Searing the outside of your tuna loin with high heat yields a moist and tender interior. You can do a salt and pepper crust or get creative with your favorite combination of spices! Black and white sesame seeds are fun too. Just sear, slice, and serve.
For the tuna:
- 1 lb albacore tuna loin
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the rub/crust:
- ½ tbsp paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
A heavy-bottomed pan big enough to cook your whole loin
Pat your loin dry so that your crust will adhere. Rub with a bit of olive oil then season with sea salt, then roll in your crust rub.
Heat your pan for 4 minutes, then add oil. When it shimmers, lay your loin on the pain and LEAVE IT ALONE for 1 minute per side, or 2 if you want it less rare. Your crust will get dark and crispy, this is good. Turn and repeat so the outside is uniformly cooked.
Remove and slice crosswise into ⅓" slices with a very sharp (serrated works well) knife.
Serve atop rice, potatoes, salad or roasted veggies. Look at you! Fancy-pants.