The 1-Minute Cooking Trick for Perfect Seared Tuna Salad (This Restaurant Recipe is Easier Than You Think!)

Love sushi but want something lighter? This Tuna Tataki Salad recipe will give you a taste of Japanese fine dining right in your own kitchen.

You’ll want to make this seared tuna salad because it’s fresh, healthy and incredibly fast to whip up. This Japanese dish is perfect for light lunches, impressive appetizers or a refreshing dinner!

Now you can ‘travel to Toronto‘ and get a taste of one of its top Japanese spots because, thanks to Aburi Restaurants, we have the inside scoop on how to make their signature salad from TORA.

Want more recipes? Try other Toronto Restaurant Signature Recipes or Indian Mixed Vegetable Salad.

What is Tuna Tataki Salad

Tuna Tataki is a Japanese preparation method where the fish, usually sashimi-grade tuna, is briefly seared on the outside while leaving the inside raw.

It is then thinly sliced and often marinated or served with a citrusy soy-based sauce called ponzu.

For this recipe, the seared tuna is served over a bed of fresh greens and veggies to create a texturally diverse and flavor-packed salad.

It combines the savory umami of the fish with the crispness of the vegetables and the tanginess of the dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Seared Tuna Salad Recipe

I’ve dined at Aburi TORA in Yorkdale Mall when they first opened and loved the food there, plus the experience of the automated conveyer belt which is different from traditional ones I’ve had in my travels like Tenka Zushi in Tokyo and Kura Revolving Sushi Bar in Torrance.

Here are a few reasons why this seared tuna tataki salad will become your new favorite Japanese appetizer:

• It is restaurant quality. You get the exact flavor profile from TORA without leaving your house.
• It is super fast. The cooking time is literally one minute, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• It is healthy. Packed with protein, omega-3s and veggies, it is a nutritious meal that feels indulgent.
• It is versatile. You can serve it as a fancy starter for a dinner party or a light main course for yourself.
• It is easy to customize. You can swap the veggies for whatever you have in the fridge and it will still taste amazing.

The recipe for tuna tataki salad was provided by Aburi Restaurants group (who owns TORA) to be included in the list of Toronto Restaurants Signature Recipes. No image was provided so the images you see here are AI-generated based on the recipe.

If you made this Toronto recipe, share you creation on Instagram, and tag @aburitoratoronto and @travellingfoodie.

What You Need For Seared Tuna Salad

Equipment

You don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets to make this amazing salad.

• Non-stick Skillet: You need this to sear the tuna quickly without it sticking or tearing the delicate flesh.
• Sharp Knife: A good knife is essential for slicing the seared tuna cleanly without squishing it.
• Small Saucepan: This is used to heat the mirin and burn off the alcohol for the dressing.
• Sieve: You will use this to strain the bonito flakes out of the ponzu sauce for a smooth finish.

Ingredients

Here are the key players that make this Asian dish so special.

• Ahi Tuna: The star of the show, make sure you get sashimi-grade tuna since the center remains raw. If you love the texture of raw fish in this salad, you will absolutely enjoy a delicious beef tartare for your next appetizer.
• Spring Mix: This provides a tender and leafy base that holds the dressing well.
• English Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and pairs perfectly with the fish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These add a pop of color and sweetness to balance the savory tuna.
• Pickles: Using assorted pickles adds a nice acidity and textural contrast to the soft tuna.
• Canola Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point that is perfect for searing the fish quickly.
• Ponzu Dressing Ingredients (Soy Sauce, Lemon Juice, Orange Juice, Water, Mirin, Bonito Flakes): This combination creates a savory, citrusy and umami-rich sauce that brings the whole dish together.
• Garnish (Roasted Sesame Seeds, Olive Oil): The seeds add nuttiness and the olive oil adds a final touch of richness.

How To Make Tuna Tataki Salad at TORA Toronto

Season your tuna generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Heat canola oil in a non-stick skillet and sear the flat sides of the tuna for just 30 seconds per side then remove it immediately.

Pat the tuna dry with a paper towel and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to stop the cooking process and firm it up.

While the tuna chills, pour the mirin into a small saucepan over high heat to burn off the alcohol then add the soy sauce, lemon juice, orange juice, water and bonito flakes.

Remove the sauce from the heat and let the bonito flakes steep for 10 minutes before straining the liquid through a sieve.

Take the tuna out of the fridge and slice it into your desired thickness.

Assemble your plate by laying down the spring mix, cucumbers and tomatoes.

Top the salad with your sliced tuna, drizzle generously with the homemade ponzu and a dash of olive oil, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Want fish with rice meal instead? Try our Ninja Speedi Mexican Fish & Rice!

FAQs and Helpful Tips for Tuna Tataki Salad for Beginners

Here are some answers to common questions that will help you nail this tuna salad recipe.

About TORA in Toronto

Located in Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, Aburi Restaurants group’s TORA is Canada’s first Japanese restaurant with automated conveyer belt sushi ordered via tablets.

TORA Restaurant: Toronto's First Sushi Concierge System

Also Read: Best Toronto Happy Hour

What Dishes to Serve with Tuna Tataki Salad

Here are some great ideas to round out your meal.

• Air Fryer Fried Fish: These crispy bites are a fantastic fish appetizer that contrasts well with the seared tuna.
• Instant Pot Pork Ribs: For a surf and turf vibe, pair the light salad with these tender, savory meaty ribs.
• Air Fryer BBQ Pork: This Filipino-inspired pork dish complements the Japanese flavors of the tataki perfectly.
• Air Fryer Fries: If you want a casual meal, serve the salad alongside these crispy fries for a satisfying crunch.
• Banana Espresso Tonic: This refreshing drink cuts through the savory soy dressing and cleanses the palate.

TORA’s Tuna Tataki Salad Recipe

Be sure to bookmark/save/pin this post so you know how to make tuna tataki salad from TORA restaurant in Toronto at home!

I would love to see how this recipe worked for you! Please share your creations with me on social media and tag me so I can check them out: @TravellingFoodie on Instagram & Facebook and @TravellinFoodie on Twitter.

Hope this Seared Tuna Salad recipe gives you an idea on what dish to make for your starter for healthy lunch or date nights. This appetizer is proof that you can make fancy food at home.

Let me know what other Japanese food or salad recipes you’d like to see or from which Toronto restaurant.