Ahi is loved by chefs worldwide for its high fat content and dark, raw color. This recipe for seared Ahi tuna rivals anything you’d find at a gourmet Asian cuisine restaurant, offering this tempting, succulent fish with a spicy glaze topping.
Seared Sushi-Grade Ahi Tuna with Wasabi Soy Glaze
Total Time: 20 minutes
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients for Ahi Tuna:
2 six-ounce sushi-grade Ahi tuna steaks, cut at least 1½ inches thick
2 tablespoons olive oil per steak
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 tablespoons Chinese spice mix (recipe included)
Ingredients for Wasabi Soy Glaze:
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
¼ cup oyster sauce
1 tablespoon roasted garlic cloves, made into a paste
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
½ cup agave nectar
¼ cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons wasabi powder
Directions for Glaze:
Pour the oils into a small saucepan, add garlic and ginger, and cook over medium heat 2-3 minutes.
Add oyster sauce, agave nectar, and vinegar; simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Let cool to room temperature.
To Sear the Tuna:
Pat tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoned salt and homemade Chinese spice mix. Gently press the spices into the fish.
Spray a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or griddle pan with non-stick cooking spray and place over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, until it is very hot.
Add the tuna steaks and sear on both sides for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, smear with the Wasabi Soy Glaze, and serve immediately. Offer the glaze at the table for guests to use as desired.
Ingredients for Chinese Spice Mix:
1 teaspoon each
- Black peppercorns
- Ground cinnamon
- Whole cloves
- Fennel seeds
- Star anise pod
Directions for Spice Mix:
Place all ingredients in a coffee grinder or spice grinder and mix until all ingredients are powdered and well-blended.
Pour into a shaker bottle with a lid. Use in Chinese-style cooking and recipes as desired.
A meal of seared Ahi tuna with wasabi soy glaze will go nicely with a crisp, Chinese cabbage slaw, bowls of sticky rice, and stir-fried vegetables. For dessert, offer satisfied guests cool, refreshing scoops of green tea ice cream.