If you like Ahi Tuna then you are going to want to try this Ahi Tuna with Rice Cakes recipe! It’s one of our family’s favorite dishes. This dish has been through several iterations until we perfected this recipe. It is a simple but elegant dish that comes together quickly for those busy weeknights.
Choosing the right Tuna
When it comes to Ahi tuna, fresh is always best. I recommend checking out a local seafood market – I’ve consistently found the highest quality tuna there. But if that’s not an option, most supermarkets carry Ahi tuna in their seafood section.
Depending on how your tuna was cut, you might notice a dark, almost black section of the meat. This part isn’t bad or unsafe to eat – it’s simply richer in myoglobin, a natural blood pigment. While perfectly edible, it does have a much stronger flavor and firmer texture, which some people may find less appealing. However, our Danes love it, so we will add it cooked to there food for a special treat.
Ideal Thickness
Look for tuna steaks that are about 1 to 1 ½ inches thick. This size is perfect for getting that nice sear on the outside while keeping the center tender and rare.
How to Cut Tuna
If your tuna steak still has the skin on, start by removing it with a small, sharp knife (see photo below). After searing, slice the tuna with the grain for the best texture and presentation.
What you will need
- Ahi Tuna – see notes above
- White and Black Sesame Seeds – combined to coat the tuna for seasoned crust.
- Avocado – mashed
- Sushi rice – you will need about 2 cups of cooked sushi rice.
- Spicy Mayo – combine mayonnaise and sriracha sauce for a delicious kick.
Instructions
Combine sesame seeds in a large shallow bowl. Roll tuna in seeds until covered on all sides.
Rice Cakes
Prior to cooking Ahi Tuna, prepare sushi rice. Once rice is prepared, allow it to cool slightly, until it’s cool enough to work with your hands. Begin by dipping your hands in cold water, then grab a small handful of rice (about ¼-⅓ cup), form into a ball, then flatten to form rice cake. If rice begins to stick to your hands, dip in cold water again, until all rice cakes are formed.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook rice cakes 2-3 minutes per side or until lightly browned.
Remove from the pan and place on a platter.
Sear the Tuna
Begin with a hot griddle, pan or cast iron skillet on high heat. Place tuna in the pan, and immediately turn heat down to medium heat, which will help sear the tuna but not burn it. Sear tuna 2-3 minutes per side, depending upon how thick tuna is sliced. Remove from pan and slice with the grain.
If you are not into raw-rare tuna (like me), after slicing, place thin strips back in hot cooking pan, and sear about 30 seconds per side, this will cook it medium-medium well.
Avocado Spread
Remove the skin and seed from the avocado. Then mash it.
Putting it all together
Take rice cake and spread a thin layer of avocado on top. The place seared Ahi Tuna on top of avocado and drizzle with spicy mayo. Serve immediately.
Restaurant quality right in your own kitchen!
Enjoy!
Other recipes you might like to try: Easy Spicy Crunchy Sweet Potato Sushi Rolls, and Tofu Poke Bowl.
Ahi Tuna with Crispy Rice Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ahi Tuna
- 3 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 4-5 tbsp olive oil Divided
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 1 avocado mashed
Spicy Mayo
- 1/2 Cup Mayo
- 1 Tbsp sriracha sauce
Instructions
Rice Cakes
- Prepare sushi rice and let cool. Form rice into ¼-⅓ cup size balls. Flatten balls into cakes.
- Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add rice cakes, working in batches. Cook 2-3 minutes per side or until lightly browned. Set aside.
Spicy Mayo
- Combine mayonnaise and sriracha sauce in a mixing bowl. Set aside. *Add additional sriracha sauce for more spice!
Ahi Tuna
- Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in large skillet/griddle/ or cast iron pan, over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium and add coated Ahi Tuna. Sear 2-3 minutes per side. Adding more oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat, slice with the grain.
Put in all together
- Spread thin layer mashed avocado on a rice cake, add sliced Ahi Tuna, and drizzle with Spicy Mayo. Serve immediately.
- Enjoy!
