Black Sesame Tuna Wasabi Mayo

Featured in: Family Comfort Meals

This dish features sushi-grade tuna steaks coated in a crunchy black sesame seed crust and pan-seared just until rare. A creamy wasabi mayonnaise adds a zesty kick, perfectly complementing the delicate flavors. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for a light, elegant main course with Japanese fusion flair.

Serve garnished with scallions, pickled ginger, and lemon wedges to enhance the fresh, vibrant profile. The balance of textures and subtle heat from the wasabi elevates the tuna’s natural richness.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 13:46:42 GMT
Black sesame seed crusted tuna with wasabi mayo served rare on a white plate with lemon wedges and pickled ginger.  Pin this
Black sesame seed crusted tuna with wasabi mayo served rare on a white plate with lemon wedges and pickled ginger. | plumoven.com

Elevate your home cooking with this Black Sesame Seed Crusted Tuna with Wasabi Mayo, a striking, restaurant-quality dish. It features sushi-grade tuna coated in crunchy toasted black sesame seeds, pan-seared briefly to remain rare, and served with a zesty wasabi mayonnaise that brings a perfect balance of heat and creaminess to every bite.

Black sesame seed crusted tuna with wasabi mayo served rare on a white plate with lemon wedges and pickled ginger.  Pin this
Black sesame seed crusted tuna with wasabi mayo served rare on a white plate with lemon wedges and pickled ginger. | plumoven.com

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This Japanese Fusion masterpiece is categorized as a medium-difficulty main dish, yielding two servings. It is a fantastic choice for pescatarians or anyone looking for a gourmet, dairy-free meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or presentation.

Ingredients

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  • Tuna: 2 (6 oz / 170 g) sushi-grade tuna steaks, about 1 inch thick, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Crust: 1/2 cup (60 g) black sesame seeds (toasted), 1/4 cup (30 g) white sesame seeds (toasted, optional).
  • Wasabi Mayo: 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise, 1–2 teaspoons wasabi paste, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
  • Garnish: Thinly sliced scallions, pickled ginger, and lemon wedges.

Instructions

1. Prep the Tuna
Pat tuna steaks dry. Brush all sides with soy sauce and sesame oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Apply the Crust
Spread black (and white, if using) sesame seeds on a plate. Press each tuna steak into the seeds, coating all sides evenly.
3. Sear the Tuna
Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat. When hot, add a small amount of oil. Sear tuna steaks for 30–45 seconds per side, just until the sesame crust is golden and the inside remains rare. Remove from pan and rest briefly.
4. Prepare Wasabi Mayo
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, wasabi paste, rice vinegar, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust wasabi to your heat preference.
5. Slice and Serve
Slice tuna steaks against the grain into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) slices. Arrange on plates, drizzle with wasabi mayo, and garnish with scallions, pickled ginger, and lemon wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use only very fresh, sushi-grade tuna. While you can adjust the searing time to your preference, this dish is traditionally served rare. Ensure your pan is very hot before searing to achieve a golden crust without overcooking the interior.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

For a dairy-free version, substitute regular mayonnaise with vegan mayo. To add more depth, consider drizzling the sliced steaks with a soy reduction or adjusting the amount of wasabi paste for more or less heat.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the tuna with a side of steamed rice and lightly dressed greens for a full, balanced meal. The lemon wedges and pickled ginger provided as garnishes offer a bright acidity that perfectly complements the rich tuna.

Sushi-grade tuna steaks coated in toasted black and white sesame seeds, pan-seared rare and sliced with wasabi mayonnaise drizzle.  Pin this
Sushi-grade tuna steaks coated in toasted black and white sesame seeds, pan-seared rare and sliced with wasabi mayonnaise drizzle. | plumoven.com

Each serving of this nutritious dish provides approximately 410 calories and 35g of protein, making it as healthy as it is delicious. Enjoy your homemade Japanese Fusion culinary creation!

Recipe FAQs

How do I get the sesame crust to stick evenly?

Brush the tuna steaks with soy sauce and sesame oil before pressing them firmly into the toasted sesame seeds to ensure even coating.

What is the best doneness for cooking the tuna?

Sear the crusted tuna briefly to keep the center rare, preserving its tender texture and fresh flavor.

Can I adjust the heat level of the wasabi mayonnaise?

Yes, simply add more or less wasabi paste according to your preferred spice tolerance.

Are there suitable substitutions for the mayonnaise?

To keep it dairy-free, you can use vegan mayonnaise varieties without compromising taste.

What are ideal accompaniments for this dish?

Steamed rice, lightly dressed greens, and a drizzle of soy reduction complement the flavors and textures well.

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Black Sesame Tuna Wasabi Mayo

Sushi-grade tuna coated with black sesame, seared rare and paired with a tangy wasabi mayo.

Prep time
15 min
Time to cook
3 min
Total Duration
18 min
Created by Plum Oven Sophie Warren


Level of challenge Medium

Cuisine type Japanese Fusion

Servings made 2 Portions

Dietary details Gluten-Free, Low in carbs

Ingredient List

Tuna

01 2 sushi-grade tuna steaks (6 oz each), 1 inch thick
02 1 tablespoon soy sauce
03 1 teaspoon sesame oil
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Crust

01 1/2 cup black sesame seeds, toasted
02 1/4 cup white sesame seeds, toasted (optional)

Wasabi Mayo

01 1/4 cup mayonnaise
02 1 to 2 teaspoons wasabi paste
03 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
04 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Garnish

01 Thinly sliced scallions
02 Pickled ginger
03 Lemon wedges

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare Tuna Steaks: Pat tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Brush all sides with soy sauce and sesame oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Coat with Sesame Seeds: Spread black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds (if using) on a shallow plate. Press each tuna steak into the seeds, coating all sides evenly.

Step 03

Heat Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat. When hot, add a small amount of oil.

Step 04

Sear Tuna: Sear tuna steaks for 30 to 45 seconds per side, just until the sesame crust is golden and the inside remains rare. Remove from pan and rest briefly.

Step 05

Prepare Wasabi Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, wasabi paste, rice vinegar, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust wasabi to desired heat level.

Step 06

Slice Tuna: Slice tuna steaks against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices.

Step 07

Plate and Finish: Arrange tuna slices on plates. Drizzle with wasabi mayo and garnish with scallions, pickled ginger, and lemon wedges if desired.

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Equipment Needed

  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Shallow plate for sesame seeds
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Advisories

Review each item for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains fish (tuna)
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)
  • Contains sesame
  • Mayonnaise may contain mustard or other allergens—verify labels if sensitive

Nutrition info (per portion)

This nutritional overview is meant for general information. For medical concerns, ask a professional.
  • Caloric Value: 410
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 35 g

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