Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna Tostadas with Spicy Mango Salsa
These Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna Tostadas with Spicy Mango Salsa are the perfect appetizer, lunch, or light, healthy dinner! Offering a combination of tastes and textures, they’re easy to make but look impressive for a healthy recipe that never disappoints.
My obsession with sushi grade ahi tuna runs deep. Whether it’s served poke style in Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls, sashimi style, or lightly seared, I’m all in.
Therefore, it only makes sense that these ahi tuna tostadas are one of my all-time favorite recipes! Not only do they taste great, but ahi tuna is packed with protein and easy to prepare. As a result, you’re left with a light dish that leaves you feeling satisfied.
For these tostadas, I pair the fish with spicy mango salsa and a spicy cream sauce. Then, to add an extra crunch factor, I load the tuna on top of lightly fried and salted wonton tostadas.
To finish, I sprinkle a healthy amount of crushed cashews over everything. Sweet, savory, spicy, and nutty, this tuna tostada recipe is absolute perfection!
Recipe Ingredients
Spicy Mango Salsa
- Fruit – Use fresh mango and fresh pineapple to create a sweet, fruity flavor.
- Avocado – This adds an element of creaminess and healthy fats that not only keep you full but help your body absorb the fat soluble vitamins in the dish.
- Shallots – These add a delicate, sweet flavor.
- Jalapeño – Chopped jalapeño adds the perfect touch of heat. Be sure to remove the white membranes and seeds!
- Cilantro – The vibrant, refreshing flavor balances some of the heat.
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed is best!
- Salt – A little goes a long way to enhance the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.
- Cashews – These add extra texture, fats, and a nutty taste. Chopped peanuts work well too, if preferred.
Sesame Encrusted Tuna and Fried Wontons
- Ahi Tuna Steak – Make sure to use sushi grade tuna.
- Sesame Seeds – White or black will work.
- Salt – Use kosher salt to season the fish and flaky sea salt to season the wonton strips.
- Wonton Wrappers – Find these in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store. They replace corn tortillas or tostada shells found in most tostada recipes.
- Avocado Oil – Avocado oil works best for frying, because it holds up well to high heat and has a neutral flavor that doesn’t impact the flavor of the dish.
Spicy Creamy Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Use full-fat mayo for the richest flavor and creamiest consistency.
- Sriracha – Adjust to taste.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – This adds a subtle salty, umami flavor. Coconut aminos also work.
- Maple Syrup – This adds a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the what.
How to Make Ahi Tuna Tostadas with Spicy Mango Salsa
- Prepare the salsa. Combine the diced mango, diced pineapple, shallots, diced avocado, and jalapeño in a large bowl. Add the cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of kosher salt. Gently toss to combine.
- “Bread” the tuna. Pat the tuna dry with a clean paper towel. Add the sesame seeds to a plate, and firmly press the tuna into the seeds, coating it completely.
- Cook. Grease a small skillet with cooking spray, and warm it over medium-high heat. Lightly season the tuna with kosher salt. Then, add it to the hot pan, and sear for 30-60 seconds on each side. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your tuna and preferred doneness.
- Slice. Remove the tuna from the pan, and use a sharp knife to create thin slices. The fish should be medium-rare on the inside!
- Prepare the fried wontons. Add avocado oil to a small skillet over medium or high heat. Add one wonton wrapper at a time, and fry until golden.
- Repeat. Transfer the fried wonton strip to a paper towel, and season with flaky sea salt. Repeat, frying 6 to 8 wonton strips.
- Prepare the spicy sauce. Combine the mayonnaise, maple syrup, low-sodium soy sauce, and Sriracha in a small bowl.
- Serve. Add a smear of the spicy sauce to a plate. Then, add a fried wonton chip, and top it with the sesame tuna. Add the mango salsa, a sprinkle of cashews, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Feel free to adjust these ahi tuna tostadas to suit your flavor preferences and dietary needs. For instance:
- If you prefer a lighter option, skip the creamy sauce, and use a touch of Sriracha hot sauce or low sodium soy sauce instead.
- For a low-carb option, substitute the fried tostada with lettuce cups.
- For a more filling meal, serve the tuna and fried tostadas as a salad over a bed of greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, just store everything separately until you’re ready to enjoy. Once the sauce is applied to the tostadas, they will begin to soften.
Can I freeze cooked ahi tuna? Yes, freeze the cooked tuna in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat when you’re ready to serve.
What is the difference between ahi tuna and tuna? Ahi tuna is a term that refers to two specific types of tuna: yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna. Both varieties are known for their high-quality, tender, flavorful meat and are commonly used in sushi and sashimi. Meanwhile, tuan is a broader term that includes a variety of species like bluefin, albacore, and skipjack.
How to Store
Best enjoyed immediately. Option to refrigerate extra ahi tuna and mango salsa in separate airtight containers. Tostadas are best enjoyed the same day. As they will begin to soften in the sauce.
Looking for more sushi grade ahi tuna recipes? Try my tuna poke lettuce cups.
Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna Tostadas with Spicy Mango Salsa
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
Spicy Mango Salsa
- 1 cup mango, about 1 cup, peeled, pitted and diced
- ½ cup pineapple, diced small
- ½ cup avocado, diced, plus a few extra slices
- ¼ cup shallots, diced small
- ¼ cup jalapeno, diced small
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh squeezed
- kosher salt, to taste
- cilantro , freshly chopped, as needed (about 2 Tbsp)
- salted cashews, as needed, crushed. Option to use peanuts instead (about 2 Tbsp)
Sesame Encrusted Tuna and Fried Wontons
- 6-8 ounces sushi grade ahi tuna steak
- ¼ cup sesame seeds, white or black will work
- pinch kosher salt, to season
- 6-8 wonton wrappers
- avocado oil, as needed, for frying the wontons
Spicy Creamy Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1.5 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup
Instructions
Prepare the Salsa
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, diced pineapple, shallots, diced avocado and jalapeno.Next, you'll add the lime, along with the cilantro and a pinch of kosher salt. Gently toss everything together and set it aside.
Prepare the Tuna
- Pat the tuna dry using a paper towel. Add the sesame seeds to a plate and firmly press the tuna into the seeds making sure the entire tuna is well coated.
- Gently spray a small skillet with avocado oil cooking spray and place it over medium high heat. Right before you add the sesame encrusted tuna into the pan, season it with kosher salt. Add the tuna to the hot pan, sear it for 30-60 seconds per side. Remove from the pan and set the tuna aside. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice your tuna. It should be medium-rare on the inside. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your tuna and preferred doneness.
Prepare the Fried Wontons
- In a small skillet, add avocado oil over medium/high heat. Add one wonton wrapper at a time into the hot oil. They will cook very fast so have your tongs ready. Place the fried wonton wrappers on a paper towel and season them with flaky sea salt. Repeat until you have 6-8 fried wontons.
Prepare the Spicy Sauce
- Combine the mayonnaise, maple syrup, low sodium soy sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Mix well. Set aside.
Assemble the Dish
- Add a smear of the spicy sauce to your plate. Next, add a fried wonton chip, and top it with thinly sliced sesame encrusted tuna. Top the tuna with the mango salsa. Serve and enjoy!
One Comment on “Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna Tostadas with Spicy Mango Salsa”
Fresh and loaded with flavor! My family loved this recipe.