Ahi Tuna Sauce Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

Every summer, my family gathers for our much-loved barbecues. Grilled shrimp, veggies sizzling on the fire, and of course, the centerpiece—a beautiful platter of sesame-crusted ahi tuna. Pairing this dish with my homemade sauce is absolute magic! It adds a punch of flavor that keeps people coming back for more and is a surefire way to impress guests.

What is Ahi Tuna Sauce Recipe?

The Ahi Tuna Sauce recipe is a harmonious blend of pickled cucumbers and a zesty soy ginger lime sauce that elevates the flavor of pan-seared ahi tuna. This dish is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients that contrast beautifully with the meaty tuna, making it both light and satisfying.

Why This Recipe Works?

The ingredients work in unison to create a balanced and flavorful dish. The rice wine vinegar provides acidity, while the sugar balances it out. The soy sauce brings a savory depth, and the lime juice adds a refreshing zest. All the elements come together to create a sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the tuna while the sesame seeds lend a delightful crunch.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish:

– For the Pickled Cucumbers:

– 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar (Kikkoman)

– 1/2 cup water

– 1/3 cup granulated sugar

– 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

– 1/2 teaspoon dried red chili flakes

– 2 Japanese cucumbers or Persian cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch rounds

– New Ingredient: 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro (for a fresh kick)

– For the Soy Ginger Lime Sauce:

– 6 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)

– 4 tablespoons soy sauce, plus 2 additional teaspoons

– 2 teaspoons minced ginger

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 2 teaspoons water

– 1/2 teaspoon dried red chili flakes

– New Ingredient: 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (for extra depth)

– For the Tuna:

– 20 ounces of ahi tuna (four 5-ounce fillets, about 1 inch thick)

– 8 tablespoons sesame seeds (use a mix of white and black for visual appeal)

– 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil or vegetable oil

How to Make Ahi Tuna Sauce Recipe?

Let’s break this down into manageable steps. We’ll tackle the pickled cucumbers first, then make the soy ginger lime sauce, and finally, sear the tuna to perfection.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Making the Pickled Cucumbers

Combine the rice wine vinegar, water, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and dried red chili flakes in a medium saucepan. Heat this mixture over high until it comes to a vigorous boil. This step is crucial for dissolving the sugar and salt effectively.

Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove it from heat. Mix in the cucumber slices and give it a gentle stir to ensure they are thoroughly coated. Allow this to sit for about 10 minutes; this quick pickling process helps the cucumbers absorb the flavors beautifully. Transfer the marinated cucumbers to a sealable container and pop them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve—these will stay crisp and flavorful.

Step 2: Preparing the Soy Ginger Lime Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, soy sauce, minced ginger, sesame oil, honey, water, and garlic. Make sure to mix it until all the ingredients are completely blended. Set this bowl aside to let the flavors meld as we move on to cooking the tuna.

Step 3: Preparing the Ahi Tuna

Place the sesame seeds on a flat plate. Next, using a paper towel, gently pat the ahi tuna fillets to remove any excess moisture—this will help the sesame seeds adhere better and form a nice crust.

Dredge the tuna fillets in the sesame seeds, pressing them gently to coat evenly. Don’t worry if a few seeds fall off; just sprinkle more on top as needed.

Step 4: Searing the Tuna

Heat the grapeseed oil in a medium frying pan over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering—this is an indication that it’s hot enough.

Carefully place the tuna fillets into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear for about 1 minute until the sesame seeds are golden brown on the bottom. Gently flip the fillets and cook for another minute.

Next, hold the edges of the tuna in the pan for about 15 seconds on each side to sear them lightly. Once the tuna is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Slicing and Serving

Using a sharp knife, slice the tuna into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Arrange these beautiful slices on serving plates. Don’t forget to serve them alongside your tangy pickled cucumbers and drizzle the soy ginger lime sauce on top or serve it on the side.

Tips:

– Quality Matters: Always opt for sushi-grade ahi tuna for the best flavor and safety.

– Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of chili flakes in both the cucumbers and the sauce depending on your heat preference.

– Chill Time: Letting the cucumbers pickle for a bit longer in the fridge can intensify their flavor.

– Variations: If you enjoy more crunch, consider adding sliced radishes or shredded carrots to the pickled cucumbers.

– Meal Prep: The components of this dish can be made ahead of time; the sauce keeps well and the cucumbers can marinate for a few hours.

How to Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the tuna separate from the sauce and pickled cucumbers to maintain freshness. When ready to eat, simply reheat the tuna briefly in the pan (a minute on each side) to warm through, and enjoy.

Nutrition Information:

This dish is not just flavorful, but it’s also healthy! Each serving packs lean protein from the tuna, healthy fats from the sesame oil, and a refreshing crunch from the cucumbers. Plus, the sauce features nutritious components like lime and ginger, which are rich in antioxidants and offer added health benefits.

How Would I Recommend Serving Ahi Tuna Sauce Recipe?

– On a Bed of Greens: Serve this dish right on top of mixed greens for a light salad.

– With Sushi Rice: Pair the tuna with sushi rice for a fuller meal experience.

– Tacos: Use slices of the tuna in corn tortillas topped with a drizzle of the sauce and pickled cucumbers for vibrant tacos.

– As a Starter: Present the tuna as a stunning appetizer, drizzling the sauce attractively over the slices.

– For Meal Prep: Pack the leftovers in a container with a side of brown rice for a healthy work lunch.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?

– Rice Vinegar: If you can’t find rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute.

– Soy Sauce: Tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

– Grapeseed Oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil can also be used if grapeseed is unavailable.

– Cucumbers: If Japanese or Persian cucumbers are unavailable, any cucumber variety will do; just remove some of the seeds to maintain crunch.

– Honey: Agave nectar serves as a nice vegan substitute for honey.

Conclusion:

Making an Ahi Tuna Sauce at home is not just about creating a dish. It’s about bringing flavors to life and impressing your friends and family with delicious, fresh ingredients. Whether served on a summer platter or as a delightful weeknight dinner, this recipe guarantees to wow everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

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