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These Seared Tuna Lettuce Cups with Wasabi Aioli are a great pool-side summer dish that requires little cooking, it’s light and refreshing, and it’s freaking tasty!
I must admit, Wasabi is one of the only foods I am not personally crazy about. Weird, I know– considering I pretty much eat everything this world has to offer + I love spicy food and Horseradish. However, when I was in Hawaii I had some Wasabi Aioli, which toned down the wasabi just enough for me to love it.
I thought it would be fun to create an easy, poolside lettuce cup with an easy sesame seared tuna, crisp veggies, and a drizzle of wasabi aioli. It’s a simple combination that results in a fantastically flavorful summer meal. Enjoy!
If you like these Seared Tuna Lettuce Cups, try my Seared Tuna and Soba Noodle Stir Fry Bowls or Seared Tuna Salad with Pineapple-Sesame Dressing.

Seared Tuna Lettuce Cups with Wasabi Aioli
Ingredients
For the Wasabi Aioli:
- 1/4 cup homemade mayo
- 1 tsp wasabi powder I use Eden brand
- 1 tsp hot water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
For the Tuna:
- 2 6oz tuna steak filets
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp white sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp black sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
For the Tacos:
- 8 butter lettuce leaves
- 1/2 avocado, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
- cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
For the Wasabi Aioli:
- In a small bowl, mix the wasabi powder and hot water. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the mayo, wasabi , garlic, lime juice and salt. Stir to combine. Set aside until you're ready to assemble your tacos.
For the Tuna:
- Season the tuna steaks on all sides with kosher salt, white sesame seeds, and black sesame seeds,
- Heat a non stick skillet over high heat with avocado oil.
- When the oil is hot but not yet smoking, place the tuna steaks into the pan. Cook the tuna steaks for about 1 minute per side , depending on the doneness you prefer. I cooked mine for 30 seconds per side and I like mine pretty rare.
For the Tacos:
- Assemble your lettuce cups, top with a drizzle of wasabi aioli and garnish with cilantro. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Awesome recipe – tasty easy and pretty damn healthy. Thank you so much!
Total hit!!! The recipe comes together so quickly and was a great addition to our recipe rotation. I am never disappointed when a Defined Dish recipe is on the table