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
- 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
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Tuna: If you don’t have fresh tuna, high-quality smoked salmon or seared tofu can be great alternatives.
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Miso Paste: Swap with tahini or a light soy glaze for a different umami twist.
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Rice Wine Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work in a pinch.
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Sesame Seeds: Crushed nuts (like almonds or pistachios) can add a similar crunch.
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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
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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.
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Pickled Veggies: Can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge in their pickling liquid.
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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!