Tuna steak is a delicious and healthy seafood option that can be prepared in a variety of ways. In this article, we will explore the steps to cook the perfect tuna steak. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these instructions will help you make a delicious and impressive tuna steak.
1. What To Look For When Buying Ahi Tuna Steak?
Color: The color of Ahi tuna should be bright, vibrant, and uniform. A deep red color is ideal, with no signs of browning, dullness, or discoloration.
Texture: The texture of the tuna should be firm and dense, with a slight give when pressed. It should not feel mushy or slimy.
Smell: Fresh Ahi tuna should have a mild, clean, and ocean-like aroma. If it smells fishy or unpleasant, it is not fresh.
Origin: Look for Ahi tuna that has been responsibly sourced and is certified by a reputable organization such as the Marine Stewardship Council.
Cut: Look for a steak that is evenly cut and has a uniform thickness. This will ensure that it cooks evenly.
Fat Content: Look for Ahi tuna with good fat content, as this will give it a rich and flavorful taste. Aim for tuna with visible marbling, but not too much fat.
2. How To Cook Tuna Steaks in Oven
Ingredients
- 3 Ahi tuna steaks (6-8 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 sheets of aluminum foil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Place each Ahi tuna steak on a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to fold around the tuna.
Drizzle each tuna steak with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then sprinkle minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) over each tuna steak.
Fold the aluminum foil around the tuna to create a sealed packet. Next, place the tuna packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
Remove the tuna packets from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
3. How To Cook Tuna Steaks in Pan
Ingredients
- 1 Ahi tuna steaks (6-8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
For the Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top, making sure to coat both sides of the steaks.
Let the steaks marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.Then remove the tuna steaks from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
Heat a large non-stick pan over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and heat until it shimmers.
Place the tuna steaks in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side for a rare center, or longer if you prefer your tuna steak more well-done.
Remove the tuna steaks from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
4. How To Cook Tuna Steaks in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each, 1 inch thick)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels and brush evenly with olive oil on both sides.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Place the tuna steaks in the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
Remove the tuna from the marinade and season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Place the tuna steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
Cook for 4-5 minutes then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Check for doneness – tuna should have nice browning on the outside but still be slightly translucent in the center when cut.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, then slice into pieces. Enjoy!
Tuna steak is a delicious and healthy seafood option that can be cooked in various ways, each offering its own unique taste and texture. So, try out these recipes and experiment with your own variations to find the method that suits your taste buds best.
