This is a simple but tasty appetizer with the perfect sauce. Not to mention a powerful nutrtional punch from the sesame seeds.

Ingredients for Dipping Sauce

• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 2 teaspoons white miso
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1/3 cup carrot juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 scallion, green part only, thinly sliced

Ingredients for Tuna

• 3 tablespoons unhulled white sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon unhulled black sesame seeds
• 1 pound sushi-grade tuna, cut into 4-ounce rectangular pieces
• 1 tablespoon safflower oil

Directions:

1. Dipping sauce: Combine mirin, miso, ginger, carrot juice, orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, red-pepper flakes, and sesame oil in a small bowl, whisking until miso dissolves. Sprinkle with sliced scallion.
2. Combine sesame seeds in a shallow dish. Press tuna pieces into seeds, turning to coat each side. Heat oil in a medium saute pan over medium-high heat. Add tuna, and cook each side until white seeds are golden, about 20 seconds per side. Transfer tuna to a paper-towel-lined plate for 1 minute, then cut each piece into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Serve with dipping sauce.