(Fresh & Low-Carb)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Cost per Serving: $5-$7
- Calories per Serving: ~250 kcal
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS Ahi Tuna Lettuce Wrap Recipe
Light but Satisfying: These lettuce wraps are fresh and crisp, yet packed with protein-rich ahi tuna to keep you full and energized. They’re hearty without being heavy—perfect for lunch or dinner.
Fast & Easy: You’ll have this meal ready in just 15 minutes. A quick sear, a few fresh toppings, and you’re done. It’s the kind of recipe that looks fancy but takes minimal effort.
Low-Carb & Healthy: With no heavy carbs in sight, these wraps fit right into a keto or paleo lifestyle. Plus, they’re loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and lean protein.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of buttery ahi tuna, creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and spicy mayo? Unbeatable. Every bite is fresh, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy.
Customizable: Want extra spice? More crunch? A different protein? You can tweak this recipe to match your cravings—see the customization tips below!
How to make Ahi Tuna Lettuce Wrap Recipe
INGREDIENTS
Find the precise ingredient amounts below in the recipe card!
Ahi Tuna: Sushi-grade ahi tuna is the star of this dish. Its rich, buttery texture makes it perfect for a quick sear. Be sure to get it fresh or frozen from a trusted source.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is ideal for wraps—it’s tender yet sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart. Romaine or iceberg can work in a pinch, but butter lettuce gives the best balance of texture and flavor.
Sesame Seeds: A mix of black and white sesame seeds adds crunch and a nutty depth to the seared tuna. Toasting them slightly before coating the tuna can enhance their flavor.
Coconut Aminos: This soy sauce alternative has a slightly sweet, umami-rich taste that complements the tuna beautifully. If you prefer, low-sodium soy sauce works just as well.
Avocado: Creamy and mild, avocado balances out the bold flavors of the spicy mayo and seared tuna. Plus, it adds healthy fats to keep you full longer.
Spicy Mayo: A simple mix of mayo, sriracha, sesame oil, and lime juice, this sauce ties everything together with a hint of heat and tang. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking.
Crunchy Toppings: Thinly sliced cucumber, shredded cabbage, and a sprinkle of green onions bring fresh texture and color to the wraps. A little chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbal finish.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Prep the Tuna
Pat the ahi tuna steak dry with a paper towel—this helps it sear properly. In a small bowl, mix coconut aminos, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Brush this mixture all over the tuna, making sure it’s evenly coated. Now, press the sesame seeds onto all sides of the steak. They’ll form a beautiful crust when seared.
Step 2: Sear the Tuna
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of oil. Carefully place the tuna in the pan and sear for 30-45 seconds per side (for rare) or up to 1 minute per side (for medium-rare). The goal is a crisp outer crust while keeping the inside tender and pink. Transfer the tuna to a cutting board and let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Mayo
While the tuna rests, grab a small bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and sesame oil. Give it a taste—need more heat? Add another squeeze of sriracha. Want a little more tang? A touch more lime will do the trick. Set the sauce aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
Carefully separate the butter lettuce leaves and arrange them on a plate. In each leaf, layer a few slices of seared tuna, followed by shredded cabbage, avocado, cucumber, and green onions. Drizzle with spicy mayo, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and, if you like, a few extra sesame seeds for good measure.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
These wraps are best enjoyed right away while the tuna is fresh and warm. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a final zesty touch. Dig in!
Ahi Tuna Lettuce Wrap Recipe PRO TIPS
Go for Sushi-Grade Tuna
Since ahi tuna is best served rare or medium-rare, make sure you’re using sushi-grade fish. If you’re unsure, ask your fishmonger—they’ll point you in the right direction.
Don’t Overcook the Tuna
A quick 30-45 second sear per side is all you need. Anything longer, and you risk drying it out. The goal? A crispy sesame crust on the outside and a buttery, pink center.
Choose the Right Lettuce
Butter lettuce is your best bet—it’s soft but sturdy enough to hold all the toppings without breaking. If you prefer extra crunch, romaine works too.
Toast the Sesame Seeds
For an extra boost of nutty flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before coating the tuna. It makes a difference!
Customize the Heat Level
Not a fan of spice? Start with just a little sriracha in the mayo and add more to taste. Love the heat? Throw in some thinly sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Slice Against the Grain
When cutting your seared tuna, always slice against the grain. This keeps the texture tender and easy to bite into—no chewy bites here!
