Tuna Tartare with Avocado & Sesame

DifficultyBeginner

Delicately diced sashimi-grade tuna tossed in a soy-lime dressing, layered with creamy avocado and garnished with crispy shallots and sesame seeds. Elegant, refreshing, and packed with flavor.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time20 minsTotal Time20 mins
For the Tuna Tartare
 8 oz sashimi-grade tuna, finely diced
 1 tbsp soy sauce
 1 tsp sesame oil
 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
 1 tsp rice vinegar
 1 tsp finely grated ginger
 1 tsp Sriracha or other chili sauce (optional)
 1 tbsp chopped chives or scallions
 1 tsp toasted white sesame seeds
 Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Avocado Layer
 1 large ripe avocado, diced small
 1 tsp lime juice
 1 tsp olive oil
 Pinch of sea salt
Garnishes & Extras (Optional but Recommended)
 Crispy shallots or fried onions
 Black sesame seeds
 Microgreens or fresh cilantro
 Cucumber ribbons or radish slices for plating
 Wonton chips, rice crackers, or cucumber rounds for serving
Prepare the Tuna
1
  1. Use a sharp knife to dice the tuna into small cubes (around ½ cm).

  2. In a bowl, combine:

    • Soy sauce

    • Lime juice

    • Sesame oil

    • Vinegar

    • Ginger

    • Sriracha (if using)

    • Chives

  3. Gently fold in the diced tuna until coated evenly.

  4. Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and lightly season with salt and pepper.

  5. Set aside or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes if you want it slightly chilled.

Make the Avocado Mixture
2
  1. In a small bowl, toss the diced avocado with:

    • Lime juice

    • Olive oil

    • Pinch of sea salt

  2. Keep covered until ready to plate (to avoid browning).

Assemble
3

You can serve this layered in a ring mold or as a free-form pile. For a ring-molded presentation:

 

  1. Place a ring mold (7–8 cm wide) on a small appetizer plate.

  2. Spoon a layer of avocado into the base and press gently.

  3. Add a generous layer of the tuna tartare mixture on top.

  4. Gently remove the ring mold to reveal clean layers.

  5. Garnish with:

    • Crispy shallots

    • Extra sesame seeds

    • Microgreens or herbs

    • A drizzle of sesame oil or soy

Serve
4
  • Serve immediately, ideally chilled.

  • Offer with crispy wonton chips, thin toast rounds, or fresh cucumber slices for scooping.

Variations
5
  • Swap tuna for salmon or hamachi.

  • Add diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.

  • For crunch, mix in finely diced cucumber or water chestnuts.

  • For a vegan version, try diced watermelon or beet tartare in place of tuna!

Pairing Suggestions
6
  • Wine: Dry Riesling, Sancerre, or Champagne

  • Cocktails: Yuzu margarita, cucumber gin & tonic, or sake spritz

  • Non-alcoholic: Iced green tea with lemon or ginger soda

Ingredients

For the Tuna Tartare
 8 oz sashimi-grade tuna, finely diced
 1 tbsp soy sauce
 1 tsp sesame oil
 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
 1 tsp rice vinegar
 1 tsp finely grated ginger
 1 tsp Sriracha or other chili sauce (optional)
 1 tbsp chopped chives or scallions
 1 tsp toasted white sesame seeds
 Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Avocado Layer
 1 large ripe avocado, diced small
 1 tsp lime juice
 1 tsp olive oil
 Pinch of sea salt
Garnishes & Extras (Optional but Recommended)
 Crispy shallots or fried onions
 Black sesame seeds
 Microgreens or fresh cilantro
 Cucumber ribbons or radish slices for plating
 Wonton chips, rice crackers, or cucumber rounds for serving
Tuna Tartare with Avocado & Sesame