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Ahi Tuna Steak Recipe with Ponzu Dipping Sauce šŸŸ

Dom Lorenzo
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Are you looking for the easiest tuna steak recipe? Prepare to delight your taste buds with a 10-minute culinary treat! Our keto Ahi Tuna Steak Recipe promises a perfect sear, complemented by a crispy sesame crust and a tantalizing ponzu sauce. Experience the essence of Japanese cuisine in this low-carb, fresh, and light dish. It's one of the best tuna recipes you can find out there! Don't believe it? Let's find out!

Keto ahi tuna steak with a crispy sesame coating, sliced, and served with ponzu sauce.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Start by coating the ahi tuna steaks with togarashi spice and sesame seeds. Quickly sear the seasoned filets in avocado oil. While searing, prepare a delectable ponzu sauce by blending soy sauce, mirin, dashi stock, and vinegar. In just 10 minutes, your gourmet dish will be table-ready.

Chef's note

Unleash your culinary creativity with some keto-friendly twists. Consider spicing up your ponzu sauce with chili flakes for a fiery touch. Or, blend in crushed macadamia nuts with the sesame seeds to introduce a distinctive nutty crunch to the crust.

Fresh seafood is a real treat, though it can sometimes seem tricky to prepare, but don't worry. We have a vast collection of fish recipes that will become your favorite!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Fish recipe.

šŸŸ Ingredients for ahi tuna steak recipe

Here's a list of all the ingredients you'll need to prepare the sesame-crusted ahi tuna steak recipe:

For the ahi tuna steaks

  • 9 ounces ahi tuna (sashimi-grade)
  • 1 teaspoon togarashi spice
  • Ā½ cup black and white sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

For the ponzu dipping sauce

  • 1 tablespoon fermented soy sauce (Kikkoman)
  • 2 tablespoons mirin (we used the keto version)
  • 1 tablespoon dashi stock
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
The required amount of fermented soy sauce, mirin, dashi, dashi stock, rice vinegar, and lemon juice gathered and arranged on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

Looking to switch things up in the recipe with ingredients you've got or to suit your taste? Check out these simple swaps:

  • Togarashi spice: Can't find togarashi spice? Use a bit of plain chili powder.
  • Olive oil: If you don't have olive oil on hand, substitute it with the same amount of avocado oil.
  • Dashi stock: If you're not a fan of dashi stock, use a simple chicken or vegetable broth as an alternative.
  • Rice vinegar: Swap rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar.

Additional ingredients

Feel free to boost the flavor profile of your tuna steak with these optional ingredients:

  • Chopped chives: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top of the tuna steaks before serving.
  • Minced garlic: For a robust aroma, sautĆ© some minced garlic in the avocado oil before searing the filets.
  • Grated ginger: Mix some grated ginger into the ponzu sauce for a milder flavor.
  • Black pepper: Just before the steaks finish cooking, give them a quick dash of ground black pepper.
Keto ahi tuna steak with a crispy sesame crust, sliced and served with ponzu sauce.

Cooking tools required

To make the ahi tuna steak recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Mixing bowl
  • Plate
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Tongs
  • Whisk

Tool substitutes list

  • Tongs: Flip the fish filets with a thin metal spatula if you don't have kitchen tongs.
  • Whisk: Mix the sauce ingredients using a fork instead of a whisk.
  • Cast-iron skillet: Use a regular non-stick pan if you don't have a cast-iron skillet.
Slices of keto ahi tuna steak with a crispy sesame coating, accompanied by ponzu sauce.

How to make Ahi Tuna Steak recipe: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-searing

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Lay out half a cup of white and black sesame seeds on a plate.

Cooking steps

  1. Lightly season the ahi tuna filets with togarashi spice on all sides.
  2. Gently press each filet into the sesame seeds to form an even crust.
  3. Heat avocado oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Once the oil is hot, sear the tuna for 30-40 seconds per side and set aside to rest.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the ponzu sauce by combining fermented soy sauce, mirin, dashi stock, rice vinegar, and fresh lemon juice in a bowl.
  6. Slice the tuna into bite-sized pieces and serve with the ponzu dipping sauce on the side.
Seasoning the ahi tuna filets with togarashi spice.
Coating tuna filets with the sesame seeds on a plate alongside togarashi spice in a bowl.
Uncooked tuna steaks coated with sesame seeds on a plate.
Pan-searing ahi tuna steak coated with sesame seeds in a skillet.
Slicing homecooked ahi tuna steak with a knife on a cutting board.
The prepared ponzu sauce in a bowl.

