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Seared Ahi Tuna Rice And Veggie Bowl

This Seared Ahi Tuna Rice and Veggie Bowl combines tender, sesame-crusted ahi tuna with perfectly seasoned sushi rice and fresh veggies. Topped with your favorite ingredients, it's a flavorful, healthy, and customizable meal perfect for lunch or dinner!
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • 1 Pot
  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients
  

Rice

  • 2 cups short-grain sushi-grade rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Ahi Tuna

  • 1 lb ahi tuna
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp high-heat oil for searing (e.g., avocado oil)

Sesame Crust

  • 3 tbsp sesame seeds (black, or a mix of black and white)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or onion powder)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Veggies

  • 1 pc cucumber
  • 1 pc carrot
  • 1 pc avocado
  • 1 tsp chives

Sauce

  • sriracha sauce

Instructions
 

Prepare the Rice

  • Rinse the rice 3-4 times until the water runs mostly clear. Strain the rice in a fine mesh strainer and let it sit for a few minutes to drain completely.
  • Combine the rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Boil for about 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and leave the pot covered for another 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming. You can cover the pot with a kitchen towel to retain the heat.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the vinegar mixture: Heat the rice vinegar in a small saucepan with sugar and salt, stirring until dissolved.
  • Transfer the cooked rice to a large, flat pan and spread it out evenly. Drizzle the vinegar mixture over the rice and gently mix it in with a wooden spatula while cooling the rice with a fan. Once the rice reaches room temperature, cover it with a damp cloth to prevent drying.

Prepare the Sesame Crust

  • In a small bowl, mix the sesame seeds, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and dried thyme.

Seared Ahi Tuna

  • Pat the ahi tuna dry with paper towels. Place it on a plate and coat all sides with soy sauce to help the sesame crust stick.
  • Generously sprinkle the sesame mixture over all sides of the tuna, pressing it firmly to adhere.
  • Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (a flick of water should sizzle loudly). Add the oil and let it heat until shimmering.
  • Carefully place the tuna in the skillet and press it down gently with a spatula. Sear for 45-60 seconds on the first side, checking for a deep golden color. Flip and sear the other side for 60-90 seconds. Use tongs to sear the long edges for about 30 seconds each.
  • Remove the tuna and place it on a cutting board. Blot with a paper towel if desired. Using a very sharp knife, thinly slice the tuna. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days to serve chilled.

Prepare the Sauce

  • In small mixing bowl combine all sauce ingredients

Prepare the Veggies

  • Cut the cucumber into slices, the avocado into cubes or wedges, and the carrot into thin strips. Feel free to substitute or add your favorite veggies.

Assemble the Bowl:

  • Place the prepared rice into a bowl. Arrange the sliced ahi tuna and veggies on top. Sprinkle with chives for garnish.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!
Keyword Seared ahi tuna rice bowl