Seared Sesame Tuna Lettuce Wraps with Ginger-Soy Dressing

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

Delicate seared tuna slices nestled in crisp lettuce leaves with a zesty ginger-soy dressing for a light Asian-inspired wrap. This asian-inspired sandwiches & wraps (low carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh sushi-grade tuna steak, toasted sesame seeds, large butter lettuce leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pour 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds onto a shallow plate. Press 8 oz fresh sushi-grade tuna steak into seeds on all sides to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over high heat until shimmering. Sear tuna for 1 1/2 minutes per side to achieve rare center; remove and let rest 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Thinly slice seared tuna against the grain into 1/4-inch slices.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp minced green onion, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Arrange 8 large butter lettuce leaves on a platter. Place about 1 tbsp shredded carrot and 1 tbsp thinly sliced cucumber in the center of each leaf.
  6. Step 6: Top vegetables with 2-3 slices of seared tuna per leaf. Drizzle 1 tbsp ginger-soy dressing over each wrap.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately for a refreshing, flavorful Asian-inspired lettuce wrap experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Sesame Tuna Lettuce Wraps with Ginger-Soy Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Sesame Tuna Lettuce Wraps with Ginger-Soy Dressing?

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 Sesame Tuna Lettuce Wraps with Ginger-Soy Dressing?

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 Sesame Tuna Lettuce Wraps with Ginger-Soy Dressing 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.

Is Seared Sesame Tuna Lettuce Wraps with Ginger-Soy Dressing low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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