Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Recipe
These Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared sushi-grade ahi tuna, tangy lime cabbage slaw, creamy avocado, and a zesty sour cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, these tacos deliver a fresh and healthy meal with a balance of textures and bright flavors perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion, Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
Tuna and Seasoning
- 1 pound ahi tuna steak (sushi-grade)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Slaw
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Other Toppings and Sauce
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Hot sauce (optional, to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Tortillas
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Seasoning: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub this seasoning evenly on both sides of the ahi tuna steak.
- Sear the Tuna: Add olive oil to the hot skillet and coat the surface. Place the seasoned tuna steak in the skillet and sear for about 1 minute per side to form a crust while keeping the center rare and tender.
- Rest and Slice Tuna: Remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice thinly across the grain for best texture.
- Prepare Cabbage Slaw: Toss shredded red cabbage with fresh lime juice in a bowl to create a bright, tangy slaw.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix sour cream or Greek yogurt with hot sauce to taste for a creamy, spicy sauce.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay a warm tortilla flat, add cabbage slaw, avocado slices, sliced tuna, then drizzle with the creamy sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the tuna is fresh and warm. Optionally, serve with lime wedges for extra zing.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade ahi tuna for best flavor and safety since the tuna is mostly served rare.
- Adjust hot sauce in the creamy sauce to your heat preference.
- Both corn and flour tortillas work well; warm them just before assembling to keep soft.
- Keep the tuna rare inside to maintain its tender texture and fresh flavor.
- For extra zest, squeeze fresh lime juice over tacos before serving.