PERFECT PAIRINGS
Crunchy Edamame
A side of garlic edamame tossed with sea salt and sesame oil makes the perfect snackable companion. The savory bite balances out the fresh, light wraps.
Chilled Cucumber Salad
Keep things crisp with a refreshing cucumber and avocado salad. A splash of rice vinegar and a sprinkle of sesame seeds tie the flavors together beautifully.
These two refreshing options will take your meal to the next level:
- Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze – Juicy watermelon, tangy balsamic, and fresh basil make this salad a light and vibrant side dish. Perfect for balancing the rich flavors of the tuna.
- Korean Coleslaw – Crunchy, spicy, and packed with umami, this coleslaw adds a bold kick that complements the sesame-crusted tuna beautifully.
Both of these salads are low-carb, quick to make, and bursting with fresh flavors—just like these wraps!
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Want something a little heartier? Low-carb cauliflower fried rice brings that classic takeout feel without the extra carbs. Toss in some green onions and a hint of ginger for an extra flavor boost.
Miso Soup
A warm, umami-packed miso soup is the perfect cozy starter before digging into your lettuce wraps. Plus, it’s quick to make!
Keto Thai Iced Tea
For a drink pairing, a creamy sugar-free Thai iced tea balances the spicy mayo with its smooth, lightly spiced flavor. It’s a match made in heaven.
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
Non-Stick Searing Pan
A good-quality non-stick or cast-iron pan is key for getting that perfect golden crust on your ahi tuna without sticking. Look for one that heats evenly for the best results.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
Ahi tuna is delicate, so a sharp chef’s knife is a must for clean, smooth slices. A dull knife can tear the fish, ruining its beautiful texture. Bonus: a good knife makes prepping your veggies a breeze too!
FAQ
Is eating lettuce wraps healthy?
Absolutely! Lettuce wraps are a great low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional wraps or bread. They’re light, refreshing, and packed with fiber, making them a healthy choice for any meal.
What kind of dressing works best for an ahi tuna salad?
A sesame ginger dressing or a light citrus vinaigrette pairs beautifully with ahi tuna. If you want something creamy, a drizzle of spicy mayo (like the one in this recipe) adds the perfect kick.
What can you put in a tuna wrap?
Besides the seared ahi tuna, try adding avocado, shredded cabbage, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, and a spicy mayo drizzle. If you want extra crunch, a few crushed nuts or sesame seeds work great too!
What pairs well with ahi tuna?
Ahi tuna loves fresh, zesty flavors! Try pairing it with chilled cucumber salad, cauliflower fried rice, miso soup, or a side of edamame for a well-balanced meal. For drinks, a sugar-free Thai iced tea is a perfect match!
Ahi Tuna Lettuce Wrap Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These ahi tuna lettuce wraps are fresh, light, and packed with bold flavors! Perfectly seared sushi-grade ahi tuna, crisp lettuce, crunchy veggies, and a spicy mayo drizzle come together in this quick and healthy low-carb meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the ultimate high-protein, keto-friendly dish!
Ingredients
For the Seared Ahi Tuna:
1 (6 oz) sushi-grade ahi tuna steak
1 tbsp coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ginger powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tbsp white and black sesame seeds (for coating)
For the Lettuce Wraps:
1 head of butter lettuce (or romaine leaves)
½ cup shredded purple cabbage
½ avocado, sliced
2 tbsp sliced green onions
1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
½ small cucumber, thinly sliced
½ carrot, julienned (optional)
For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
2 tbsp mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
½ tsp lime juice
½ tsp sesame oil
Instructions
Pat the ahi tuna steak dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix coconut aminos, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Coat the tuna evenly with this mixture, then press the sesame seeds onto all sides.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of oil and place the tuna in the pan. Sear for 30-45 seconds per side for rare, or 1 minute per side for medium-rare. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust the spice level as needed.
Lay out butter lettuce leaves on a plate. In each leaf, layer sliced seared tuna, shredded cabbage, avocado, cucumber, and green onions. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
These wraps are best enjoyed immediately while the tuna is fresh and warm. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- For extra crunch: Add crushed peanuts or chopped almonds.
- For more heat: Top with sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- For meal prep: Store seared tuna separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble fresh before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main feast
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: ahi tuna lettuce wrap, low-carb tuna wrap, keto tuna wrap, healthy tuna recipe, quick tuna wrap recipe, seared ahi tuna, spicy mayo tuna wraps
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