14+ Tuna Steak Recipes Fresh And Perfectly Seared

There’s something unbeatable about a perfectly seared tuna steak—the kind that gets you daydreaming about vacation dinners by the sea, even if you’re just standing at your own stove on a Thursday night. The first time I made one, I was surprised by how quick and fresh it felt compared to other weeknight meals. Tuna steaks have become my go-to for quiet date nights at home or last-minute dinners with friends, so I’m always on the hunt for fresh inspiration. Whether you’re new to tuna or just want more ways to keep it interesting, these 14+ tuna steak recipes—fresh and perfectly seared—are favorites I actually come back to, time and time again.

1. Classic Seared Tuna Steak with Lemon Herb Butter

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the kind of meal that’s elegant enough for a dinner guest but simple enough to whip up with pantry staples. That lemon herb butter melts into the hot steak, making every bite taste like you went to a fancy bistro—without the reservation.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (about 6 ounces each, 1-inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced into wedges

How to Make It:

1. Pat tuna steaks dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Mix butter, lemon zest, parsley, and garlic in a small bowl.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Sear tuna steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust for desired doneness).
5. Place on plates. Immediately top with dollops of lemon herb butter. Serve with lemon wedges.

Optional Enhancers (choose 2):

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter for subtle warmth.

Serving Idea: Pair with crisp white wine and roasted asparagus for a quick, special meal.

2. Sesame Crusted Tuna Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

If you love a bit of texture and a nutty crunch, this take will hit the spot. The toasted sesame crust locks in the tuna’s juiciness and brings a sushi-house vibe to your table. Great for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Brush tuna steaks lightly with soy sauce.
2. Mix sesame seeds in a shallow dish, and press tuna into seeds to coat each side.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear tuna for 2-3 minutes per side, until the sesame is browned and the center is rare to medium-rare.
5. Slice and serve with extra soy sauce.

Meal Prep Tip: Slice leftovers over salads for an easy lunch the next day.

Best Pairings: Serve with rice and steamed edamame.

3. Chimichurri Grilled Tuna Steaks

Why You’ll Love It:

The punchy brightness of homemade chimichurri sauce wakes up the rich tuna. It’s a recipe to make when grilling season hits but just as doable indoors with a grill pan. Perfect for a quick weekend supper.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

How to Make It:

1. Pulse parsley, oregano, and garlic in a food processor. Add vinegar, chili flakes, olive oil, and salt; blend into a sauce.
2. Pat tuna dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Brush grill or grill pan with oil, and preheat to high.
4. Grill tuna for 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Serve with chimichurri spooned over the top.

Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lime to the chimichurri.

Serving Idea: Try piling the tuna in tortillas for fusion tacos.

4. Tuna Steak Niçoise Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a meal that feels both light and satisfying—a full classic French salad topped with just-seared tuna. It’s a one-bowl wonder for hot weather or anyone craving a healthy, beautiful plate.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 2 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup green beans, blanched
• 8 small boiled potatoes, halved
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
• 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Mix oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper for dressing.
2. Sear tuna steaks in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2 minutes per side.
3. Let rest, then slice.
4. Arrange greens, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, eggs, and olives in a big bowl.
5. Lay tuna slices on top; drizzle with dressing.

Swap This With That: Use canned tuna in a pinch for a budget-friendly version.

Meal Prep Tip: Prep veggies and dressing ahead to assemble quickly.

5. Spicy Cajun Tuna Steaks

Why You’ll Love It:

A hearty Cajun rub turns ordinary tuna into a bold, spicy centerpiece—great for those nights you want something exciting but not fussy. The crust forms fast, making each bite kicky and memorable.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish

How to Make It:

1. Pat tuna dry and rub with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear tuna for about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir mayonnaise, hot sauce, and pickle relish for dipping sauce.
5. Slice tuna and serve with remoulade.

Personal Note: This is my husband’s favorite with cornbread on the side.

Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lime right before serving for extra zing.

6. Soy Ginger Tuna Steaks

Why You’ll Love It:

Marinating the tuna in soy and ginger gives it a simple, crave-worthy umami. It’s fast enough for weeknights—just enough flavor but not too many steps.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 scallions, chopped

How to Make It:

1. Whisk together soy, ginger, garlic, honey, and sesame oil.
2. Marinate tuna steaks in mixture for 10-15 minutes.
3. Heat grill or pan over high. Sear tuna for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Slice and top with scallions.

Swap This With That: Use teriyaki instead of soy-honey for a sweeter twist.

Serving Idea: Serve over sushi rice for a donburi-style bowl.

