Serve up healthy fresh seafood for dinner with these lively Marinated Tuna Steaks gently soaked in soy, lime, olive oil, and seasonings.
I recently came upon a bounty of fresh tuna steaks. Now, I'll be honest, I am too cheap to typically buy them for myself, however, my brother-in-law recently went deep sea fishing and between him and his fellow boat-mates, they purported to catch a market value of $11,000 worth of fresh tuna. Now, I am no fishmonger, so I can't verify that exactly, but fishermen would never lie, right?

My wife doesn't like seafood, and my young children aren't crazy about its flavor either, so I am tasked with consuming these delectable steaks all by myself. Isn't life rough? Normally I would insist on my children eating it too, but that rule goes out the window once the price exceeds $10 a pound.
Marinated Tuna Steaks
Tuna is an exceptionally mild flavored fish, making it ideal for taking on the flavors of a marinade. Though you can simply season tuna and brush it with olive oil, I think you will find marinating to be the best way to enjoy tuna steaks. In particular, Asian flavors pair wonderfully with tuna.
My tuna steak marinade recipe plays off of an Asian theme by featuring 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 Long Do You Marinate Tuna Steaks
It doesn't take long for the tuna to soak in the flavor of the marinade. I think 30 minutes to an hour is the sweet spot, but more generally 15 minutes - 2 hours is what I aim for. 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.
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 tuna leaves it dry and flavorless. To achieve perfectly cooked tuna steaks you will want to employ a ripping hot skillet. The aim is to quickly cook the exterior before the interior heats up excessively. I like using cast iron (affiliate link) for this.
On most stoves, medium-high heat should be sufficient, but don't 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. The tuna only will require a couple of minutes per side.
What to Serve with Tuna Steaks
OK, so you are all set to serve your Marinated Tuna Steaks to your adoring family, but what should you serve with it? Aim for a light side dish, nothing too heavy. My Mexican Street Corn Salad, Honey Roasted Beets, or Coconut Milk Rice with Pineapple would all be flavorful accompaniments. Even something as simple as oven roasted asparagus would be appropriate.
Marinated Tuna Steaks
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh Tuna steaks
- 2 tablespoon Cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds
Marinade
- ¼ cup Lime juice
- ¼ cup Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped Cilantro
- ¼ teaspoon Sugar
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- ½ Jalapeno pepper (diced)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients of the marinade and whisk together with a fork.
- Place tuna steaks in a gallon zip-lock bag and add marinade, reserving 1 tablespoon. Let marinade for 15 minutes - 2 hours.
- Add cooking oil to a heated skillet set to medium-high heat.
- When oil is heated and shimmering add tuna steaks. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, aiming to sear the exterior while the interior remains pink.
- Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes, spoon over the remaining tablespoon of marinade if desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds, then serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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Kurt Wallinger
It was OK, but the lime flavor overpowered the dish. I would cut the lime in half next time. It also didn't pick up much cilantro flavor even though I used fresh. Very quick and easy to make.
Tony
Your Tuna recipe was fab, I toasted my sesame seeds and sliced the tuna first before cooking, then put ot In a tortilla wrap with salad. Will be having again.
J Shockley
Can’t wait to try!!!
joan c mahon
Am trying this recipe for the first time tonight !!! will let you know how they were
Ruth Dunn
Really, this is the best tuna recipes I've ever done! My son gave me some tuna after his last fishing trip. I love fish but Tuna has never been one of my favorites. Well it is now! What an awesome recipe! Thank you for posting it!
Josh
Tips on Making this safely? I tried the recipe several times each with less oil. The oil starts shooting in all directions as soon as I place the tuna in the pan.
Fox Valley Foodie
You can purchase a grease splatter screen if needed. Otherwise, just make sure your fish isn't frozen and pat off any pooling moisture on the surface and that should minimize any oil fireworks.
LJ
ahh your oil is too hot!
Kia
This was hit with my hubby! Now he thinks im some kind of chef 👩🍳😩😩. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Iva Tummett
Loved this recipe, it turned out to one of my favorites, will definitely make it again😋😋
Susan
Delicious!! Printed and keeping this one!
Jill
Great recipe! Super easy and delicious.
Steve t
Best grilled fish I’ve had. Kudos
Michael S Manning
My favorite recipe for tuna steaks too.
Nathan
This is now my favorite way to prepare tuna steaks!
Priscilla
It was to salty. I am going to prepare tuna steaks to night. How should I season them?P