Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna with Citrus Ponzu Sauce and Pea Tendrils

Ingredients

  • 4 Ahi tuna steaks (6-8 ounces each)

  • 1 cup toasted sesame seeds

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 2 oranges, segmented

  • 1/2 cup fresh pea tendrils, for garnish

For the Citrus Ponzu Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Method:

  1. Start by making the Citrus Ponzu Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, rice vinegar, mirin, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and citrus zests. Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld.

  2. Season the Ahi tuna steaks with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.

  3. Place the toasted sesame seeds on a plate. Press each tuna steak into the sesame seeds, coating both sides evenly. Be sure to press the seeds gently into the tuna to ensure they adhere.

  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sesame-crusted tuna steaks.

  5. Sear the tuna for about 1-2 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the steaks. Adjust the cooking time to your preferred level of doneness. The sesame crust should turn golden brown, and the interior should remain pink and moist.

  6. Remove the seared tuna steaks from the pan and let them rest for a minute.

  7. Set the Tuna aside and allow to rest

  8. Slice the seared tuna into thin, even slices and shingle them in the center of the plate.

  9. Place the citrus segments on top of the tuna.

  10. Drizzle the Citrus Ponzu Sauce over the tuna and citrus.

  11. Garnish the dish with fresh pea tendrils for a touch of elegance and a burst of color.

  12. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna with Citrus Ponzu Sauce and Pea Tendrils – a masterpiece of flavors and textures that's sure to impress.