Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna

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Silky, buttery, and bursting with umami, Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna is a standout appetizer that brings restaurant elegance right to your home table. The seared tuna, delicately crusted with black and white sesame seeds, is served atop a sweet soy glaze and finished with microgreens for a pop of color and peppery freshness. Every bite delivers a contrast of flavors and textures: tender rare tuna, crisp crust, and a luscious sauce that lingers on the palate.

What makes this dish irresistible is its simplicity. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can recreate a plate that’s both visually stunning and mouthwateringly good. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a special evening in, this Ahi Tuna recipe is sure to impress.

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What Kind of Tuna Should I Use?

For the best results, use sushi-grade Ahi tuna. Look for vibrant, deep red tuna steaks, ideally from a trusted fishmonger. Since the tuna is served rare, quality is everything. Avoid anything labeled “previously frozen” unless it’s specifically sold as sashimi-grade, and always keep the fish cold until ready to use.

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Ingredients for the Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna

• Ahi Tuna Steaks: The star of the dish, providing delicate flavor and buttery texture.
• Black and White Sesame Seeds: For a toasty crunch and beautiful crust.
• Soy Sauce and Rice Vinegar: Create the sweet soy glaze that pools under the tuna.
• Wasabi Cream or Mustard Sauce: Adds a spicy, creamy kick that balances the umami.
• Microgreens or Sprouts: Give a fresh, peppery finish and elevate the plating.
• Cooking Oil (like canola or grapeseed): With a high smoke point for a quick, perfect sear.

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How To Make the Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna

Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Steaks

Pat the Ahi tuna steaks dry with paper towels. This ensures a better sear. Season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Coat with Sesame Seeds

Spread black and white sesame seeds on a plate. Press each tuna steak into the seeds, coating all sides evenly. This will give a gorgeous crust when seared.

Step 3: Make the Sweet Soy Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey or sugar. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Sear the Tuna

Heat a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a splash of high-smoke-point oil. Sear the tuna steaks for 30-45 seconds per side — you want the outside golden and crusted but the inside still rare.

Step 5: Slice and Plate

Let the seared tuna rest for a minute, then slice against the grain into thick pieces. Arrange over a drizzle of sweet soy glaze on a plate.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top the tuna with a dollop of wasabi cream or mustard sauce and scatter microgreens or sprouts over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmony of textures and flavors.

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Serving and Storing Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna

Serve the Ahi tuna immediately after slicing to preserve its tender, rare center and crispy sesame crust. It pairs beautifully with a light salad, pickled ginger, or steamed edamame for a complete appetizer spread.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the texture is best when freshly seared, so leftovers are ideal for salads or rice bowls rather than reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is sushi-grade tuna?

Sushi-grade tuna means the fish has been frozen to a specific temperature to kill parasites, making it safe to eat raw or rare.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the glaze and sesame coating ahead, but sear the tuna just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of wasabi cream?

A light drizzle of sriracha mayo or mustard sauce works well if you don’t have wasabi cream.

How do I know if my tuna is fresh?

Look for deep red color, a firm texture, and no fishy smell. Always buy from a trusted source.

Can I grill the tuna instead of searing?

Yes! A super-hot grill works beautifully for searing the outside quickly while keeping the center rare.

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Want More Seafood Appetizer Ideas?

If you love this Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites from the site:

• Cajun Shrimp Scampi for a bold and buttery garlic punch.
• Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce for a simple, rich main dish.
• Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod with zesty, light flavors.
• Irresistible Grilled Salmon when you crave smoky, perfectly seasoned fish.
• Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon for indulgent, date-night vibes.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or seafood board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra spice or play with the glaze? Did you try it on the grill?

I love seeing how everyone personalizes these dishes. Questions are always welcome — let’s keep cooking delicious things together!

For more daily recipes and ideas, follow me on Pinterest: Life with Jam Pinterest.

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