Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna with Thai Ginger Dipping Sauce

Ingredients for Thai Dipping Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1 Tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot

1-1/2 Tablespoons Wasabi paste

Ingredients for Ahi Tuna:

3/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cup soy sauce

3 Tablespoons brown sugar

3 Tablespoons hoisin sauce

3 Tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 pounds fresh ahi tuna fillets

1-1/2 cups sesame seeds, toasted

1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

For the sauce, mix the soy sauce, vinegar and gingerroot in a bowl. Add the wasabi paste and stir until dissolved.

For the tuna, whisk 3/4 cup olive oil, orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, honey and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Pour over the tuna in a shallow dish, turning to coat. Marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for 30 minutes; drain. Coat the tuna with the sesame seeds.

Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Sear the tuna in the hot oil for about 1 minute per side. Cut into bite-sized pieces and thread on skewers. Serve with the sauce.

Note: Sesame seeds give this Asian-inspired dish a nutty flavor.

Serves: 6 - 8