Sesame tuna tataki

Sometimes, the most memorable dishes are the ones that celebrate simplicity. Sesame Tuna Tataki is a perfect example of how just a few high-quality ingredients can create a restaurant-worthy experience at home—with minimal effort.

At its core, this dish is all about balance: fresh tuna quickly seared on the outside and left rare in the center, coated in a crust of toasted sesame seeds for an irresistible crunch and nutty aroma. It’s typically served sliced thin, drizzled with a light soy-citrus dressing or a touch of ponzu, and topped with simple garnishes like green onions or microgreens.

What makes tuna tataki shine is its purity. There's no heavy seasoning or complicated technique—just a quick sear in a hot pan, a sprinkle of sesame, and you're done. The contrast between the cool, silky interior and the crisp outer edge is what keeps you going back for more.

Whether you're making it for a light dinner, an elegant appetizer, or a special lunch, sesame tuna tataki is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something deeply satisfying. Just fresh fish, good sesame seeds, and a little love in the pan.

Recipe

Ingredients

1-inch think fresh, sushi grade, tuna steak

1 Tbsp white sesame seeds

1 Tbsp black sesame seeds

1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt

1/4 tsp lemon pepper

greens, avocado, onions, lemons for decoration

lemon juice and gluten-free soy sauce as needed

1 Tbsp avocado oil for searing the tuna

Instructions

• Wash the tuna steak and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels.

• In a small bowl, mix the white and black sesame seeds, pink salt, and lemon pepper. Press the mixture onto all sides of the tuna steak to coat it evenly.

• Prepare a simple dipping sauce by combining the gluten-free soy sauce and lemon juice. Set aside.

• Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over high heat. Once hot, sear the tuna steak for about 1 minute on each side. The center should remain rare.

• Remove the tuna from the pan and let it rest for a minute. Slice thinly with a sharp knife.

• Serve over a bed of greens with avocado, onions, and lemon wedges. Dip each slice in the citrus soy sauce for extra flavor.

  Enjoy!

As usual, these are my thoughts and ideas, not medical advice. You are encouraged to create your own recipes or search for some suited to your needs. I am just sharing my recipes, hoping that I can inspire some of you to make healthier food choices.

Please remember that we all have different nutritional needs and that food affects us differently. If you are not sure which foods are best for you, reach out for a free phone consultation. 

In good health,

Ioana