Japanese-style salad with medium-rare grilled Ahi tuna and sesame
Experience the fresh flavors of Japan with this traditional salad, featuring succulent medium-rare grilled ahi tuna, mixed with a rainbow of fresh vegetables.
Instructions
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Marinate the Tuna
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar.
- Marinate the ahi tuna steaks in the mixture for at least 15 minutes in the fridge.
- Marinate the Tuna
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar.
- Marinate the ahi tuna steaks in the mixture for at least 15 minutes in the fridge.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Wash and dry mixed salad greens and slice the cucumber, radishes, and avocado.
- Shred the carrots and slice the green onions.
- Grill the Ahi Tuna
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat.
- Remove the tuna steaks from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Coat the tuna lightly with a bit of oil.
- Grill the tuna for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until seared on the outside but still pink in the center.
- Transfer to a cutting board and slice against the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
- Make the Sesame Dressing
- In a jar, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and a dash of sugar. Shake well until the sugar dissolves.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, mix the salad greens, cucumber, radishes, shredded carrot, green onions, and sliced avocado.
- Drizzle with sesame dressing and toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange the salad on plates and top with slices of the grilled ahi tuna.
- Voilà!
- Garnish with sesame seeds and a few drops of wasabi paste or sliced nori. Serve with extra dressing on the side if desired.
Recipe notes
- Ensure your ahi tuna is of sashimi quality, especially since it will be medium-rare.
- The cooking time for ahi tuna can vary depending on thickness, so adjust accordingly. The goal is to create a slight sear while keeping the center pink.
- If you prefer your tuna more or less cooked, adjust the grilling time to your preference.
- You can add other Japanese-inspired ingredients like daikon, edamame, or wakame to the salad.
Ingredients
Scaled from 1 serving
- 1 ahi tuna steaks (3-4 oz. each)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, for marinade
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil, for marinade plus extra for grilling
- ½ bag mixed salad greens
- ¼ small cucumber
- 1 radish
- ½ carrot
- ½ green onion
- ¼ avocado
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ Pinch of sugar, for marinade and dressing
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Wasabi paste or sliced nori, for garnish (optional)