These seared ahi tuna steaks take only 6 minutes to make- they're healthy, crispy and seared on the outside, and medium-rare on the inside, and bursting with umami flavor!
Prep time: PT1M
Cook time: PT5M
Total time: PT6M
Rating
4.96 stars (1992 reviews)
Keywords
Ahi tuna recipe, How to cook ahi tuna, Seared ahi tuna medium rare
Ingredients
2 ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna) steaks ((about 4 oz. each, 1" thick - see notes for thinner or thicker))
2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low sodium, see notes)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (see notes)
1 tablespoon honey (see notes)
½ teaspoon kosher salt (optional, see notes)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ((optional))
1 tablespoon oil (canola, olive, or other high-heat cooking oil of preference)
green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges (for serving (optional))
Categories
Fish
Cuisine
Seafood
Steps
Pat the 2 ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna) steaks dry with a paper towel. Place on a plate or inside a plastic bag.
Mix the 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon kosher salt (if using), 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper until honey is fully dissolved. Pour over the ahi tuna steaks and turn over to coat completely. Optional: allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Also optional: Reserve a spoonful or two of the marinade before coating the fish for drizzling on top after you've cooked it.
Heat a medium skillet (preferably non-stick or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet) on medium-high to high until very hot ( or medium to medium-high for nonstick). I recommend giving cast iron 3-5 minutes to get hot and nonstick about 1 minute, depending on how thick it is.
Add the 1 tablespoon oil to the hot pan. Sear the tuna for 1 - 1½ minutes on each side for medium rare ( 2 -2½ minutes for medium-well to well, 30 seconds for very rare. See notes - this will vary based on thickness of the tuna steaks). (Note: different burners get hotter depending on your stove. Use your best judgement whether you use medium, medium-high, or high heat, as the marinade may burn if too high heat is used)
Remove to a cutting board. Slice into 1/2 inch slices and serve garnished with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges, if desired. If you find it needs more salt, I recommend sprinkling with flaky sea salt when serving.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 331 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 43 mg
Sodium: 1632 mg
Sugar: 9 g
Reviews
Jeannine on 2026-03-29 (5 stars): Exceptional recipe. Thank you. Sprinkled with sesame seeds when flipped over steak first time. We prefer our tuna well (but not over) done, so reduced heat at 2.5 min mark to slow cook to doneness. Drizzled with remaining marinade when served. This was so delicious.
Dre on 2026-03-28 (5 stars): So fast, easy and great flavor. Easy even for a rookie cook like me. Thanks chef.
Donna on 2026-03-28 (5 stars): I made this recipe last night and it was delicious!! It's the first time I made a tuna steak and it was very easy and quick. (I did skip adding salt). My husband and I loved it and will be making it again soon. Loved this recipe!
Audrey B on 2026-03-27 (5 stars): So easy and SO GOOD! As there is honey in the marinade, I used a non-skillet pan. My cast iron doesn't like sticky. My dinner looked just like your photo, and looked and tasted like from a high-end restaurant! All the notes were very helpful especially about slicing it immediately so it stops cooking. PERFECT! Thanks so much!
Susan Rainer on 2026-03-24 (5 stars): Never made ahi tuna before. Tried this recipe because of the 5 star rating. Delicious!
Brian on 2026-03-22 (5 stars): I googled for a Ahi tuna recipe and found this: Delicious! I had all the ingredients except honey, for which I substituted brown sugar. Loved it! Thanks so much!
Carol Kleinman on 2026-03-20 (5 stars): I make seared tuna fairly often and this is the best sauce of all the ones I have tried. The specific cooking tiem instructions were very helpful asa they relate to alterations of the cooking temperature and thickness of the fish.
Jean on 2026-03-17 (5 stars): Easy and excellent! Grilled the steaks.
Did use a pinch of salt vs. what was recommended.
