Seared tuna is like the cool kid at the dinner table—everyone wants to be friends with it. It’s fancy yet totally chill, making it a perfect go-to for any meal. We’ve dished it out in restaurants and enjoyed it fresh from the grill at home.
But what do we serve with it? Good question! It turns out, you have options that can really spice things up. Picture crisp salads, zesty sauces, or even some hearty grains.
We need some sides that can hold their own next to this delicious fish. So, let’s dive right into the best pairings that will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll be the star of your next dinner with these picks!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Seared Tuna
Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with seared tuna:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Citrus Avocado Salad | Avocado, citrus fruits, greens | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Miso Ginger Glazed Bok Choy | Bok choy, miso, ginger | Savory, umami | Medium | 20 mins |
| Edamame with Sea Salt | Edamame, sea salt | Salty, nutty | Easy | 10 mins |
| Wasabi Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, wasabi, cream | Spicy, creamy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Cucumber and Radish Slaw | Cucumbers, radishes, vinegar | Crisp, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Spicy Szechuan Noodles | Noodles, Szechuan sauce, vegetables | Spicy, savory | Medium | 25 mins |
| Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro | Sweet potatoes, cilantro | Sweet, herby | Medium | 30 mins |
| Mango Salsa | Mango, onions, cilantro | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Ginger Garlic Green Beans | Green beans, ginger, garlic | Savory, aromatic | Easy | 15 mins |
| Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad | Ahi tuna, sesame seeds, greens | Nutty, fresh | Medium | 20 mins |
| Lemongrass Rice | Rice, lemongrass, lime | Fragrant, fresh | Easy | 20 mins |
| Pickled Ginger Carrots | Carrots, pickled ginger | Tangy, sweet | Medium | 20 mins |
| Seaweed Salad | Seaweed, sesame seeds, vinegar | Umami, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
1 – Citrus Avocado Salad
Citrus avocado salad is like sunshine on a plate. We need fresh ingredients for maximum flavor. Use ripe avocados and juicy citrus, like oranges or grapefruits.
A sprinkle of salt and a splash of lime juice add zing. Don’t forget to toss in some chopped mint for a refreshing twist. This salad adds colour and freshness next to seared tuna.
It’s light, but super satisfying. Perfect for those warm evenings!
2 – Miso Ginger Glazed Bok Choy
Bok choy just got a tasty upgrade. Miso and ginger bring a rich umami flavor. The miso adds depth and creaminess, while ginger gives a fresh zing.
We cook bok choy until it’s tender but still crisp. This keeps all the good crunch without turning it mushy. A drizzle of sesame oil ties everything together for that extra punch.
3 – Edamame with Sea Salt
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Edamame with sea salt is a classic. These little green gems are bursting with flavor. They’re subtly sweet and nutty, offering a great balance when paired with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
We boil or steam them for a few minutes until they’re tender yet firm. Pop them out of their pods and enjoy! Perfect as a quick snack or fun side dish. Don’t skip the salt; it brings out their natural goodness.
4 – Wasabi Mashed Potatoes
Who knew mashed potatoes could get a wasabi facelift?
These creamy spuds are a bold option. The wasabi adds a spicy kick that wakes up our taste buds. We whip them up with butter and cream for smoothness.
Mash them to our preferred texture, from silky to chunky. It’s all about personal preference.
Serve them alongside seared tuna for a flavorful contrast. Creamy, spicy, and satisfying—what more could we ask for?
5 – Cucumber and Radish Slaw
Cucumber and radish slaw totally brings a crunch we all crave.
We combine thinly sliced cucumbers and radishes for a refreshing bite.
This slaw is light and tangy, perfect next to seared tuna. The fresh veggies contrast nicely with rich flavors.
We toss them in a simple dressing of vinegar and a pinch of salt.
Add some chopped cilantro for extra zing. Enjoy it chilled for maximum crunch and wow factor.
6 – Spicy Szechuan Noodles
Spicy Szechuan noodles are a true flavor bomb. They’re fiery with a delightful kick from chili oil and Szechuan peppercorns.
We toss the noodles with fresh veggies and a savory sauce that’ll have our taste buds dancing.
These noodles bring a bold, spicy kick to seared tuna. The heat is balanced with a touch of sweetness.
Serving them hot adds to the experience. Perfect for those who like it spicy!
7 – Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro
Roasted sweet potatoes with cilantro are a total win.
These spuds bring a sweet, earthy flavor that goes well with everything. We roast them until they’re crispy outside and soft inside.
Add cilantro for a fresh twist—it brightens up the dish perfectly. A sprinkle of lime juice can take things up a notch, adding zesty goodness.
These sweet potatoes work well with spicy dishes or anything grilled. They’re super versatile for any meal.
8 – Mango Salsa
Mango salsa is like a tropical escape in a bowl.
It’s sweet and tangy all at once. We mix ripe mangoes with zesty lime juice, fresh cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño for heat.
This salsa pairs perfectly with seared tuna. The fruity sweetness cuts through the richness of the fish.
We chop everything super finely for a burst of flavor in each bite.
Perfect for topping or dipping, this salsa brightens up our plate.
9 – Ginger Garlic Green Beans
Ginger garlic green beans are a must-try addition to our meals. They’re vibrant and packed with flavor. We sauté fresh green beans with minced garlic and grated ginger for a simple dish that pops.
Add a splash of soy sauce for a savory kick. We love the crunch of the beans. It’s a perfect combo next to seared tuna or anything grilled. The freshness balances rich flavors nicely.
10 – Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad
Sesame crusted ahi tuna salad is a cool dish. It’s fresh, crunchy, and has a zing from the sesame. We love the crispy seeds paired with soft tuna. It brings a nice contrast on the plate.
The salad shines with a light dressing. Think soy sauce and a touch of citrus for brightness. Serve it chilled for a refreshing touch. Perfect for lunches or light dinners. The flavors all dance together in every bite.
11 – Lemongrass Rice
Lemongrass rice is a total flavour enhancer. It pairs wonderfully with seared tuna. The fragrant lemongrass adds a fresh, citrusy note that wakes up the dish.
We cook the rice with a bit of coconut milk for creamy goodness. This makes each bite smooth and rich.
Don’t skimp on the herbs! Chopped cilantro or green onions really elevate this rice. It’s like a little flavour party, fitting perfectly with our main dish.
12 – Pickled Ginger Carrots
Pickled ginger carrots are a crunchy side dish we can’t resist. They pack a zesty, tangy flavour that complements any meal.
The sweetness of the carrots balances the sharpness of the ginger. We slice the carrots thin and soak them in a simple vinegar brine.
These add brightness to our plate. They’re perfect for those craving a refreshing crunch. Also, they last for ages in the fridge.
13 – Seaweed Salad
Seaweed salad is a tasty side dish that’s pretty hard to resist. It gives us that perfect blend of ocean vibes and crunch.
This salad is salty, slightly sweet, and tangy all at once. We love the mix of textures—the chewy pieces mixed with the crisp veggies.
Chill it before serving for a refreshing treat. It pairs well with sushi or grilled dishes. Storage is easy; it keeps well in the fridge for a while.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.