Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with Avocado Lime Slaw

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

Pan-seared ahi tuna tucked inside soft corn tortillas with a tangy avocado lime slaw for a fresh California-inspired taco. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 23 minutes pairs ahi tuna steaks, corn tortillas, shredded green cabbage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 diced ripe avocado, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp mayonnaise in a medium bowl. Toss gently to create the avocado lime slaw; set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp chili powder. Rub this spice blend evenly over 12 oz ahi tuna strips.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add spiced ahi tuna strips and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until just cooked through but still pink in the center.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 20 seconds until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the seared ahi tuna strips evenly among the tortillas and topping with the avocado lime slaw. Serve immediately for fresh, zesty flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with Avocado Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 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 Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with Avocado Lime Slaw?

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 Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with Avocado Lime Slaw?

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 Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with Avocado Lime Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with Avocado Lime Slaw?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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.

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