The Art of Seared Tuna: Styling, Shooting, and Serving

Behind every beautiful food photograph is a team of passionate creatives working together to bring flavor to life. This stunning shot of our Sesame-Crusted Seared Tuna Plate is a perfect example—and we’re proud to say it was a true team effort.

Our talented food stylist, Michael McMurtrey, deserves a round of applause for how masterfully he plated this dish. From the delicate placement of the avocado slices to the gentle curve of the cucumber salad ribbons and the vibrant pop of pickled ginger, Michael’s attention to color, texture, and balance made this tuna plate not just a meal—but a work of art. He knows that great styling isn’t just about making food look good; it’s about making it feel fresh, approachable, and unforgettable.

On the photography side, David Berryhill captured the heart of the dish with precision and creativity. David’s keen eye for lighting and composition allowed the textures to pop, the tuna’s seared edge to glisten, and every element on the plate to shine. He found the perfect angle that invites you to sit down, pick up your chopsticks, and dig in.

We’re humbled and honored to create this content on behalf of our friends at Ingles Markets, a company that not only believes in good food—but in supporting local communities. Ingles has been a beloved part of life in the Southeast since 1963. With their commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients and providing exceptional service across more than 200 stores, Ingles remains a cornerstone of wholesome, affordable food for countless families.

At Downes Media, we’re grateful for the opportunity to share these stories through food—one plate, one frame, and one moment at a time.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes peeks into our kitchen and studio, and thank you to Ingles Markets for the continued trust in our work.

Sesame-Crusted Seared Tuna with Avocado & Cucumber Salad Total Time: 25 minutes Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 10 minutes

Savor the flavor of sashimi-grade tuna marinated in sesame oil and rice wine vinegar, crusted with sesame seeds, and seared to perfection. This vibrant plate is served with fresh avocado, pickled ginger, sliced green onions, wasabi mayo, mandarin orange wedges, and a crisp cucumber salad.

Ingredients:

For the Tuna:

• 2 sashimi-grade tuna steaks (about 6 oz each)

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

• 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds

• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as avocado or canola oil)
  

For Toppings & Sides:

• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

• 2 tablespoons wasabi mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup pickled ginger

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1 mandarin orange, peeled and sectioned
  

For the Cucumber Salad:

• 1 organic cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey

• Pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (black or white)
  

Directions:

To begin, marinate the tuna steaks in a shallow dish with the sesame oil and rice wine vinegar. Let them soak for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the tuna is marinating, prepare the cucumber salad by whisking together sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, sugar or honey, and salt in a bowl. Toss in the cucumber slices, coat evenly, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Set the salad aside to chill.

Next, remove the tuna from the marinade and pat dry. Lightly season with salt and pepper, then press sesame seeds onto all sides of the tuna to create a crust. Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a skillet over high heat and sear the tuna for 45 to 60 seconds per side for rare (or longer if desired). Let the tuna rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.

To assemble, arrange the seared tuna slices on a plate and top with a dollop of wasabi mayonnaise and green onions. Add portions of cucumber salad, sliced avocado, pickled ginger, and mandarin wedges. Serve immediately.

This dish is perfect for a light lunch or an elegant dinner. For a complete experience, pair it with a chilled white wine or sparkling citrus water. Let the fresh flavors and textures shine!