grilled tuna steaks

Recipe by
Vicki Butts (lazyme)
Grapeview, WA

Besides their wonderful flavor, one of the things that's remarkable about tuna steaks is simply how great they look, especially with grill marks on the outside and a nice brown crust concealing a tender, still red interior. Tuna steaks really hold their shape after grilling; no falling apart flakiness here. To achieve those beautiful grill marks, you need to leave the steaks alone for a couple of minutes - don't turn or move them at all. Resist the temptation to tamper and just let them alone.

yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Grill

Ingredients For grilled tuna steaks

  • 2
    ahi tuna steaks, 2-inches thick (1 pound each)
  • 1/4 c
    extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 tsp
    kosher salt
  • 3/4 tsp
    freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp
    fresh lemon juice
  • basil pesto, purchased or home made

How To Make grilled tuna steaks

  • 1
    Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for medium high heat or preheat a ridged grill pan over a medium high flame.
  • 2
    Wash and pat the tuna dry with paper towels. Brush both sides of the tuna with the oil and sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
  • 3
    Grill the tuna until just seared on the outside but still rare in the center, about 2 minutes per side. If desired, continue cooking the tuna until just cooked through in the center, about 2 minutes longer per side.
  • 4
    Using a metal spatula, transfer the tuna to a cutting board and set aside for 5 minutes.
  • 5
    Using a large sharp knife, cut the tuna across the grain and on a bias into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a serving plate. Drizzle with lemon juice and serve with basil pesto.
  • 6
    Note: To get that perfectly seared outside while maintaining a nice rare (or even raw, if that's your preference) interior, just pop your steaks in the freezer for an hour before you grill.

Categories & Tags for Grilled Tuna Steaks:

ADVERTISEMENT