Sushi-Style Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Sesame Soy Dressing

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

Fresh diced tuna tossed with creamy avocado and a zesty sesame soy dressing, perfect for a light appetizer or snack. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 10 minutes layers soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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 Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes until well combined and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz diced sushi-grade tuna and 1 medium diced avocado to the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together to coat the tuna and avocado evenly without mashing.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tbsp thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the mixture, folding gently one more time.
  4. Step 4: Chill the tuna tartare in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving as a fresh starter or snack.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sushi-Style Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Sesame Soy Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Sushi-Style Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Sesame Soy Dressing?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sushi-Style Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Sesame 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 Sushi-Style Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Sesame Soy Dressing 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 Sushi-Style Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Sesame Soy Dressing?

Japanese seafood 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.