Name: Ahi Tuna Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 Ahi tuna steaks; black pepper, (to taste ); kosher salt, (to taste ); 4 tbsp black and white sesame seeds; 8 corn tortillas; 1 cup red cabbage, (shredded); 1 cup mango, (diced ); fresh cilantro; homemade baja sauce; lime wedges

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Ahi Tuna Tacos are a delicious meal made with a few simple ingredients and only 10 minutes of cook time. You’ll have them on the table so fast!

In these tacos, seared ahi tuna is placed in a soft tortilla with crisp red cabbage and sweet pineapple for a unique and balanced flavor.

3 ahi tuna tacos on a plate with sesame crusted tuna on the side

Table of Contents

Why you will love this ahi tuna recipe

Simple Ingredients: Enjoy the deliciousness of ahi tuna tacos with just a handful of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Quick Preparation: Whip up these tacos in no time! With minimal prep and cooking required, they’re the perfect solution for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable Flavors: Ahi tuna pairs with many different flavors. Play around with spicy toppings like jalapeños and chili peppers or sweet toppings like pineapple.
Healthy and Satisfying: These tacos are a guilt-free meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying, full of lean protein and vibrant produce.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: You don’t need to go to your favorite restaurant for delicious tuna tacos, you can make them easily and confidently in the comfort of your own kitchen.

tuna, baja sauce, mango, sesame seeds, purple cabbage, and olive oil

Ingredients you will need

Ahi tuna steaks: The ahi tuna steaks are seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper before being coated in black and white sesame seeds. The best place to find fresh ahi tuna steaks is at your local fish market or the fish counter of a high quality grocery store.
Corn tortillas: typically used for fish tacos but flour tortillas can also be used if you prefer. Sometimes I prefer the crunch of hard taco shells with tuna tacos, feel free to give those a try too!
Red cabbage and Mango: Red cabbage adds a delicious crunch to the ahi tacos while mango adds flavor, texture, and sweetness. You can also make a simple Fish taco slaw for your tacos.
Additional toppings: Add a sprinkle of cilantro, lime juice, and homemade Baja sauce. You can also add avocado if you like!

How to make Ahi Tuna Tacos

1. Sear the tuna. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat, then season the tuna and then press it into the sesame seeds (I like to put them in a medium bowl or shallow dish), making sure they stick well. Sear the tuna for 2 minutes, flip the tuna steaks, and sear for another 2 minutes. Remove them from the heat, then slice the seared ahi tuna into thin strips.

2. Assemble the tacos. Once the tuna is ready, place the tuna strips, cabbage, and diced mango in warm tortillas. Lastly, top the tacos with chopped fresh cilantro, and baja sauce and serve with lime wedges.

Tips for buying ahi tuna steak

When buying ahi tuna steaks, whether for ahi tuna tacos or another recipe like Ahi Poke Bowl, keep these tips in mind:

Color matters: Look for tuna steaks that have a deep, vibrant red color. Avoid tuna that appears brownish or dull, as this may indicate it’s not as fresh.
Texture and firmness: The tuna should feel firm to the touch and have a smooth, slightly glossy texture. Avoid steaks that have any mushy or slimy spots.
Smell check: Fresh ahi tuna should have a clean, ocean-like smell. If it smells overly fishy or sour, it’s likely not fresh.
Thickness: Choose steaks that are of uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking.
Grade: If available, consider the grade. Sashimi-grade and sushi grade tuna are the highest quality and safe to eat raw. It’s typically the best choice for searing or making sushi.
Ask the fishmonger: Don’t hesitate to ask the fishmonger at the seafood counter for advice. They can often provide information on when the tuna came in and where it came from.
Frozen options: If fresh tuna isn’t available, high-quality frozen tuna steaks can be a good alternative.

baja sauce in a glass bowl with a wood spoon coming out

Best sauces for tuna tacos

The best sauces to complement the flavors of Ahi Tuna Tacos are typically those that provide a balance of creaminess, tanginess, and a hint of heat.

Baja Sauce: My favorite sauce to use is Baja sauce. It pairs perfectly with the freshness of fish tacos. It’s creamy with a bit of heat. This Fish Taco Sauce is another favorite of mine!

Wasabi Aioli: This creamy and slightly spicy sauce combines mayonnaise, wasabi paste, and a touch of soy sauce. It adds a delightful kick to your tacos.

Sriracha Mayo: Mix Sriracha sauce with mayonnaise to create a spicy and creamy drizzle for your tacos. Adjust the Sriracha to your preferred level of heat.

Soy Ginger Sauce: A combination of soy sauce, fresh ginger, minced garlic, and a bit of honey creates a savory, sweet, and tangy sauce that pairs beautifully with the tuna.

Chipotle Crema: Blend canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with sour cream to make a smoky and slightly spicy crema. It adds depth and creaminess to your tacos.

Cilantro-Lime Crema: Mix sour cream with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a refreshing and tangy sauce that complements the fish and veggies.

Pineapple Salsa: A fruity and tropical option, pineapple salsa made with diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice adds a sweet and tangy twist to your tacos.

Avocado Lime Sauce: Blend ripe avocados with lime juice, garlic, and a bit of olive oil to create a creamy, citrusy sauce that pairs well with the tuna and avocado slices.

Mango Salsa: For a sweet and spicy option, prepare a mango salsa with diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and a touch of chili pepper. It adds a burst of tropical flavors.

What pairs well with ahi tuna?

Ahi tuna is a versatile protein that goes well with lots of flavors and ingredients. That’s one of the many reasons it’s a favorite among foodies. It can be paired with crisp veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, and avocados

It also does well with citrus elements like orange, lemon, or lime. Ahi tuna pairs well with seasonings like sesame seeds, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. It also goes well with Asian-inspired sauces like wasabi aioli or soy ginger glaze. If you’re looking for a side dish to pair with your ahi tuna, I love this Ginger Rice or a side of quinoa. A simple side of jasmine rice is great too!

close up of a tuna taco with baja sauce and cilantro to the side

Is Ahi Ahi the same as tuna?

Ahi ahi is a type of tuna. Since there are several types of tuna, it refers to the yellowfin tuna. In Hawaiian cuisine and some other Pacific regions, people commonly use the term “ahi” to refer to this specific species of tuna, known for its firm texture and rich flavor, making it a popular choice for sushi, sashimi, seared tuna steaks, and poke bowls.

What cheese tastes good with tuna?

Cheese isn’t often served with tuna but if you’re wanting to experiment, you can give feta or goat cheese a try. Both these cheeses offer tanginess and creaminess without overpowering the delicate flavor of the tuna.

You could go the opposite direction and experiment with smoked cheeses like smoked gouda or smoked cheddar, as their smoky undertones might complement the richness of the fish

More recipes to try

If you like this recipe, you might want more ways to change up Taco Tuesday. Try Buffalo Chicken Tacos Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos and Barbacoa Tacos.

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