Ingredients
- •2 sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks (6–8 oz each, 1 inch thick)
- •1 tsp kosher salt
- •½ tsp black pepper
- •3 tbsp black sesame seeds
- •3 tbsp white sesame seeds
- •2 tbsp high-smoke-point oil (grapeseed or avocado)
- •¼ cup mayonnaise
- •2 tsp wasabi paste
- •1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- •1 tbsp rice vinegar
- •1 tsp sesame oil
- •1 tsp soy sauce
- •4 cups mixed greens or baby arugula
- •½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- •2 radishes, thinly sliced
- •1 avocado, sliced
- •Pickled ginger for serving
- •Soy sauce for serving
Instructions
Season tuna steaks lightly with kosher salt and pepper
Place tuna in vacuum-seal bags or zip-top bags
Remove air using vacuum sealer or water displacement method and seal
Preheat sous vide water bath to 108°F (42°C)
Submerge sealed bags in water bath ensuring tuna is fully submerged
Cook for 30 min for perfect sashimi-style rare center
While tuna cooks, make wasabi-ginger sauce
Combine mayonnaise, wasabi paste, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce in a bowl
Whisk until smooth, taste and adjust wasabi for desired heat level, refrigerate
Mix black and white sesame seeds on a shallow plate
When cook time is complete, remove tuna from bags and pat completely dry with paper towels
Chill tuna steaks in freezer for 5–7 min to create buffer for searing
Press all sides of each tuna steak into sesame seed mixture to coat thoroughly
Heat cast iron skillet or heavy pan over highest heat until smoking hot
Add high-smoke-point oil and swirl to coat pan
Sear tuna for 15–20 sec per side, rotating to sear all four sides
The goal is a thin crust with raw ruby-red center - work quickly
Remove tuna to cutting board and let rest for 1 min
Using a very sharp knife, slice tuna against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices
Arrange mixed greens on plates with cucumber, radishes, and avocado
Fan sliced tuna over the salad
Drizzle with wasabi-ginger sauce and serve with pickled ginger and soy sauce
Notes
- •Use only sushi-grade tuna that has been properly frozen to FDA standards
- •The brief freezer chill prevents the center from cooking during the sear
- •For perfect sesame adhesion, press firmly into the seeds while tuna is still slightly damp
- •Slice with one smooth motion using a very sharp knife to avoid tearing