Pan-Seared Tuna with Ginger and Sesame
Crispy seared tuna steaks with a fragrant ginger-sesame glaze, served with a fresh side of steamed vegetables. This asian-inspired whole30 ready in about 18 minutes pairs tuna steaks, minced fresh ginger, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 12 oz tuna steaks
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add the tuna steaks and sear for 1 minute per side for medium-rare, then remove and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tbsp coconut aminos, stirring to combine.
- Step 6: Return the tuna to the skillet, coating each side with the glaze, and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 7: Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Tuna with Ginger and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Tuna with Ginger and Sesame?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tuna steaks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Tuna with Ginger and Sesame?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Tuna with Ginger and Sesame for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Tuna with Ginger and Sesame?
Asian whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
