How to Prepare Ahi

Marinate and sear ahi tuna for the best flavor and texture.

Ahi tuna, also known as yellowfin tuna, has tender, ruby red-colored flesh. Choose sushi-grade for the best texture. While there are many methods to cook and prepare ahi, pan-searing this firm-fleshed fish lends a delicate warmth, while keeping the raw center intact for the best flavor. A marinade or spice coating around the outside of the fish packs a punch. Prepare ahi for a light weeknight dinner or make it to top a lunch salad.

Things You'll Need

• Pastry brush
• Olive oil
• Sweet paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Saute pan
• Cooking spray
• Spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 scallion stalks
• Large plastic freezer bag
• 1 tbsp. fish sauce
• 1 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. sesame oil
• 2 tbsp. plum sauce
• Grater
• 1 tbsp. fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp. wasabi powder

Instructions

Simple Spiced Tuna

1. Brush ahi tuna steaks with a pastry brush dipped in olive oil.

2. Sprinkle sweet paprika, salt and freshly cracked ground pepper over both sides of the steak.

3. Place a saute pan over high heat. Spray a light layer of cooking oil on the bottom of the pan.

4. Sear the tuna steaks for 1.5 minutes on each side of the steak. Slice the fish into thin pieces and serve immediately.

Asian-Marinated Tuna

1. Mince one clove of garlic and two scallion stalks on a cutting board with a sharp knife. Place the vegetables in a large plastic freezer bag.

2. Add 1 tbsp. of fish sauce, 1 tbsp. soy sauce, 2 tbsp. of sesame oil and 2 tbsp. of plum sauce into the plastic bag. Grate 1 tbsp. of fresh ginger and add it to the bag.

3. Put two tuna steaks into the bag, squeeze out the air and seal close. Blend the ingredients around the fish for a minute, using your finger.

4. Refrigerate the fish for two hours.

5. Place a saute pan over high heat. Spray a layer of cooking oil over the bottom of the pan. Add the steaks, cooking them again for 1.5 minutes each side to sear until they have browned.

6. Slice the fish and serve it immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Put in a 1/2 tsp. of wasabi powder into your marinade to make your fish spicy.

• Sear the steaks for 2 to 3 minutes for a rare to medium-rare center.

• Use a sharp knife to cut your fish.

References

• Simply Recipes; Seared Ahi Tuna; Elise; 2006
• Epicurious; Seared Ahi Tuna and Avocado Tartare; Michael Shrader; 2004
• The Cook's Thesaurus: Fatty, Firm-Textured Fish