10+ Tuna Steak Recipes You’ll Love to Try Tonight

10+ Tuna Steak Recipes You’ll Love to Try Tonight

Tuna steaks are tasty and healthy, and honestly, they’re way easier to cook than most people think. They cook up fast and you can prep them a bunch of different ways, depending on what you’re craving.

Whether you want yours seared, grilled, or marinated, there are plenty of easy recipes out there. Cooking tuna steak doesn’t have to be complicated or fussy.

Close-up of a seared tuna steak on a white marble countertop with herbs and olive oil.

The trick with tuna steak recipes? It’s all about balancing bold flavor with quick cooking, so you keep the fish tender and moist. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make something delicious.

Try out different seasonings and cooking methods—eventually, you’ll find your go-to tuna steak dish. There’s a lot of room to experiment.

1) Six-Minute Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks

Close-up of six-minute seared ahi tuna steaks on a white marble countertop.

You can make ahi tuna steaks super quickly, and they’ll still turn out tender. This recipe only takes six minutes.

The outside crisps up while the inside stays medium-rare—just how most folks like it. Marinate your tuna in something like sesame oil and soy sauce for a punch of flavor.

Sear it in a hot pan for three minutes per side. Make sure your pan’s really hot so the tuna gets a good crust, but doesn’t overcook.

Ingredients

  • 2 ahi tuna steaks
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Marinate tuna in sesame oil and soy sauce for about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Heat a pan over medium-high until it’s very hot.
  3. Season tuna with salt and pepper.
  4. Sear one side for 3 minutes.
  5. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
  6. Let the tuna rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

2) Garlic Herb Tuna Steak Marinade

Close-up of a seared tuna steak coated in garlic and herb marinade on a white marble countertop.

This garlic herb marinade is zesty and fresh—super simple, but it really wakes up the tuna. You’ll use garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, and a bit of honey to balance things out.

Let the tuna soak for about 30 minutes. That’s enough to let the flavors sink in, but not long enough to overwhelm the fish.

You can grill or sear the tuna after marinating. Using fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme makes a big difference.

The garlic gives a nice punch, and the honey keeps things mellow.

Ingredients

  • 2-4 tuna steaks (6-8 oz each)
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro or thyme

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix olive oil, honey, garlic, and herbs together.
  2. Put tuna in a resealable bag or container.
  3. Pour marinade over tuna and seal it up.
  4. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  5. Heat grill or pan to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C).
  6. Cook tuna 3-4 minutes per side.
  7. Serve right away.

If you want more details, check out this garlic herb tuna marinade.

3) Quick Pan-Seared Tuna Steak with Ginger and Soy

Close-up of a pan-seared tuna steak with ginger and soy sauce on a white marble countertop.

A ginger and soy marinade makes tuna steak taste fresh and bright. This recipe is great with rice or a salad.

Ginger adds zing, while soy sauce brings salty depth. Mix up soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and a little brown sugar.

Let the tuna marinate for about 10-15 minutes. Heat your pan and sear the steaks for just a minute or two per side.

Keep the inside pink for the best texture.

Ingredients

  • 2 tuna steaks (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

Cooking Instructions

  1. Stir soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and ginger together.
  2. Marinate tuna steaks for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Heat a pan over medium-high (around 375°F / 190°C).
  4. Sear tuna 1-2 minutes per side.
  5. Serve immediately.

For more ideas, check Seared Ahi Tuna with Soy Ginger Sauce.

4) Asian-Inspired Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna with Korean Sauce

Close-up of a sesame seared ahi tuna steak with Korean sauce on a white marble countertop.

Sesame seared ahi tuna with Korean sauce feels fancy, but it’s actually fast and easy. Coat the tuna in sesame seeds, then sear until the outside’s crispy but the inside stays pink.

The Korean sauce is just soy sauce, sugar, and a little red pepper flake for heat. You get a salty-sweet-spicy combo that’s pretty addictive.

This is a healthy meal you can have on the table in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 2 ahi tuna steaks
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season tuna with salt and pepper.
  2. Coat with sesame seeds.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high.
  4. Sear tuna 1-2 minutes per side, until seeds are golden.
  5. Mix soy sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Serve with the Korean dipping sauce.

More details here: Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks with Korean Dipping Sauce.

5) Teriyaki Grilled Tuna Steaks

Close-up of grilled teriyaki tuna steaks on a white marble countertop.

Teriyaki grilled tuna steaks are easy and really flavorful. Marinate the tuna in soy sauce, sake (or water), and a little sugar or honey.

Let the fish soak up the marinade for 20-30 minutes. Grill each steak for 3 to 5 minutes per side if you like it rare.

If you want it more cooked, just leave it on a bit longer. Watch the heat—nobody wants burnt outsides and raw insides.

Garnish with scallions or sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and color.

