Sesame Seared Tuna and Sushi Bar Spinach Salad

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This recipe is dedicated to the other side of the sushi bar menu, where after you work your way through the nigiri and sushi rolls, you discover things like tuna tataki and cold, Japanese-style spinach salad. While I can't promise authenticity, I can promise this is fast and simple to make — and I think, extremely delicious.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on January 2, 2025
4
4
4
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
2
Yield:
2 servings
Jump to Nutrition Facts

It takes decades of experience to become a true master sushi chef. Since most of us don't have that kind of time to invest, I think we're probably better off trying to make things from the other side of the menu, like this easy sesame seared tuna and sushi bar spinach salad.

Now that the weather is warming up, I can't think of a grilled meat main course that it wouldn't make a fantastic side dish for. Just be sure to toast your sesame seeds enough, and not chicken out like I do every time. I always worry about them getting too dark and bitter, and end up stopping one shade too light. While still delicious, it doesn't release as much of that amazing nutty flavor. That's something I'm going to continue to work on, but in the meantime, I really hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!

Sesame Seared Tuna and Sushi Bar Spinach Salad
Sesame Seared Tuna and Sushi Bar Spinach Salad . Chef John

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings

For the Spinach Salad:

  • ½ pound baby spinach leaves

  • 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds

  • 1 tablespoon white sugar

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or to taste

  • ½ teaspoon mirin

For the Miso Mayo Sauce:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 teaspoons white miso paste

  • 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar

For the Seared Tuna:

  • 2 (5 ounce) sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks

  • salt to taste

  • 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

  • 1 tablespoon prepared ponzu sauce

Directions

  1. Place spinach in a dry pot set over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until it just begins to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer into a strainer to cool.

  2. While spinach cools, toast white sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until light golden brown. Transfer into a mortar and pestle and crush into a very coarse paste, leaving some seeds whole. Add white sugar, soy sauce, and mirin. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine and reserve.

  3. Transfer cooled spinach to a towel and squeeze out any excess liquid. Chop roughly and add to a mixing bowl. Add the dressing and mix well. Cover and chill thoroughly before serving.

  4. Mix mayonnaise, miso paste, and rice vinegar together for miso mayo sauce. Place in the refrigerator until needed.

  5. Lightly salt tuna steaks, and then coat all sides well with as many sesame seeds as you like, pressing them lightly as you do.

  6. Brush a nonstick pan with oil and place over medium heat. Sear tuna steaks in the hot pan for 30 to 45 seconds on each side, as well as each edges.

  7. Slice and place tuna over the miso sauce. Brush tuna with ponzu and serve with spinach salad on the side.

Chef's Notes:

Feel free to add some toasted sesame oil to the spinach if you like.

You can use white sesame seeds for the tuna instead of black.

After searing, the tuna can be chilled in the fridge and served cold as well.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

593 Calories
40g Fat
20g Carbs
42g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 2
Calories 593
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 40g 51%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 74mg 25%
Sodium 1167mg 51%
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 6g 20%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 42g 84%
Vitamin C 33mg 37%
Calcium 361mg 28%
Iron 8mg 43%
Potassium 1400mg 30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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