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This Ahi tuna salad is the perfect quick and easy lunch. The sesame crusted tuna is seared to perfection and the mango salad compliments it well. Packed with flavor, you’ll think this came from a restaurant!
Growing up my dad would always take me out to eat at Houston’s in Manhattan at least twice a month. The restaurant is now called Hillstone and its still one of our go to spots. Their seared ahi tuna salad is one of my favorite dishes. So of course I have to make my own.
What pairs well with ahi tuna?
Ahi tuna is good for you because it packs so many nutrients and it pairs well with so many side dishes! If you don’t want a salad I would suggest some nice sautéed green beans to keep it healthy. If you want to make this more hearty, white rice is a great side too.
How to make seared ahi tuna salad:
Making ahi tuna salad is easier than you may think. First we start by marinating the sushi grade tuna steaks with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil and olive oil.
While the steaks marinate, it’s time to make the salad with Arugula, romaine and mango. Then we make our delicious salad dressing with honey, balsamic, and sesame oil. Remember to taste the dressing to adjust to your liking. For example add more honey to make it sweeter.
Lastly we sear the tuna steaks with a sesame seed and fresh cracked black pepper coating to make a delicious crust.
The full written directions can be found on the recipe card at the end of this post.
FAQS & Tips for this recipe:
- Feel free to use only arugula for the salad or to substitute the romaine lettuce for your lettuce of choice.
- Depending on the size of the tuna steak, you may be able to use only one for this recipe. Sometimes they can be huge!
- Medium rare is best for tuna steaks. Tuna steak is like eating sushi almost, you really don’t want it cooked past medium-rare or it will be tough and dry.
Ahi Tuna Salad
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup Romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup mango, diced
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tuna:
- 2 tuna steaks
- 1/2 tablespoon ginger, shredded or minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- fresh cracked black pepper
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place tuna steak in a bag or container. Add soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, olive oil, and water. Shake up and well coat tuna. Let sit at least 10 minutes or longer in the refrigerator.
- Make salad. Add arugula, romaine, and mango to a large bowl.
- Mix balsamic, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Take tuna steak out of the fridge. Wipe off excess ginger and garlic.
- Generously season both sides of tuna steak with black pepper and sesame seeds. Don’t be afraid to use too much. We want it well coated on both sides to make a nice crust form.
- Heat a skillet on high heat with some olive oil for searing about 3 tablespoons. Use your judgment.
- Once the skillet is hot sear tuna on both sides for one and a half minutes per side to get the perfect medium-rare tuna steak.
- Plate and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve always been intimidated to sear tuna out of fear of ruining the fish but August’s directions were spot on and fool proof! The sear creates this great crust but leaves the tuna raw on the inside like you’d prefer. The marinade is so flavorful and pairs so well over the salad. It’s sweet with a bit of acidity and packed with protein. If you are looking for a go-to/quick lunch, this is your winner.
I’ve not had to order this from Houston’s or Hillstones because I can make it at home!
Thank you!