Grilled Tuna Steaks Recipe is simple, restaurant-quality, and full of flavor. These tuna steaks use just a few basic ingredients to create a delicious main course that’s quick to prepare.
Homemade grilled tuna steaks are best cooked on a very hot grill for a nicely seared exterior and a tender, rare center. You don’t need complicated seasonings — coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper highlight the natural flavor of the fish.
Ingredients
Full ingredient quantities are in the recipe card below. In short you’ll need fresh tuna steaks, a little oil, coarse sea salt, and black pepper.
How to Grill Tuna Steaks
Step 1 – Oil grill and preheat: Rub half of the oil onto the grill grates to prevent sticking. Preheat the grill to very high heat (about 500–700°F).
Step 2 – Oil the tuna: Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels and rub the remaining oil over all sides.
Step 3 – Season: Combine the coarse sea salt and black pepper on a plate. Press both sides of each steak into the seasoning to coat.
Step 4 – Sear on direct heat: Place the steaks over direct heat and cook until well-seared and they release from the grill, about 1–3 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 1–3 minutes until browned.
Step 5 – Finish and check temperature: Optionally sear the short sides by holding steaks on their edges with tongs for a minute or two. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature around 115–125°F.
Step 6 – Slice and serve: Remove steaks from the grill, slice against the grain about 1/2 inch thick, and serve immediately.
Grilled Tuna Steaks Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Tuna steaks (6–8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/4 cup black pepper
- 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Rub half of the oil onto the grill grates and preheat the grill to very high heat (about 500–700°F).
- Pat the tuna steaks dry and rub the remaining oil onto all sides.
- Mix the coarse sea salt and black pepper on a plate. Press both sides of the steaks into the mixture to season.
- Place steaks over direct heat and sear until they release from the grill, about 1–3 minutes. Flip and sear the other side 1–3 minutes until browned. Optionally sear the short sides by holding the steaks on their edges with tongs. Aim for an internal temperature of 115–125°F for medium-rare.
- Remove from the grill, slice against the grain about 1/2 inch thick, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips
- Grill Time: Sear roughly 2 minutes per side for a rare center. A very hot grill is essential for a great crust.
- Seasoning: Keep it simple with salt and pepper, or add fresh garlic and ginger for more aroma.
- Fish Quality: Use fresh, clean-smelling, non-slimy tuna (bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin, or albacore are common choices).
- Serving: Tuna is often served with a raw or rare center. Slice and serve immediately with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
How Long to Grill Tuna Steaks
For medium-rare, sear each side about 1–3 minutes depending on thickness. Move steaks to indirect heat if you prefer them more cooked, and always check internal temperature to match your preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 313 kcal • Carbohydrates: 9 g • Protein: 41 g • Fat: 12 g • Sodium: 3557 mg • Potassium: 626 mg • Fiber: 4 g
What to Serve with Tuna Steaks
Tuna pairs well with simple grilled vegetables, potatoes, or a bowl of rice for a poke-style meal. A dipping sauce of soy sauce and lemon juice or a light vinaigrette also complements the fish nicely.
- Parmesan Grilled Zucchini: Easy, smoky, and family-friendly.
- Grilled Brussels Sprouts: A charred, kid-approved side when threaded on skewers.
- Grilled Potatoes in Foil: Minimal cleanup and great flavor from the grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tuna steaks cook quickly. For medium-rare, target an internal temperature of about 115–125°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness.
Yes. Flip once during cooking to sear both sides evenly.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Yes. Heat and oil the skillet well, then sear the steaks for a similar result to grilling.
More Easy Grilled Seafood Recipes
Grilled Shrimp Scampi
Grilled Salmon in Foil
Grilled Blackened Tilapia
We love hearing from you — if you try this grilled tuna steaks recipe, please leave a comment or a star review.