Peppercorn-Crusted Tuna Steak Recipe

Rika Hoffman

6 May 2024 at 9:45 am·6-min read

Blush-pink tuna steak on a plate with mixed greens - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

There's something elegant and effortless about a tuna steak. As classic and easygoing as perfectly fitted jeans and a white tee, it's a dish that relies on high-quality, basic ingredients and comes together in mere minutes. Zingy and refreshing, this peppercorn-crusted tuna steak from recipe developer Rika Hoffman features a rainbow of colorful peppercorns, nutty sesame seeds, and a tangy, ponzu-ginger dipping sauce. Just barely kissed by the heat of a pan, this tuna steak has a crust that's studded with crunchy shards of sharp peppercorns and a blushing center that's delicate and tender.

The spicy bite of the peppercorns is toned down by an equal portion of sesame seeds. If you desire punchier or milder flavors, this recipe is easily modified by adjusting the ratio of peppercorns to sesame seeds.

Low effort, high reward, and ready in just 15 minutes, this peppercorn-crusted tuna steak is the ideal weeknight meal. If you aspire to be That Girl -- carefree and impossibly put-together with just jeans and a tee -- mastering the weeknight tuna steak might take you one step closer.

Gather The Ingredients For The Peppercorn-Crusted Tuna Steak

Peppercorn-crusted tuna steak ingredients on kitchen counter - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

To start, you'll need a cut of fresh tuna that's suitable for consumption as sushi or sashimi (as this tuna steak will only be lightly seared, the fish will be raw in the center). For seasonings, bring out kosher salt, peppercorns, and toasted white sesame seeds. For the dipping sauce, you'll need ginger, ponzu, and Kewpie mayo; for cooking the tuna steak, a tablespoon of canola oil.

Step 1: Season The Tuna

Raw tuna steak - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

Salt the tuna steak on all sides with ¼ tsp salt and set aside in the fridge for 5–10 minutes.

Step 2: Crush The Peppercorns

Crushed peppercorns - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

Grind the peppercorns in a mortar and pestle until most of the peppercorns are crushed.

Step 3: Mix The Seasonings

Adding sesame seeds to crushed peppercorns - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

Mix the peppercorns, sesame seeds, and 1 pinch of salt.

Step 4: Coat The Tuna Steak

Tuna steak coated in peppercorns and sesame seeds on a plate - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

Spread the seasoning mixture onto a plate and coat the tuna steak on all sides.

Step 5: Heat The Skillet

Cast iron skillet heating on stovetop - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

Heat a skillet with 1 tablespoon oil until the oil shimmers. For cast iron, wait until wisps of smoke appear.

Step 6: Sear The Tuna

Tuna steak being seared in skillet - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

Sear the tuna steak on all sides (about 20–30 seconds on the top and bottom and a few seconds on the sides).

Step 7: Rest The Tuna

Tuna steak resting on plate - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

Rest the tuna steak on a plate or cutting board for 5–10 minutes.

Step 8: Make The Dipping Sauce

Making ponzu-ginger-mayo dipping sauce - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

While the tuna rests, make the dipping sauce: Combine the grated ginger, ponzu, and Kewpie mayo in a small bowl.

Step 9: Cut The Tuna Steak

Tuna steak being cut on a cutting board - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

Slice the tuna steak thinly.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy!

Tuna steak on a plate with greens - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

Serve the tuna and the dipping sauce alongside salad greens, if desired.

How Can You Select The Best Type Of Tuna For Tuna Steaks?

Plate of raw tuna - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

At your local market, you may find labels like "sushi-grade" and "sashimi-grade" on the packaging; these are merely marketing terms that are unregulated by the FDA. If you see this language, it just means that the seller has deemed the fish safe to consume raw.

Thankfully for tuna lovers, the fish is among the safest types to eat raw (wild fish besides tuna must be deeply frozen to destroy parasites). When selecting tuna for your tuna steak, you'll want to go to a Japanese grocery store or reputable local fish market where you can ask the fishmonger about the tuna's freshness and quality and find out if it is suitable to consume raw.

Besides choosing a reputable seller, you'll want to decide which type of tuna to use. Bigeye and yellowfin (which are both known as "ahi tuna"), bluefin, and albacore are common types. See Tasting Table's breakdown of the differences between bluefin and bigeye tuna for more details.

What Pairs Well With Tuna Steak?

Slice of seared tuna being dipped into sauce - Rika Hoffman/Tasting Table

This peppercorn-crusted tuna steak is a versatile base that pairs wonderfully with acidic and citrus-based dipping sauces like the simple ginger-mayo-ponzu sauce we introduce in this recipe. Another sauce option is pure, unadulterated ponzu for a tangy, bright, and refreshing flavor. Kicking up the spice, wasabi-mayo or soy sauce and wasabi are sure to clear the sinuses. For a more tropical punch, a mango or pineapple salsa will transport you to warmer climes and offset the heat from the peppercorns. Indecisive? Create a smorgasbord of sauces, and check out some of our favorite sauces to pair with tuna for even more ideas.

To complete the meal, consider taking inspiration from Japanese home cooking and serve the tuna steak with steamed Japanese short-grain rice, miso soup, and a vegetable side dish. A simple salad of spring greens and peppery radishes or goma-ae (blanched green beans or spinach coated in sesame dressing) keeps the meal light and fresh.