Pepper Crusted Tuna Steak with Wasabi Cream Sauce Recipe
This Pepper Crusted Tuna Steak with Wasabi Cream Sauce is a sophisticated and flavorful dish featuring sashimi-grade tuna coated in a bold pepper and sesame seed crust, seared to achieve a perfect rare center. Accompanied by a creamy wasabi-infused sauce that balances heat and tang, this recipe offers an elegant yet quick-to-prepare seafood entrée ideal for special occasions or a gourmet weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tuna Steak
- 2 Tbsp Black Peppercorns
- 1 tsp White Peppercorns (Optional)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 4 Sashimi Grade Tuna Steaks
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
For the Wasabi Cream Sauce
- 1+ Tbsp Wasabi Powder*
- 2 Tbsp Water*
- 2 tsp Rice Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: Using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the black peppercorns, white peppercorns (if using), sesame seeds, and salt together until you achieve a relatively fine powder. Spread this spice mixture evenly on a plate.
- Coat the Tuna Steaks: Press each sashimi-grade tuna steak firmly into the spice mixture, covering both sides thoroughly. Use your hands to press additional spice mix into spots that might have been missed. Set the coated tuna steaks aside to rest.
- Mix Wasabi Base: In a saucepan (off the heat), whisk the wasabi powder together with water until smooth. Allow this mixture to sit for 5 minutes to develop flavor and consistency.
- Prepare Wasabi Cream Sauce: After 5 minutes, whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, and heavy cream into the wasabi mixture. Place the saucepan over medium heat and gently bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes while you cook the tuna.
- Sear the Tuna Steaks: Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the tuna steaks into the pan, ensuring at least a 1-inch gap between them. Sear each side for 1.5 minutes to achieve a rare center; cook longer if you prefer more doneness.
- Serve: Once cooked, slice the tuna steaks and fan the slices out on serving plates. Drizzle or serve alongside the warm wasabi cream sauce for a beautifully balanced and flavorful presentation.
Notes
- Use sashimi-grade tuna for best flavor and texture.
- The optional white peppercorns add a subtle heat but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Adjust the wasabi powder quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- The tuna is best served rare to maintain tenderness and flavor; adjust cooking time as needed.
- Wasabi cream sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
Keywords: pepper crusted tuna, wasabi cream sauce, seared tuna steak, sashimi grade tuna, Japanese inspired seafood
