teaspoon kosher salt (optional, see notes)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ((optional))
1 tablespoon oil (canola, olive, or other high-heat cooking oil of preference)
green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges (for serving (optional))
Categories
Fish
Cuisine
Seafood
Steps
Pat the 2 ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna) steaks dry with a paper towel. Place on a plate or inside a plastic bag.
Mix the 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon kosher salt (if using), 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper until honey is fully dissolved. Pour over the ahi tuna steaks and turn over to coat completely. Optional: allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Also optional: Reserve a spoonful or two of the marinade before coating the fish for drizzling on top after you've cooked it.
Heat a medium skillet (preferably non-stick or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet) on medium-high to high until very hot ( or medium to medium-high for nonstick). I recommend giving cast iron 3-5 minutes to get hot and nonstick about 1 minute, depending on how thick it is.
Add the 1 tablespoon oil to the hot pan. Sear the tuna for 1 - 1½ minutes on each side for medium rare ( 2 -2½ minutes for medium-well to well, 30 seconds for very rare. See notes - this will vary based on thickness of the tuna steaks). (Note: different burners get hotter depending on your stove. Use your best judgement whether you use medium, medium-high, or high heat, as the marinade may burn if too high heat is used)
Remove to a cutting board. Slice into 1/2 inch slices and serve garnished with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges, if desired. If you find it needs more salt, I recommend sprinkling with flaky sea salt when serving.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 331 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 43 mg
Sodium: 1632 mg
Sugar: 9 g
Reviews
Linda B on 2026-07-27 (5 stars): Great recipe which I've used repeatedly. Delicious
Jenn on 2026-07-20 (5 stars): As the mom of a growing football player, it’s hard to find this much protein with so few calories while also being delicious. I made the recipe as is, marinating for about 5 hours. My son proclaimed this to be a “life changing” meal. So easy and so tasty!! Served with plain rice and broccoli.
Guy on 2026-07-19 (5 stars): This is exactly as easy as it says.
Ana Recio on 2026-07-04 (5 stars): Delicious and easy. Marinated the fish for about 20 minutes in the ingredients before searing on the grill. Added a teaspoon of fish sauce instead of salt. Divine.
Carrie on 2026-07-03 (5 stars): This recipe has become a staple in our home. So much so it has achieved comfort food status. We do thisxseveral times a month. We double the recipe but not the sesame oil and add garlic powder. These were adjustments made to suit us. The recipe is perfect as is though! Thank you!
Pamela on 2026-07-01 (5 stars): I made the tuna steaks as described and it came out great. I also had to tell my husband that tuna steak needs to be seared on the outside and the inside medium rare. Thanks for the recipe I certainly will make this dish again.
Ann West on 2026-06-29 (5 stars): I make seared ahi tuna pretty often and this recipe (along with the spicy mayo) is one of the best. The flavor of the mayo goes so well with the marinade flavors. Highly recommend.
