This post contains affiliate links
Seared Tuna Lettuce Wraps
When hosting a dinner party, you want an appetizer that’s simple, impressive, and won’t keep you in the kitchen all night.
These Seared Tuna Lettuce Wraps check all the boxes. They’re quick to prepare, effortlessly elegant, and let you spend more time enjoying your guests instead of stressing in the kitchen. Light and flavourful, this appetizer sets the perfect tone for what is sure to be a delicious evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish ticks all the boxes:
✔️ Quick to prepare – ready in under 30 minutes!
✔️ Make-ahead friendly – perfect for stress-free entertaining.
✔️ Healthy and light – yet packed with bold flavours.
✔️ Visually stunning – vibrant, colourful, and guaranteed to impress.
Plus, it’s highly adaptable. Whether you’re making it for an intimate gathering or scaling it up for a party, these Seared Tuna Lettuce Wraps work every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes active time
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 appetizers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-sear
- Cuisine: Fish & Seafood
Ingredients
For the Seared Tuna:
- 1 (8-9oz) thick piece of best-quality tuna
- 1 tbsp miso paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp mixed black & white sesame seeds
For the Pickled Vegetables:
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, thin julienne (use a peeler or mandolin)
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, very thinly sliced
- 2 radishes, very thinly sliced
- About 12 small lettuce leaves (iceberg or tight-leaf varieties work best)
- Oil, as needed
- Flaky sea salt, as needed
- Sriracha (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Tuna
In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Place the tuna in this marinade and flip it occasionally to ensure both sides absorb the flavours. Let it sit for about 30 minutes while you prep the other components.
2. Prepare the Pickled Veggies
While the tuna marinates, whisk together rice wine vinegar and sugar in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Add the cucumber and carrot slices and let them macerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to a day in advance in the refrigerator).
3. Prepping the Garnishes
Thinly slice green onions and radishes, then soak them in ice-cold water. This helps the onions curl and the radishes stay extra crisp. (Bonus: You can do this step a day ahead!)
4. Searing the Tuna
Place sesame seeds on a plate. Remove the tuna from the marinade, ensuring as much marinade stays on as possible, and firmly dip two sides into the sesame seeds.
Preheat a small frying pan over medium-high heat (a cast-iron pan works beautifully). Add a bit of oil, then sear the tuna for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove it from the pan and let it cool slightly before slicing.
5. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Drain the pickled vegetables and place a few slices in each lettuce leaf. Slice the tuna into 1/4-inch pieces and place 1-2 slices on top of the veggies. Garnish with curled green onions and radish slices. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and, if you love a bit of heat, add a few dots of sriracha.
Notes
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Seared Tuna Lettuce Wraps
Substitutions
-
Tuna: If you don’t have fresh tuna, high-quality smoked salmon or seared tofu can be great alternatives.
-
Miso Paste: Swap with tahini or a light soy glaze for a different umami twist.
Cook With Us!
Like this recipe? You should try cooking with us! Start with an on-demand pre-recorded class, or jump in to the best experience with our live classes!
It has been most likely a year and a half since I’ve made moussaka. Having the recording available was a godsend. So good and lots of leftovers! Having the recording is priceless!I made Dan Dan noodles last month and again referred to the recording as it has been awhile. I was grateful for the reminders, tips and tricks. Not to mention, I love to cook with Kirstie and Jody. They make it so much fun!Most of the meals I make are from your repertoire. I think I have close to 60!Love these ladies! Classes are easy to follow, informative, filled with all kinds of tricks & tips and best of all DELICIOUS!! This is our "night out" dining adventure that we can re-do & show off to our family & friends.My husband and I joined the Valentine's Day Date Night cooking class. Very enjoyable experience full of informative tips and thorough explanations followed by a delectable meal. Thank you Kirstie & Jodie. We'll be back!I recently did an online Lamb Briyani class. It used some cooking techniques I wasn't familiar with and produced a dish that was as tasty as the best Indian food I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.I have done a few classes with the Culinary Studio and always enjoy the classes and the fabulous meals. They deliver the food to my door all prepped for the class if I like (which I do!). Highly recommended.We did a virtual zoom cooking class. It was better than cooking classes we have done in a actual class. We really enjoyed our ourselves. We have made the meal a couple of times since the class. We have friends over for the session and have great restaurant quality mealsThe Culinary Studio is an wonderful online chef duo!You will learn delicious recipes taught in real time from start to end by two good friends who want nothing more than to teach you how to cook and and have fun doing it. Class presentation is practical and encouraging with one chef starting and one playing 'catch up' so you do not miss anything and no question will go unanswered!The recipe with food pack is perfectly packaged and always arrives on time to make it easy so you do not have to shop!Several recipes from the Culinary Studio are in our regular rotation!Excited to keep cooking with you Kirstie and Jody!Online classes have allowed me the convenience to open my computer and learn in the comfort of my home and to do the class on my own schedule rather than missing out due to life's interruptions. Classes are paced well and the chef's are ready to answer your cooking questions even if they are unrelated to the class. I have used the recipes frequently in my day to day life and recently at an event where I overhead participants raving about the soup and cookies I had prepared, which were from Culinary Studio class recipes.I was at the Studio for the very first class they held and I have continued to take classes for the past 13 years. While some things have changed over the years, the quality, knowledge and skills Jody and Kirstie bring to each class has not.The skills I learned through the their instruction have been used daily.To Chefs Kirstie & Jody! My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed the recipes and techniques we have acquired by following your live sessions and on-demand courses available on your website. You have a casual and an informative style that is very appealing. Most importantly both of you thrive on good food and beverage as much as we do! Bravo - we hope your future includes many more years of teaching and developing new dishes. Thank you. 🙂 -
Rice Wine Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work in a pinch.
-
Sesame Seeds: Crushed nuts (like almonds or pistachios) can add a similar crunch.
-
Lettuce Wraps: Try butter lettuce, romaine hearts, or even cabbage leaves for a sturdier option.
Important to Know/Avoid with This Recipe
❌ Avoid Overcooking the Tuna – It’s best served seared with a rare, cool centre. Overcooking will make it dry and tough. ❌ Use High-Quality Tuna – Since this dish features raw tuna in the centre, use sushi-grade or very fresh tuna from a trusted source. ❌ Don’t Skip the Marinating Time – This step infuses the fish with flavour and enhances its taste. ❌ Serve Fresh – These wraps taste best when assembled right before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
Storage Recommendations
-
Seared Tuna: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For best results, wrap the tuna tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
-
Pickled Veggies: Can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge in their pickling liquid.
-
Lettuce & Garnishes: Store washed and dried lettuce leaves in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Green onions and radishes should be stored in separate containers with a little water to keep them fresh.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the components in advance and assemble them just before serving for ultimate freshness. This is what we do as Professional Chef’s to make entertaining easy!
What can I serve with these lettuce wraps?
Pair them with a light soy-ginger dipping sauce, wasabi mayo, or a side of edamame for a complete appetizer spread.
Can I make this without raw fish?
Absolutely! Try using cooked shrimp, smoked salmon, or marinated tofu for a delicious alternative.
The Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or need a standout dish for a potluck, these Seared Tuna Lettuce Wraps are the perfect option. They’re fresh, flavourful, and easy enough for weeknights while impressive enough for celebrations. Plus, they make for great conversation starters—because who doesn’t love a dish that looks straight out of a gourmet restaurant?
So, next time you’re planning a get-together, skip the ordinary appetizers and serve up these delicious lettuce wraps. Your guests will thank you!
