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.
Made this last night. I used a cast iron grill pan to get the grill marks on it. Wonderful!
Oh thanks so much for coming back to let me know Cheryl, it’s a favorite of mine. 🙂
Never cooked tuna before but picked up a slab of Yellow Ahi that was on sale for a few dollars at the store and found this recipe after a quick search. I impressed myself with how good it was to eat after just a few minutes of preparing and then only seconds of cooking!! Thank you for the short and sweet recipe!
So glad you found me to check out the recipe Joe. It’s a super quick and easy recipe that delivers BIG time. Appreciate you taking the time to come back and let me know. Cheers!
So what makes the pan smoke? Is it dry? Oil? what kind? Pa-leaze edit
The smoke arises from the heat of the pan, and if you have a well seasoned cast iron skillet it as well. You will be placing the fish that you coated in butter and the blackened seasoning directly in the dry, HOT pan.
Hi Kevin,
That spice rub sounds perfect! I’m going to try the blackened tuna tonight.
This is so darn easy and the flavors with fresh ahi are superb! Thanks Lela.
I love me some ahi tuna and this is seared to perfection!
We are kindred spirits for sure!
Totally mouthwatering Kevin! That spice rub sounds perfect!
I love the fennel in this, it adds a sweet quality with the heat. Thanks Mary Ann!
Oh, yeah! Ahi right off the boat made this recipe even better. #gulflife
Lucky you indeed! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Easy recipe, great seasoning, we grilled the tuna, delicious!
Excellent Nancy! Always enjoy waking u to read comments like this. Cheers!
I over seasoned mine but once I scraped off the extra seasoning it was delicious! Loved it. I will probably make this more often!
So happy you enjoyed this one Lily! Thanks for taking the time to come back and let me know. 🙂
Dinner on the table in 11 minutes. Now that’s fantastic. GREG
Ahi blackened in so easy and quick. Just have that salad ready and you’re golden!