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JapaneseMedium

Sesame-crusted tuna tataki with anchovies

AT

By

Ago Tanfossi

Chef and recipe curator at Global Cucina

Published on March 15, 2026

Updated on April 18, 2026

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Sesame-crusted tuna tataki with anchovies is an easy appetizer to prepare. The tuna, quickly seared, remains incredibly tender.

A light and flavorful dish that brings together the delicate flavor of fresh tuna with a crunchy sesame crust and the tangy umami of anchovies in hot sauce.

Capolavoro Score 4.6/5 · 18 votes
Sesame-crusted tuna tataki with anchovies

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1.3 lb Tuna previously flash-frozen
  • 0.8 oz Black sesame seeds
  • 0.7 oz Mustard
  • 6 oz Hot sauce
  • 0.7 oz butter
  • to taste fresh chives
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 Egg yolk
  • 4.2 oz Sunflower Oil
  • oz Saffron threads
  • 1 tsp White Wine

for finishing

  • to taste Salt

for later step

  • oz Salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    To prepare the sesame-crusted tuna tataki with anchovies, start with the tuna. Take 3 slices about 3 cm high and season with freshly ground black pepper. Then, brush the surface of the tuna with the honey mustard. Coat this side in the sesame seeds.

  2. 2

    Then, turn the tuna slice and brush it with mustard on all sides, using a brush. Re-coat with sesame seeds, pressing to make them adhere well.

  3. 3

    Repeat the same operation for the other slices. At this point, prepare the mayonnaise. Pour the egg yolk into a bowl and start whisking for about 1 minute with an electric mixer.

  4. 4

    Pouring the oil in a thin stream, continue whisking 10 until you have obtained a thick mayonnaise. This will take about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt.

  5. 5

    Then, pour in the vinegar, the saffron threads and mix with a spatula. The saffron mayonnaise is ready; cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

  6. 6

    Move on to cooking: pour the clarified butter into a pan and let it melt over medium-high heat. Place the tuna slices inside, cook for 3 minutes, then turn them over.

  7. 7

    Finish cooking on the other side for another 3 minutes, then, using a spatula, transfer them to a cutting board. Cut them into slices about half a centimeter thick and arrange them on a plate, placing some mayonnaise next to them. For convenience, you can transfer it to a piping bag.

  8. 8

    Also, place the anchovy fillets next to it, garnish with chives, add the anchovy hot sauce on the tuna, and Maldon salt to taste. The sesame-crusted tuna tataki with anchovies is ready to serve.

Ago's Notes

  • Adjust the salt according to the salt content of the preserves.

This sesame-crusted tuna tataki with anchovies is a delightful balance of flavors, with the crisp sesame contrasted against the tender, fresh tuna. It offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine, bringing a touch of Italian flair through its use of anchovies. The dish is a testament to the harmony between east and west in culinary arts, ensuring each bite is a celebration of taste.

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