Grilled Ahi Tuna

This grilled ahi tuna is a quick and easy dish that seasoned with soy sauce and sesame that cooks in just minutes and is packed with flavor.

During the summer when I am ready to grill everything this is one of my favorite go to recipes since it is so quick and easy. Just a simple marinade and a grill is all you need, and you are good to go. It is perfect sliced over a bed of rice and served with a nice salad. The toasted sesame seeds are a perfect touch, and the high heat really brings out their flavor. This will become one of your favorite ways to make ahi.

In this recipe

There are very few ingredients here which makes this recipe perfect for those with little time but want lots of flavor.

Ahi tuna: you want to get nice thick steaks. While it tastes better seared you can cook it through.

Sesame seeds: the high direct heat of the grill will release the oils and nutty flavors onto the tuna.

Brown sugar: will add a slight sweetness but will also help developing those beautiful grill lines.

Ingredients for grilled ahi tuna on a wooden cutting board
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How long do I have to marinate?

The short answer is as long as you want. There isn’t very much as you will want to reserve some for dipping or using as a sauce afterwards. I have found that 30 minutes works well for me, but you could marinate them overnight if you would like. The marinade will not penetrate through the entire filet and that is ok. If you are short of time you can forego the marinating step and dip the slices of tuna in the marinade afterwards.

Marinade for grilled ahi tuna in a white bowl
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Ahi tuna marinating in a white bowl
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Ahi tuna steaks on the grill with sesame seeds
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Cooked tuna on the grill
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Cooking ahi tuna

The way you will want to cook the tuna is going to be based on how done you would like it. If you are like me, you want it still rare in the middle. To do this you will want to cook each side for 2 minutes over direct heat. However, if you would like to cook the tuna all the way through then you will want to move the tuna to indirect heat after you have seared each side. Cook for another 3-5 minutes.

Grilled ahi tuna on a slate plate
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What do I serve it with?

This recipe is so versatile here are some great ways to serve this.

  • Rice with sesame seeds
  • Seaweed salad
  • Set on top of a salad with fresh fruit and crispy wontons.
  • With edamame
  • Sesame bok choy
Dipping a slice of tuna into reserved marinade
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Looking for other fish recipes?

Grilled ahi tuna on a slate plate
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Grilled Ahi Tuna

Sean
This grilled ahi tuna is a quick and easy dish that seasoned with soy sauce and sesame that cooks in just minutes and it packed with flavor.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Marinating time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 2 servings
Calories 442 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Grill
  • Tongs

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 pound tuna steaks 2 8 ounce portions
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Pat dry the tuna steaks
  • In a bowl combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar together. Microwave for 45 second to warm the liquid and whisk to dissolve the sugar.
  • Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade. Using the remaining marinade, marinate the tuna for 30 minutes. While it is marinating heat your grill and brush a little oil on the grill to prevent sticking.
  • Place the tuna over direct heat and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top. Cook for 2 minutes per side for a nice sear.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 442kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 54gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 379mgPotassium: 627mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 4951IUCalcium: 65mgIron: 3mg
Nutrition Disclaimer*
Keyword Grilled, Sesame, Tuna
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Grilled ahi tuna pinterest pin
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