Seasoned and Seared Salt and Pepper Ahi Tuna with Wasabi Vinaigrette

Seasoned and Seared Salt and Pepper Ahi Tuna Steak with Wasabi Vinaigrette.

The Best Seared Ahi Tuna and Vinaigrette

I’ve had Seared Ahi Tuna at places like The Outback, The Cheesecake Factory, and P.F. Chang’s, and let me tell you—sometimes, you don’t need to be in a fancy restaurant to get it right. A hot pan, some simple salt and pepper, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-quality dish. This recipe keeps it straightforward, letting the tuna’s natural flavor do the talking. Ready to cook tuna that’s just as good as what you’d get at your favorite spots? Let’s do this.

Fresh and Raw Ahi Tuna Steak.

Ahi Tuna Dipping Sauce: Sweet, Spicy, and Perfect for Tuna

The real star of this Seared Ahi Tuna recipe is the Wasabi Vinaigrette—a flavorful dipping sauce that combines sweet soy sauce, rich sesame oil, and a spicy kick from wasabi. It’s the perfect complement to the seared ahi tuna, and sushi fans won’t be able to resist it. I’ve tasted similar versions at places like The Outback, The Cheesecake Factory, and P.F. Chang’s, but this one’s the easiest to make at home. Trust me, anyone who loves tuna will love this sauce.

Order your ingredients with my amazon affiliate links. They even except EBT. Frozen Ahi or Yellow Fin Tuna steaks are the best way to go. Wasabi comes in many different forms and there’s even a fake version, made out of Horseradish. Of course, you’ll also need Honey, Soy Sauce, Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice and Sesame Oil. The exact ingredient amounts are listed down below.

Seared Ahi Tuna and Wasabi Vinaigrette Ingredients:

For the Ahi Tuna:

  • 1 Ahi Tuna Steak – Get the best quality you can find; this is the star of the dish.
  • 1 tbsp Black Pepper – Adds that peppery bite that pairs perfectly with the tuna.
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt – A touch of salt brings out the tuna’s natural flavors.
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika – For a subtle smoky depth.

For the Wasabi Vinaigrette:

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil – A mild base for the vinaigrette.
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce – Adds that salty, umami touch.
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances the flavors.
  • 1 tbsp Honey (optional) – For a hint of sweetness.
  • 1 tsp Wasabi Paste – Substituting with mustard works, but wasabi brings a unique kick.
  • 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil – A rich, nutty undertone.
  • 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice – For brightness and balance.

Check out the short video tutorial above to see exactly how to make this Seared Ahi Tuna and Wasabi Vinaigrette come to life.