Marinated tuna steaks are an easy, flavorful main course you can make on the grill. Learn how to prepare a marinade and sear ahi tuna steaks properly.
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What Is Tuna Steak Marinade?
A tuna steak marinade is an emulsion of oil, acids (like citrus juice or vinegar), and assorted spices and seasonings used to tenderize and flavor fresh tuna steaks. 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.
4 Tips for Marinating Tuna Steaks
Marinating tuna is similar to other types of meat and fish. Consider the following tips when preparing tuna steaks:
- 1. Balance the saltiness and sweetness. Tuna, like most fish, absorbs salt well, so you should try to balance that with something sweet. Use brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey in the tuna marinade to encourage caramelization during the cooking process.
- 2. Marinate for the right time. Marinating tuna for too long poses the risk of it “cooking” in the acidic marinade (such as with ceviche). This changes the texture and flavor of the tuna. If the marinade has acid in it, limit the marinating time to two hours.
- 3. Select ground spices. Choose freshly ground spices or store-bought ground spices, which will penetrate the tuna steaks more effectively than whole spices. Cayenne pepper, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, or a seafood seasoning blend are good options.
- 4. Use fresh garlic. Instead of using garlic powder, opt for fresh garlic, which will release oils and a richer flavor. Mix chopped or minced garlic right into the marinade. Make sure you evenly distribute the garlic pieces on the surface of the tuna while it marinates.
Easy Recipe for Marinated Tuna Steaks
makes
prep time
10 mintotal time
18 mincook time
8 minIngredients
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except the tuna and stir to incorporate.
- 2
Transfer the marinade to a food-safe resealable plastic bag or a shallow baking dish along with the tuna steaks. If using a bag, seal the bag and use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat. If using a baking dish, use tongs to evenly coat the meat in the marinade, then cover in plastic wrap.
- 3
Let the tuna marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
- 4
After 1 hour and 30 minutes, preheat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- 5
After 2 hours, remove the tuna steaks from the marinade. Gently pat with paper towels to remove excess marinade.
- 6
Grill the tuna steaks until browned in spots and still pink in the center, about 4 minutes per side.
- 7
While the tuna grills, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Boil the marinade until it reduces and becomes a thick sauce.
- 8
Spoon the sauce over the grilled tuna steaks, then garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro.
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