Ahi Tuna Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Chili Sauce

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 320
Description

Fresh, vibrant lettuce wraps filled with sesame seared ahi tuna, crisp vegetables, and a creamy chili sesame dipping sauce. This light yet satisfying dish combines tender tuna, crunchy vegetables, and cool butter lettuce for a refreshing meal that works beautifully for lunch, dinner, or casual entertaining.

Ingredients
    For the Tuna
  • 2 large ahi tuna steaks
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar free maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sweet chili garlic sauce
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil for searing
    • For the Lettuce Wraps
  • 1 head butter lettuce leaves separated
  • 1 cup finely shredded carrots
  • 1 cup very thinly sliced baby cucumber
  • 3 small radishes halved and very thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup chopped green onions
    • For the Creamy Chili Sesame Sauce
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sweet chili garlic sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
    Prepare the Marinade
  1. 1
    In a shallow bowl or medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, lemon juice, sweet chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a small whisk or fork until the marinade looks smooth and glossy. Place the tuna steaks into the bowl and gently turn them to coat all sides evenly. Let the tuna sit in the marinade for about 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature so the flavors can soak in (the marinade should smell savory and slightly sweet).
    2. Coat the Tuna with Sesame Seeds
  2. 2
    Spread the white sesame seeds and black sesame seeds evenly across a dinner plate. Lift each tuna steak from the marinade and allow any excess liquid to drip off so the coating sticks properly. Press both sides of each steak firmly into the sesame seeds until a generous crust forms. If any areas look sparse, gently press additional seeds onto the surface so the fish is evenly coated.
    3. Sear the Tuna
  3. 3
    Place a heavy skillet or cast iron pan on the stovetop over medium high heat and add the neutral cooking oil. Allow the pan to heat for about 1 minute until the oil looks slightly shimmering. Carefully place the sesame coated tuna steaks into the hot pan and sear for about 45 seconds to 1 minute per side. The sesame seeds should become lightly toasted and fragrant while the center of the tuna stays tender and pink (if you prefer fully cooked tuna, continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes per side until the center becomes opaque).
    4. Rest and Slice the Tuna
  4. 4
    Transfer the seared tuna steaks to a cutting board and allow them to rest for about 2 minutes. This short rest helps the juices settle so the fish stays moist. Using a very sharp knife, slice the tuna across the grain into thin slices about 1/4 inch thick. The slices should reveal a lightly seared crust with a vibrant center that looks tender and smooth.
    5. Prepare the Chili Sesame Sauce
  5. 5
    In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili garlic sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk the mixture until it becomes creamy and fully blended. Add the tablespoon of water and stir again until the sauce reaches a smooth, slightly pourable consistency (the sauce should look silky and glossy rather than thick or stiff). Taste the sauce and adjust with a little extra chili sauce if you prefer more heat.
    6. Prepare the Lettuce and Vegetables
  6. 6
    Separate the butter lettuce leaves carefully so they remain whole and cup shaped. Rinse them gently under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels so they stay crisp. Arrange the lettuce cups on a large serving platter and fill each leaf with a small handful of shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, radishes, and chopped green onions. The vegetables should create a colorful, crunchy base that helps support the tuna slices.
    7. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
  7. 7
    Place several slices of seared tuna on top of the vegetables inside each lettuce leaf. Drizzle a small spoonful of the creamy chili sesame sauce over the tuna, allowing it to lightly coat the fish and vegetables. Serve immediately while the tuna is still tender and the lettuce remains cool and crisp.
Note

Sushi grade tuna is recommended if you plan to keep the center rare because it has been handled and frozen to reduce parasite risk.

If your tuna is not labeled sushi grade, cook the steaks a little longer until the center becomes opaque.

The chili sesame sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container.

Keep the vegetables and lettuce separate until serving so they remain crisp and fresh. If the sesame seeds begin to darken too quickly while searing, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning.

Keywords: tuna
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