Seared Tuna Tataki with Sesame-Ginger Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-17 · Updated 2026-05-17

Lightly seared tuna slices with a crisp sesame crust, served with a tangy and aromatic ginger-soy dressing for a refreshing appetizer or light meal. This Japanese-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs fresh tuna steak, black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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, about 1 inch thick fresh tuna steak
• 3 tbsp black sesame seeds
• 3 tbsp white sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey
• 2, thinly sliced green onions
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice until smooth. Stir in 2 thinly sliced green onions and set aside.
2. Step 2: Place 3 tbsp black sesame seeds and 3 tbsp white sesame seeds on a plate and mix evenly. Pat dry 12 oz fresh tuna steak with paper towels. Press each side of the tuna firmly into the sesame seeds to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the tuna steak in the pan and sear for 30 seconds on each side until the sesame crust is toasted but the tuna remains rare inside.
4. Step 4: Remove the tuna from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice the tuna into 1/4-inch thick slices.
5. Step 5: Arrange the tuna slices on a plate and drizzle with the prepared sesame-ginger vinaigrette. Garnish with remaining green onions and serve immediately.