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Restaurant-Style Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartare Recipe

A beautifully molded tower of vibrant red tuna tartare mixed with avocado chunks, topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

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Make this elegant, restaurant-quality tuna tartare at home. This recipe combines the fresh flavors of classic preparation with a spicy kick, perfect as a quick, no-cook appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb sushi-grade ahi tuna, finely diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Pinch of salt
  • For serving: Wonton chips, cucumber slices, or crackers

Instructions

  1. Confirm your tuna is sushi-grade and keep it very cold. Dice the tuna into small, uniform pieces, about 1/4 inch cubes. Place the diced tuna in a non-reactive bowl and set aside in the refrigerator.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and Sriracha to create the marinade.
  3. Gently add the diced avocado, sliced green onion, and lime juice to the bowl with the tuna.
  4. Pour the prepared marinade over the tuna and avocado mixture.
  5. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can break down the fish texture.
  6. Taste the mixture and add a pinch of salt if needed.
  7. To serve, use a ring mold to plate the tuna tartare mixture onto serving plates. Press lightly to shape.
  8. Garnish the top with toasted sesame seeds.
  9. Serve immediately with crispy wonton chips, cucumber slices, or your preferred accompaniment.

Notes

  • Source your tuna from a reputable fishmonger and confirm it is safe for raw consumption (sushi-grade).
  • For a classic, non-spicy version, omit the Sriracha and increase the sesame oil slightly.
  • You can prepare the marinade ahead of time, but only combine it with the tuna and avocado just before serving.
  • For a gourmet presentation, serve the tartare on a bed of finely chopped chives.

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