Chef's pro tip

To keep your tuna steaks from overcooking, stash them in the fridge until you're ready to season and cook them. This trick helps the tuna keep its beautiful pink center and that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What to serve with the seared ahi tuna steak recipe?

Pair your ahi tuna steak with keto-friendly sides for a complete meal. Here are some yummy options:

  • Crack Slaw: Serve the fish steaks with a quick crack slaw on the side. The refreshing veggies of the slaw pair well with the Asian flavors.
  • Mediterranean Asparagus: Lightly roasted asparagus adds a crunchy texture and amazing flavors.
  • Greek Salad: Serve the fresh tuna with Greek salad for a light but nutrient-packed meal.
  • Asian Cucumber Salad: Pair your dish with Asian cucumber salad with a delicious Asian-style dressing and enjoy a tasty dinner!
Keto ahi tuna steak with a crispy sesame coating, sliced, and served with ponzu sauce.

How to make it healthier?

  • Reduce salt: Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce for the ponzu sauce.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy pre-made ponzu sauce: If you're short on time, buy a keto-friendly ponzu sauce. You can find it in most Japanese food stores.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Dashi stock: Can't find store-bought dashi stock? Don't worry! Create your own by mixing dashi granules in warm water.
  • Ponzu sauce: Get a jumpstart by making the ponzu sauce in advance. Once done, refrigerate it, and it'll stay fresh for several days.
Slices of keto ahi tuna steak with a crispy sesame coating and a side of ponzu sauce.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

To keep leftover ahi tuna steaks fresh, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly, ideally within 2 hours of cooking. While they can last a few days, consuming them within a day or two is recommended to savor their optimal flavor.

Best reheating methods

  • Microwave: Place the remaining fish steaks on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-40 seconds at 70% power.
  • Stove: Use a non-stick pan and lightly heat the leftovers over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

This keto Ahi Tuna Steak Recipe is a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor. Ideal for an elegant dinner or a quick lunch, it delivers a dining experience that feels straight out of a fine-dining restaurant.

We tried it and instantly became fans. We believe you'll also feel this is the best ahi tuna steak recipe. Give it a shot and savor the rich flavors. 

Can't get enough of fish recipes? We get you. We are a fan as well! Try these keto fish recipes for a flavor twist:

Frequently asked questions

Ahi tuna is high in protein and low in carbs, which makes it an ideal protein choice for a keto diet.

To make ponzu dipping sauce, combine fermented soy sauce, mirin, dashi stock, rice vinegar, and lemon juice. Mix well and serve alongside sushi, sashimi, or seared ahi tuna.

There are approximately 110 calories in a 100-gram serving of raw ahi tuna. Since it's very lean, most of the ahi tuna calories come from protein.

Sear the ahi tuna filets on high heat for roughly 30-40 seconds on each side.

Ahi tuna refers to two types of tuna: yellowfin and bigeye tuna. But it's most commonly associated with yellowfin tuna. Bluefin tuna is generally not referred to as ahi.

šŸ“– Recipe

Sliced keto ahi tuna steak recipe with a crispy sesame crust and ponzu sauce.

Ahi Tuna Steak Recipe

This keto Ahi Tuna Steak recipe offers a quick and flavorful 10-minute meal with a sesame crust and zesty ponzu sauce.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Keyword: ahi tuna, ahi tuna steak recipe, Keto Tuna Dish, Tuna Steak
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 475kcal

Ingredients

For the ahi tuna steaks

  • 9 ounces ahi tuna sashimi-grade
  • 1 teaspoon togarashi spice
  • Ā½ cup black and white sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

For the ponzu dipping sauce

  • 1 tablespoon fermented soy sauce Kikkoman
  • 2 tablespoons mirin We used the keto version
  • 1 tablespoon dashi stock
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Lightly season the ahi tuna filets with togarashi spice on all sides.
  • Gently press each filet into the sesame seeds to form an even crust.
  • Heat avocado oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, sear the tuna for 30-40 seconds per side and set aside to rest.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the ponzu sauce by combining fermented soy sauce, mirin, dashi stock, rice vinegar, and fresh lemon juice in a bowl.
  • Slice the tuna into bite-sized pieces and serve with the ponzu dipping sauce on the side.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Ahi Tuna Steak Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 475 Calories from Fat 288
% Daily Value*
Fat 32g49%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11g
Monounsaturated Fat 14g
Cholesterol 48mg16%
Sodium 597mg26%
Potassium 550mg16%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 38g76%
Vitamin A 3086IU62%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 385mg39%
Iron 7mg39%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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