Serve up healthy fresh seafood for dinner with these lively marinated tuna steaks gently soaked in soy, lime, olive oil, and seasonings. This is a perfect main course for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!
Tuna is an exceptionally mild-flavored fish, making it ideal for taking on the flavors of a marinade. Although you can simply season fresh tuna and brush it with olive oil, I think you will find this 15 minute marinade to be the best way to enjoy these tender tuna steaks.
My tuna steak marinade recipe plays off of an Asian-inspired theme by featuring simple ingredients such as a mixture of soy sauce, lime, and olive oil. I add a chopped jalapeno for a subtle kick, although that can be omitted if you are heat-adverse, however, the sweetness from the dash of sugar does provide balance to the mild heat.
How to cook tuna steaks
High-quality tuna is meant to be enjoyed rare. Ideally, you want to sear the tuna while leaving the interior perfectly pink. Overcooking this tuna steak recipe will leave it dry and flavorless.
To achieve perfectly cooked tuna steaks you will want to employ a ripping hot skillet. The aim is to quickly sear both sides of the steak before the interior heats up excessively. I like using my cast-iron skillet for this, otherwise, any large nonstick skillet will also work.
On most stoves, medium-high heat should be sufficient, but dont be afraid to go hotter if needed. Be sure to add a generous swirl of oil into the pan, as this will help with browning. Rare tuna only will require a couple of minutes per side to get a good sear. Thinner tuna steaks will cook faster than a thick tuna steaks.
Tip: This can also be done on an outdoor grill!
How to marinate tuna steaks
Combine the olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, cilantro, jalapeno, sugar, and garlic in a small dish. Place tuna steaks in a large plastic storage bag and pour in the marinade mixture (reserving one tablespoon of the marinade), ensuring the fresh seafood is fully coated.
It doesnt take long for the tuna to soak in the flavor of this tuna steak marinade. I think 30 minutes to an hour is the sweet spot, but more generally 15 minutes – 2 hours is what I aim for.
Warning: You can marinate fresh tuna for too long. You do not want the tuna steaks to sit in the marinade for an excessive amount of time or the acids will ruin the texture of the fish, similar to making ceviche.
MARINADE FOR TUNA STEAKS | BEST TUNA STEAK MARINADE
How long does it take to marinate ahi tuna?
This Seared Ahi Tuna with Orange Avocado Salsa is easy to make, and has tons of flavor thanks to a simple 2-ingredient marinade. It’s a delicious dinner fit for company or a special occasion, and very healthy. It only takes 25 minutes, including marinating time.
How much tuna should one consume per week for health?
The answer to this question depends on many individual factors such as your weight, age, physical activity factor, and how your diet is in general, since tuna is rich in proteins and fats, and an excess of it can also cause damage to health.
Can You marinate frozen ahi tuna?
Ahi Tuna: If you’re starting with frozen ahi tuna, make sure to pull it out of the freezer and transfer it to the fridge for 24 hours to give it time to completely thaw before marinating. Marinade Tuna: Make sure to give the tuna enough time in the marinade – from several hours to overnight.
Can You marinate tuna steak for too long?
Yes, unfortunately you can marinate tuna steaks for too long. While most meats live under the golden rule of marinating – that the longer the better and more flavourful – that is simply not the case with tuna steaks.