I’ve always been impressed by how a few simple ingredients can deliver exceptional flavor. I marinate 6oz tuna steaks in low sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar, then add garlic, ginger, and honey to round it out. This Grilled Tuna Steak recipe is delightfully fresh and inventive.

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I’ve got a recipe that’s become one of my go-to’s for a quick and tasty dinner. My Sesame Crusted Tuna Steaks With Ginger is a real showstopper even though it’s super easy to put together.

I use two tuna steaks around 6oz each and marinate them in a mix of low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, a bit of honey, minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. After a light sprinkle of sesame seeds and a dash of salt and pepper, the steaks are grilled to perfection in less than 15 minutes.

This dish packs a punch of flavor without being too fussy. I’ve tried a lot of grilled tuna steaks recipes over the years and this one stands out for its crisp texture and bold taste.

Trust me, if you’re looking for a fresh tuna recipe that’s both fun and flavorful on the grill, this one is a must-try.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s super easy and fast to make. I can have a tasty meal in under 15 minutes even when I’m in a rush.

I also enjoy the mix of flavors in the marinade. The soy sauce, ginger, garlic and even the honey blend together to create a tangy and slightly sweet taste that totally wakes up my tastebuds.

The sesame seeds add a great crunchy texture to the tuna and it makes it feel like a proper treat every time I eat it.

Plus, I just like how there isn’t too many complicated steps. The instructions are simple so I never feel overwhelmed when I’m cooking.

Ingredients

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Tuna steaks are rich in protein and omega-3 fats that help support heart health.
Low sodium soy sauce adds a bold salty umami flavor while keeping extra salt low.
Rice vinegar gives a tangy acidity that lifts and brightens the overall flavor.
Toasted sesame oil imparts a nutty aroma and smooth taste to the marinade.
Honey naturally balances savory flavors with a subtle, gentle sweetness.
Freshly minced garlic boosts flavor and has a bit of health perks.
Fresh ginger gives a zesty, warming kick with added digestive benefits.
Sesame seeds add a crunchy texture, healthy fats and essential minerals.
Salt & pepper finish the dish by enhancing the flavors just right.

Ingredient Quantities

2 tuna steaks (about 6oz each)

2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 teaspoon honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1/3 cup sesame seeds

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. In a shallow dish, mix together 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger.

2. Put the tuna steaks in the dish and make sure both sides get coated well in the marinade. Let sit for about 5 minutes.

3. Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium high heat.

4. Remove the tuna from the marinade and let the extra liquid drip off.

5. Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides to taste.

6. Press 1/3 cup sesame seeds firmly onto each tuna steak so the seeds stick to the surface.

7. Place the tuna steaks on the grill and cook for around 3-4 minutes on one side.

8. Flip them carefully so you dont break the crust, and grill for another 3-4 minutes on the other side for medium rare.

9. Check that the tuna is cooked through but still slightly pink in the middle.

10. Remove from the grill, let them rest for a minute, then serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Equipment Needed

1. Shallow dish – Use a wide, shallow dish that’s great for marinating the tuna evenly.
2. Measuring spoons and cups – Essential for accurately measuring the soy sauce, vinegar, oil, honey and sesame seeds.
3. Knife and cutting board – Needed for mincing garlic and grating fresh ginger safely.
4. Grill or grill pan – It must be preheated on medium high heat to properly cook the tuna.
5. Tongs – They help flip the tuna without breaking the crust of sesame seeds.
6. Serving plate – Use this for letting the tuna rest and for serving right away.

FAQ

Q: How long should I marinate the tuna?

A: You should marinate it for about 10-15 minutes max. If it sits too long, the texture might change a bit.

Q: Can I use non-toasted sesame oil if I don't have toasted sesame oil?

A: Yeah, you can use regular sesame oil, but toasted will give you that extra nutty flavor its known for.

Q: Do I need to coat the entire tuna steak with sesame seeds?

A: For the best crust, its a good idea to press the sesame seeds evenly on both sides of the tuna.

Q: Can I cook the tuna more than 'rare'?

A: Sure, if you prefer it well done you can, but keep in mind that tuna cooks really fast, so watch it closely.

Q: What sides go well with this dish?

A: Rice, stir-fried veggies or a fresh salad makes a great pairing for these sesame crusted tuna steaks.

Sesame Crusted Tuna Steaks With Ginger Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Low sodium soy sauce: you can swap it with coconut aminos which gives a similar salty flavor with a hint of sweetness
Rice vinegar: apple cider vinegar works great as a substitute and gives that tangy kick
Toasted sesame oil: if you dont have it, use a drizzle of olive oil mixed with extra sesame seeds to boost that nutty taste
Honey: maple syrup is a good substitute and adds a nice natural sweetness
Fresh ginger: if you cant find fresh, a spoonful of ginger paste works pretty well as a replacement

Pro Tips

1. Try to keep the tuna on the marinade for just a few minutes so it still keeps its firm texture, otherwise it can get soggy and mushy which isnt as fun when youre grilling it.
2. Preheat your grill really well before cooking so you get that awesome crispy seed crust without sticking, and if youre using a grill pan, a little oil can help keep things in place.
3. When flipping the tuna, be sure to use a spatula or tongs gently so the sesame seeds dont fall off or the fish doesn’t break apart.
4. Allow the tuna to rest a bit after grilling for a minute to let the juices settle in so it stays moist and tasty when you cut into it.