Lorenzo Devereaux
Ahi tuna, when prepared just right, is a dish that effortlessly balances bold flavor with a delicate, buttery texture. Ruth’s Chris has mastered this, offering a seared tuna that’s crusted with spices for a perfect contrast to the tender, ruby-red center. It’s light yet luxurious, making it a star appetizer or even a main course for seafood lovers.
What sets this dish apart is the precision in searing—the outside is golden and crisp while the inside remains rare and silky. The subtle crunch of sesame seeds, a drizzle of savory sauce, and a hint of fresh greens make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it for a dinner party or treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy dish at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
What Kind of Ahi Tuna Should I Use?
For the best results, always choose sushi-grade ahi tuna. This guarantees freshness and ensures it’s safe to eat when served rare or medium-rare. Look for a deep ruby color with a firm texture—it should smell clean, never fishy. If possible, ask your fishmonger for yellowfin or bigeye tuna, as both are excellent for searing.
Ingredients for the Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna
- Sushi-Grade Ahi Tuna – The star of the dish, providing rich, buttery flavor.
- Sesame Seeds (white and black) – Add crunch and nutty aroma to the crust.
- Coarse Black Pepper & Salt – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the tuna’s natural taste.
- Olive Oil or Sesame Oil – Helps achieve that golden sear.
- Soy Sauce – For a savory umami base in the dipping sauce.
- Wasabi Paste – Adds a subtle heat to balance the richness.
- Pickled Ginger or Microgreens – Fresh garnish to brighten the dish.
How To Make the Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna
Step 1: Prepare the Tuna
Pat the ahi tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a crisp sear. Lightly season all sides with salt and coarse black pepper.
Step 2: Coat with Sesame Seeds
Spread a mix of white and black sesame seeds on a plate. Press each tuna steak into the seeds, coating all sides evenly for a crunchy crust.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
In a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan, heat olive oil or sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. The pan should be very hot to sear the tuna quickly.
Step 4: Sear the Tuna
Place the tuna steaks in the hot pan and sear for about 30–45 seconds per side. The goal is a golden crust while keeping the inside rare.
Step 5: Slice and Plate
Transfer the seared tuna to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice into ½-inch thick pieces. Arrange neatly on a serving platter.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and a dab of wasabi paste. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle lightly over the tuna or serve on the side for dipping.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with microgreens or pickled ginger for a fresh finish. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Serving and Storing Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna
This tuna is best enjoyed immediately after searing to savor its crisp crust and tender, rare center. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Enjoy it chilled the next day, either over a fresh salad or in a poke-style bowl. Reheating is not recommended, as it can overcook the tuna and change its delicate texture.
What to Serve With Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna?
1. Garlic Butter Asparagus
The buttery, garlicky notes pair perfectly with the tuna’s umami-rich flavors.
2. Asian Slaw with Sesame Dressing
A crunchy and tangy slaw provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Steamed Jasmine Rice
Simple and fragrant, rice soaks up the soy-wasabi sauce beautifully.
4. Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
Crisp green beans with parmesan add a savory side that complements seafood.
5. Avocado Mango Salad
Creamy avocado and sweet mango balance the tuna’s richness.
6. Miso Soup
A warm, savory soup makes a great starter or side.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the salty soy glaze.
8. Pickled Cucumbers
These add a refreshing, tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the tuna.
Want More Seafood Ideas?
If you love this Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna, you’ll enjoy these other seafood favorites:
- Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce for a spicy, buttery kick.
- Bang Bang Salmon Bites if you crave crispy and saucy bites.
- Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner for a light yet flavorful meal.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli for an easy weeknight seafood fix.
- Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo if you’re in the mood for creamy pasta goodness.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood board so you can come back to it anytime.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out—did you try extra wasabi, or maybe a touch of sriracha? I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome, too—let’s inspire each other to cook better seafood at home.
Explore more beautifully curated seafood and healthy dishes on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite meal!
Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna
Equipment
- Heavy skillet or cast-iron pan
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 steaks sushi-grade ahi tuna about 6 oz each
- 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon wasabi paste
- 2 tablespoons pickled ginger or microgreens
Instructions
- Pat the tuna steaks dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Press each steak into a mix of white and black sesame seeds, coating all sides.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear tuna for 30–45 seconds per side for a golden crust while keeping the center rare.
- Transfer to a cutting board and slice into ½-inch pieces.
- Mix soy sauce and wasabi paste; drizzle over tuna or serve on the side.
- Garnish with pickled ginger or microgreens and serve immediately.