Pan Seared Blackened Ahi Tuna
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This seared blackened ahi tuna is made with a traditional blackened seasoning mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, black pepper, oregano, fennel seeds, clove. Best part is this is on the table in a flash.
Sometimes the spark for a meal comes from a gift and this ahi tuna was just that. With the summer here and a nice outdoor patio to eat al fresco, I decided that a quick dinner was in order and this Pan Seared Blackened Ahi Tuna came together in no time.
My go to BBQ grill was put on hold, and with mere seconds on each side, this ahi was on our plates after a quick pan sear. This is tastefully seasoned with blackened Cajun spices and served up with steamed leftover barley and salad.
A friend dropped off some fresh caught ahi and we decided it was time to use a little of our copycat Chef Prudhomme’s Seafood Seasoning and with a little butter, pan seared this to perfection. Great friend, right? Lucky us!
We had little in the refrigerator as we just got back from a family trip in Portland, so this was quite welcomed. I needed to hit the market and re-stock the house.
Just look at this beauty!
A nice side ended up being some leftover steamed barley and Shirazi Salad with Chickpeas I made the other day that we had on hand to round out a perfect summer meal. A little squeeze of lemon juice on top of the blackened ahi tuna to counteract the heat and we were set.
For the blackened ahi tuna, you will want to start by placing a frying pan or cast iron skillet over high heat until it almost starts to smoke. I have a well seasoned cast iron skillet I like to use. Be sure to keep your kitchen area well ventilated.
Funny thing was that when I reached for the copycat seafood seasoning it was empty! I made a similar version and we LOVED it! I’ve included mine in the recipe below, too. This is a blackened seasoning mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, black pepper, oregano, fennel seeds and ground clove that hits all the notes. Big flavor with a little heat.
I make my own Prudhomme copycat Cajun Blackened Seasoning for Beef that’s great on beef, too.
Gotta love a fresh caught meal made in minutes and this blackened ahi tuna hits the spot. Enjoy!
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Pan Seared Blackened Ahi Tuna
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh ahi tuna
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Cajun Blackening Seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp fennel seeds
- 1/8 tsp ground clove
Instructions
- Rinse the fish and pat dry with paper towels. Slice into 1/2 inch steaks.
- In a small bowl mix together the spices and set aside.
- Place a frying pan or cast iron skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke. Keep kitchen area well ventilated.
- Toss the ahi tuna in melted butter and then coat with spice mixture on both sides. Press spice mixture to adhere. Immediately sear on high heat each side for 10 seconds for pink in the middle, or for no more then 30 seconds per side to cook through well. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Hi Kevin,
I’m going to try the blackened tuna tonight.
Can you also share the garbanzo salad recipe? It all looks delish!
Hi Michelle! Thanks so much for stopping by and giving this a try. The Shirazi Salad is super easy to prepare and works well with the blackened tuna. There is a link in the post, but here it is as well. Hope you enjoy it, too!
Yes, lucky you! I’d love to have friends dropping off fresh Ahi!! This is just the kind of simple dish I love to do on weeknights and I need to make that blackened seasoning of yours pronto.
I think you’ll like the spice blend Marissa. The fennel seeds make it for me! Hope you guys have a great weekend. We’re melting down here at 98°F.
We were up in Portland last weekend and had a blast. Bend is on the list! I just love your hiking photo adventures, so beautiful.
Okay, so you need to introduce me to your friend. I want to steal him/her. 😉 hahaha. If only I lived near you! That fresh caught ahi looks AMAZING! Ahi is legit one of my favorite things ever, so this pan seared blackened ahi is toe-ts calling my name. I could definitely back away from the grill for a night to devour this beauty! Paired with your beautiful salad, I bet this meal tastes like perfection! I’m drooling, Kevin. Send napkins. 😉 Cheers, buddy!
Your comments make me smile, thanks Chey. Hope a vacation is in your near future! 🙂
Gorgeous color on that tuna! I can almost taste it.
Thanks Jeff, the pops of fennel in the spice blend make this. Besides it being freshly caught, you can’t beat it! 🙂
I love friends that come with gifts like that! Amazing! The sides look delicious as well ♡
Thanks so much Miriam, I couldn’t agree more. He gets a lot of my desserts! 😉
It’s so nice to have friends like that. I fished quite a bit with my dad and brother when I was young, but these days it doesn’t even get a thought. I actually don’t have the time or patience to sit and wait for something to happen. Although I’m a tad envious, sometimes, when I hear about the fishing trips my brother still does with dad up in Queensland.
And after seeing your recipe, I have a sudden craving for tuna. I think something like this may be happening on the weekend, somehow.
Super easy and very simple with a great punch of flavor from the seasoning. Hope you enjoy. Thanks John. When do you guys take off on your travels?
Hey Kevin! I love blackened fish! What a great friend indeed! I like that you made your own seasoning, the store bought ones are always so salty. I’d guess it took longer to mix up the spices than to cook the fish! 🙂
Agreed! A simple pan sear in a smokin’ hot pan and let the magic happen. I definitely prefer to make my own spice blends (as you know) in small batches. No chemicals or extra salt needed!
Lucky you! What a great friend! This looks delicious, Kevin, and you really can’t beat a delicious meal made in minutes. Perfect for Summer too 🙂 That rub sounds perfect!
Thanks Dawn, this rub works well on chicken and other fish too. Gotta love Summertime! 🙂
You are totally lucky to have a friend drop off freshly caught ahi! I’ve always wanted to catch tuna…I hear they are (can be) huge. And well done on the light sear here…that looks amazing!!
I fished as a kid, but not as an adult. I remember it being, let’s say, a long day waiting. But when I fished off a pier once in San Luis Obispo the red snapper were crazy. I’ll never forget that day. My brothers and I were so proud of our catch. Thanks Dave, hope you had an awesome birthday!
That’s one heck of a friend, Kevin! And – that’s one heck of a hunk of Ahi tuna! This is some seriously good eats. especially after coming back from a trip. I tend to forget about fennel seeds so I cannot wait to give your spice rub a try and make use of mine! Gorgeous photos too!
Indeed, he’s even given us fresh salmon before that we smoked – heaven! Thanks Shashi 🙂