Ingredients

  • 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup sake or water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • 2 scallions, sliced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix soy sauce, sake/water, and sugar/honey.
  2. Marinate tuna for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F/200°C).
  4. Grill 3-5 minutes per side for rare, or longer for medium.
  5. Top with scallions and sesame seeds if you want.

6) Mediterranean Tuna Steak with Thyme and Rosemary

Close-up of a Mediterranean tuna steak garnished with thyme and rosemary on a white marble countertop.

Thyme and rosemary give tuna steaks a Mediterranean vibe that’s hard to beat. The herbs and oil keep things light and let the tuna shine.

Don’t add salt to the marinade—it can dry the fish out. Season lightly after cooking for the best texture.

You can grill or use a skillet. Toss in a pinch of oregano if you’re feeling it.

This meal is bright and healthy, and goes great with veggies or salad.

Ingredients

  • 2 tuna steaks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
  • Pinch of oregano (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
  2. Coat tuna steaks with the oil and herb mix.
  3. Let them sit for 10 minutes at room temp.
  4. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high.
  5. Cook tuna 3-4 minutes per side so it’s cooked through but still moist.
  6. Add salt and pepper after cooking.
  7. Serve right away.

For more Mediterranean ideas, try this Mediterranean herb grilled tuna recipe.

7) Seared Tuna with Sesame Seed Crust

Close-up of a seared tuna steak with a sesame seed crust on a white marble countertop.

Seared tuna with a sesame crust is quick, crunchy, and kind of addictive. Press the tuna into sesame seeds, then sear it on high heat.

Mix black and white sesame seeds for extra flavor and a cool look. Season with salt and pepper before coating.

Cooking takes just a couple of minutes per side, so it’s perfect for a speedy dinner. Serve with soy sauce or a simple dip.

Pair with rice or a fresh salad if you want to keep it light.

Ingredients

  • 2 tuna steaks
  • 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil (sesame or vegetable)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season tuna with salt and pepper.
  2. Mix sesame seeds in a shallow dish.
  3. Press tuna into seeds to coat all over.
  4. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high (about 375°F / 190°C).
  5. Sear tuna 1-2 minutes per side, just until the crust forms.
  6. Let rest briefly, then slice.

More tips here: seared tuna with sesame seed crust recipe.

8) Lemon-Marinated Grilled Tuna Steak

Close-up of a grilled tuna steak with lemon marinade on a white marble countertop.

Marinating tuna in lemon juice gives it a bright, fresh flavor. The acid helps tenderize the fish and adds a little zing.

Mix in olive oil, garlic, and fresh thyme with the lemon juice. This combo boosts flavor and keeps the tuna moist when you grill it.

When you’re ready, grill the steaks over medium-high heat. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, just until the fish is cooked through but still moist inside.

Ingredients

  • 4 tuna steaks (6 ounces each, 1/2 inch thick)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and salt in a bowl.

  2. Marinate tuna steaks for 30 minutes in the fridge.

  3. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C).

  4. Grill tuna for 3-4 minutes on each side.

  5. Take the tuna off the grill and serve it right away.

9) Fast Pan-Seared Tuna in Sesame Oil and Molasses

Close-up of a sliced pan-seared tuna steak with a caramelized crust on a white marble countertop.

You can whip up a tuna steak with sesame oil and molasses in no time. The sesame oil brings out a toasty, nutty kick, and the molasses? It’s sweet, but not too much.

Marinate the tuna just long enough to give it flavor, but not so long it loses its freshness. I never like to overdo it.

Heat a pan over medium-high. Sear the tuna for about 1 to 2 minutes per side—just enough for a rare center and a good crust.

Pair this with a quick salad or some steamed veggies. It’s a fast dinner, but honestly, it feels like you put in more effort.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Mix sesame oil, molasses, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for the marinade.

  2. Coat the tuna steaks in the marinade and let them sit for about 10 minutes.

  3. Heat a pan over medium-high.

  4. Sear each tuna steak for 1-2 minutes on each side.

  5. Pull the tuna from the pan and serve it right away.

10) Simple Soy and Sesame Marinated Tuna Steaks

Close-up of soy and sesame marinated tuna steaks on a white marble countertop.

Let’s talk about tuna steaks for a second. You can get a ton of flavor using just a simple soy and sesame marinade.

The mix? Soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little honey or brown sugar to keep things balanced. It gives the fish a light, tasty coating—nothing too heavy.

Marinate your tuna steaks for 15-30 minutes. That’s all you really need.

After that, just sear or grill them quickly so they stay nice and tender. This method’s fast, honestly perfect for a busy weeknight.

Sesame brings in a nutty note that works well with the saltiness of soy. You probably have all these ingredients in your kitchen already.

Ingredients

  • 3 tuna steaks
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey in a bowl.
  2. Place tuna steaks in the marinade for 15-30 minutes.
  3. Heat a grill or pan over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook tuna for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
  5. Remove and serve immediately.

Give this simple marinated tuna steak a shot if you want something quick and tasty. If you want more ideas with soy and sesame, check out Alison’s Wonderland Recipes.

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