Call Me Mrs. Rapp: Seared Ahi Tuna

Ahi tuna is one of my favorite dishes out there. I could eat this until I'm blue in the face and still not have enough. Unfortunately for me, my intense love for fresh tuna is equal to my dislike at its cost. Since my money tree hasn't sprouted yet, I'm left with having this on special occasions.

I spent my actual birthday standing in a wedding for my dear friend Angie, so John and I decided to celebrate it a little before and a little after. The before was my new kindle - obsessed does not even begin to cover it! The after was this tuna. Mmm. Perfection.

I know this is a pricier dish, so save it for something you want to celebrate. A new job, an engagement, marriage, birthday, whatever! Maybe just one of those days you're proud you made it through in one piece. Regardless, you won't be disappointed, and this dish will seem extra fancy and special.

And easy! Really there is no way to mess this up.

I recommend serving this with the Garlic Avocado Aioli I whipped up to accompany the tuna.

Final side note, I spent a lot of time researching how to prepare this. I couldn't find one recipe I was crazy about in its entirety, so I took some inspiration and went for it. Try it!

Ingredients:
*2 tuna filets (sashimi grade, aka yellowfin tuna)
*soy sauce
*sesame oil
*6 tsp sesame seeds
*1-2 tsp. peppercorns
*1 tsp ground ginger
*1 tsp garlic powder

Preparation:
*Pour about 2 tbsp sesame oil in a nonstick skillet and heat on medium to medium-high heat.

*Place peppercorns in a small plastic bag. Use a rolling pin to grind it up. You want it to be fine, but not too fine. The texture is great for the fish.

*Combine sesame seeds, peppercorn, ginger and garlic powder on a small plate. Press each both sides of tuna filets in the mixture.

*Add tuna to hot skillet. Cook for about 1 1/2-3 minutes on each side (1 1/2 for rare). Remove and let set for about 2-3 minutes before slicing.

*Drizzle with soy sauce and serve with rice and Garlic Avocado Aioli. Enjoy!