Pan-Seared Tuna Tataki with Ponzu and Sesame
A delicately seared tuna tataki served thinly sliced with tangy ponzu sauce and toasted sesame seeds for a light Japanese-inspired appetizer. This Japanese-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs fresh tuna steak, soy sauce, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, about 1-inch thick fresh tuna steak
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
- 1 tsp, grated fresh ginger
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Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil to make the ponzu sauce. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Step 3: Pat dry the 8 oz fresh tuna steak and carefully sear each side for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until edges are browned but center remains rare. Remove from pan and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Using a sharp knife, slice the tuna steak into thin 1/4-inch slices. Arrange slices on a serving plate.
- Step 5: Drizzle the ponzu sauce evenly over the tuna slices. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 2 thinly sliced green onions, and 1 tsp freshly grated ginger. Serve immediately.








