We love sashimi, crudo and other raw-fish preparations, and this Sesame Crusted Ahi Salad with Cilantro Ginger Lime Dressing is one of our favorite crudo-style twists. Ahi tuna lightly seared and coated in toasted sesame seeds sits on a bright, crunchy salad dressed in a zesty cilantro-ginger-lime vinaigrette. Serve it as a refreshing main course or an elegant appetizer when you want something fresh, healthy and flavorful.
Cilantro Ginger Lime Salad Dressing
The Cilantro Ginger Lime dressing brightens the salad and complements the sesame-crusted tuna beautifully. It’s versatile and easy to make — bright lime juice, fresh cilantro, a punch of ginger, and a touch of mustard combine with rice wine vinegar and oils for a smooth emulsified dressing. If desired, use jarred minced ginger for convenience; a good quality ginger paste saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Finding Good Ahi Tuna
Because the tuna will be rare in the center, choose high-quality fish. Look for products labeled “sushi grade” or “sashimi grade,” and buy from a reputable fishmonger or retailer. Frozen saku blocks of ahi are convenient and often well-handled; if purchasing from a counter, ask about freshness and avoid pieces that have been sitting exposed on ice for long periods.
Searing the Sesame Crusted Ahi
Searing sesame-crusted tuna is quick and requires a bit of care so the sesame crust stays intact. Pat the fish dry, brush lightly with soy sauce for subtle seasoning, then press toasted sesame seeds onto both sides. Cook in a very hot, well-oiled skillet for about 60 seconds per side for a rare center. Use a thin fish spatula to flip the tuna gently and prevent the crust from coming off. If you prefer the tuna more cooked, reduce the heat slightly and sear a bit longer to avoid burning the seeds.
Building Your Salad
Use the salad ingredients listed below as a guide, but feel free to customize based on what you like or have available. Toss the greens and crunchy vegetables with some of the dressing so they are lightly coated, then place the sliced sesame-crusted tuna on top. Serve extra dressing on the side for guests who want more.
Enjoy!
We hope you enjoy this Sesame Crusted Ahi Salad with Cilantro Ginger Lime Dressing. If you try it, leave a comment or tag us on Instagram @cooking_with_wine to share how it turned out.
Looking for similar recipes? Try the other dishes listed in the recipe section below for inspiration.
📖 Recipe
Sesame Crusted Ahi Salad with Cilantro Ginger Lime Dressing Recipe
20 mins
2 mins
22 mins
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup packed cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoon minced ginger puree
- 3 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 7 tablespoon neutral oil (grapeseed, avocado, canola, or vegetable)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
For the Sesame Crusted Ahi
- 1 Saku block of ahi tuna (about 12–14 oz)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For the Salad
- 4 cups greens of your choice
- ¼ cup bell pepper strips
- ¼ cup daikon or jicama matchsticks
- ¼ cup thinly sliced matchstick carrots
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves
- ½ small cucumber, sliced thin
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
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Combine the cilantro, minced ginger, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, dry mustard, Dijon, salt and pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth, then stream in the neutral oil and toasted sesame oil while blending to form an emulsion. Set aside.
Prepare the Ahi Tuna
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Pat the tuna dry and place on a plate. Brush both sides lightly with soy sauce and chill for 10–15 minutes. Pat off excess soy, brush with 2 teaspoons oil and sprinkle with salt. Press toasted sesame seeds onto both sides so they adhere evenly.
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Heat a cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and heat until just starting to smoke. Sear the tuna about 60 seconds per side for a rare center, flipping carefully to preserve the crust. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into ¼” slices.
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Toss the salad greens and vegetables with some dressing to coat, arrange on plates, and top with sliced sesame-crusted ahi. Garnish with cilantro and green onions and serve extra dressing on the side.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 38 g
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