How to cook tuna steak (2024)

FAQs

How is tuna steak supposed to be cooked? ›

Cook, uncovered, for 4 to 6 minutes per ½-inch thickness (6 to 9 minutes for the ¾-inch-thick steaks we suggest), turning once during cooking. Fish should begin to flake when tested with a fork but still be pink in the center. Adjust the heat as needed if the skillet gets too hot.

Tuna dries out quite quickly and turns crumbly, so it should be cooked very briefly over a high heat in a frying pan, on a griddle or over a barbecue; or cooked under oil (confit), sous vide or simmered in a sauce.

Organic Paprika (Sweet or Smoked): For a subtle warmth and color, excellent in rubs. Use smoked paprika for a more grilled flavor. Organic Black Malabar Pepper: A classic pairing for a simple seared tuna steak. Organic coriander Powder: Offers a lemony, floral note, excellent for an exotic twist.

The tuna can't be too dry before it hits the skillet, so give it a pat with a paper towel if you're unsure. Since oil has a higher smoke point than butter, it's perfect for searing ahi tuna steaks — but, if you're like Nicole, you might want to add a little butter anyway for extra flavor.

Because it's easy to overcook tuna, some special precautions are in order. Always buy tuna steaks at least one inch thick. Grill your tuna on a very hot fire or sear it in a well-heated pan. Remember that once you remove the tuna steak from the heat, it will continue to cook for a few minutes.

If you choose a piece of tuna that is about 1-inch-thick, it will grill in about 8 to 10 minutes, provided that your grill is very hot. Remove tuna from the grill before the surface starts to get crusty and burns. Unlike beef, lamb, or pork, you do not need to let tuna rest before serving.

Just like a beef steak, tuna steak can be served from extremely rare to well done. Consider cooking times depending on how you prefer your tuna to be served. The centre of the steak should still be pink – be careful not to overcook it or the fish will be dry.

With a skillet or grill

BBC Good Food notes that tuna can dry out quickly and easily crumble, so a quick cooking time allows it to retain more moisture. The caramelized outer sear will also lock in much of the moisture per Better Homes and Gardens.

When home cooks marinate raw tuna steaks, the solution adds flavor and tenderizes the fish, yielding juicy tuna steaks. After marinating, you can grill, broil, or sear the tuna steaks and serve them with side dishes of veggies.

Dry tuna steaks well with paper towels and lightly brush them all over with oil. Just before cooking, season tuna steaks all over with salt and, if desired, pepper.

Is tuna steak healthy? ›

Tuna is especially abundant in omega 3 fatty acids. They're brilliant for the body and are thought to help lower cholesterol, boost brain function and improve eye health. It's an excellent source of vitamin B12. Tuna is rich in vitamin B12, a form of B vitamin responsible for helping the body form new red blood cells.

Cook the tuna steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side, until opaque on the outside but slightly pink in the middle.

As noted above, keeping your fish chilled until the last moment is an important safety step, but beyond that, it's also thermally advantageous. Cold tuna presents a greater barrier to heat transfer than does warm tuna, making overcooking less likely. To get a quality sear, you need high heat.

Just like a beef steak, tuna steak can be served from extremely rare to well done. Consider cooking times depending on how you prefer your tuna to be served. The centre of the steak should still be pink – be careful not to overcook it or the fish will be dry.

Eating raw tuna increases the risk of Salmonella infection. Most people infected with salmonella after eating tuna will show symptoms such as: diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps... after 12 to 72 hours. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days and goes away on its own without treatment.

You can cook tuna steaks to medium, too! They are just as meaty and delicious.

Ideally, you want the tuna steak to be about 2cm/¾ in thick so they are slightly pink in the middle when cooked.