Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna
Ruth’s Chris Ahi Tuna is a restaurant-quality seafood dish featuring fresh sushi-grade ahi tuna seared to perfection with a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and lemon juice. This quick and easy recipe delivers a perfectly tender center with a slightly crispy exterior, ideal for a gourmet experience at home, customizable to your taste and dietary preferences.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American Seafood Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee (for marinade and searing)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for coating or garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha (for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (for Asian fusion variation)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro or basil (for herbaceous touch)
- Prepare the Tuna: Pat the fresh ahi tuna steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear. Lightly season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavor.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil (or ghee), soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This marinade will infuse the tuna with bright and savory notes without overpowering its delicate texture.
- Marinate the Tuna: Place the tuna steaks into the marinade and let soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid over-marinating to prevent mushiness while maximizing flavor absorption.
- Heat Your Pan: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan and preheat over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Add a teaspoon of olive oil or ghee to prevent sticking and ensure a beautiful sear.
- Sear the Tuna: Place the tuna steaks in the hot pan and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side. Aim for a golden, crisp exterior while keeping the center rare to medium-rare for a silky texture. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
- Rest and Slice: Allow the seared tuna to rest for a couple of minutes so the juices redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness and an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Choose sushi-grade tuna to ensure safety and optimal flavor as it is lightly cooked.
- Keep the pan very hot to create a perfect crust without overcooking the tuna interior.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain consistent heat.
- Use seasoning sparingly to allow the natural taste of tuna to shine.
- A sharp knife is essential for clean, precise slicing preserving texture.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 24 hours.
- Freezing cooked ahi tuna is not recommended as it alters texture.
- If reheating, do so gently on low heat or in a warm oven briefly to avoid drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: ahi tuna, seared tuna, Ruth's Chris style, seafood appetizer, gluten-free seafood, quick dinner, sushi-grade tuna