Pan-Seared Tuna with Ginger and Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy seared tuna steaks with a fragrant ginger-sesame glaze, served with a fresh side of steamed vegetables. This Asian-inspired Whole30 recipe, ready in about 18 minutes, pairs tuna steaks, 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the tuna steaks and sear for 1 minute per side for medium-rare, then remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tbsp coconut aminos, stirring to combine.
  6. Step 6: Return the tuna to the skillet, coating each side with the glaze, and cook for 1 minute more.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sesame seeds and serve immediately.

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?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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 compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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