7. Mediterranean Tuna Steak with Tomato-Olive Salsa

Why You’ll Love It:

Briny olives and juicy tomatoes really compliment tuna’s meaty texture, making this colorful plate feel like summer dinner in Greece—not complicated, just full of fresh flavor.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/4 small red onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for searing
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Toss tomatoes, olives, onion, basil, lemon juice, and olive oil with salt and pepper.
2. Pat tuna dry, season, and brush with olive oil.
3. Sear tuna steaks in hot skillet about 3 minutes per side.
4. Slice and top with salsa.

Flavor Boost: Add a bit of crumbled feta to salsa for tang.

Best Pairings: Serve with couscous and grilled vegetables.

8. Garlic Butter Tuna Steaks

Why You’ll Love It:

Anything bathed in garlic butter is bound to be delicious. This recipe brings steakhouse vibes to tuna—rich, buttery, but still light. It’s also fast, making it great for a rewarding end to a busy day.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear tuna steaks 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside.
3. Add butter and garlic to pan; let foam, then spoon over tuna.
4. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Best Pairings: Mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.

Flavor Boost: Finish with a splash of white wine in the sauce.

9. Wasabi Crusted Tuna Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This one’s for fans of a little heat. Wasabi powder mixed with panko makes a spicy-crisp exterior—fantastic for sushi lovers who want steak-style eating.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 19 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons wasabi powder
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon wasabi paste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt

How to Make It:

1. Beat egg white; coat tuna with it.
2. Stir wasabi powder into panko, press onto tuna all sides.
3. Heat skillet, add oil, and sear tuna over medium heat, 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Mix mayonnaise, wasabi paste, and lemon juice for sauce.
5. Slice tuna and serve drizzled with wasabi mayo.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcooking the tuna can make it dry—pull it when still pink inside.

Best Pairings: Serve with sushi rice or soba noodle salad.

10. Pineapple Teriyaki Tuna Steaks

Why You’ll Love It:

A tropical spin that brings sweet and savory together. The pineapple-tinged teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully on the seared tuna—a kid-friendly favorite in our house.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 4 slices fresh pineapple
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Chopped scallions

How to Make It:

1. Stir pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and ginger in a saucepan. Boil and reduce to thicken slightly.
2. Brush tuna with sauce and sear in an oiled skillet, 2-3 minutes per side, drizzling with extra sauce.
3. Sear pineapple slices in the same pan until golden.
4. Slice tuna and serve with pineapple and scallions.

Serving Idea: Wrap in lettuce leaves for fun, hand-held bites.

Flavor Boost: Add a dash of chili flakes to the sauce.

11. Black Pepper Crusted Tuna Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

If you love simple but bold flavors, this heavy-on-the-black-pepper approach lets the tuna shine. It’s a minimal-ingredient wonder that delivers steakhouse vibes every time.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons coarsely cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

How to Make It:

1. Press black pepper onto both sides of tuna.
2. Sear in hot skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Mix sour cream, horseradish, lemon for sauce.
4. Slice and serve with sauce.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers make great cold sandwiches with arugula.

Swap This With That: Use spicy brown mustard for an extra shot of heat.

12. Tuscan Tuna Steaks with White Beans

Why You’ll Love It:

Hearty and comforting, this Italian-inspired recipe lets you stretch tuna into a filling meal by serving it over creamy white beans with garlic and greens. It’s a favorite when you want something a little more rustic.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Sear tuna steaks in skillet with olive oil, 2-3 minutes per side; set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté garlic, beans, and tomatoes until warm; fold in spinach until wilted.
3. Spoon beans onto plates and top with sliced tuna.
4. Drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle with basil.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the beans.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Try frozen tuna loins instead of fresh.

13. Tuna Steak with Avocado Mango Salsa

Why You’ll Love It:

Nothing says warm weather quite like a juicy salsa. This recipe is bright and refreshing, and looks gorgeous even when you’re just eating at the coffee table.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 19 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 mango, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Mix avocado, mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for salsa.
2. Sear tuna steaks over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Slice tuna and plate, topped with salsa.

Personal Note: The kids love scooping the salsa with chips for an after-school snack.

Serving Idea: Serve alongside coconut rice for a tropical dinner.

14. Sticky Miso Glazed Tuna Steaks

Why You’ll Love It:

A salty-sweet miso glaze gives simple tuna a restaurant-style glow up. It gets caramelized and sticky in the pan but only takes a few minutes on the stove.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2 scallions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Whisk miso, mirin, soy, honey, and sesame oil into a glaze.
2. Brush onto tuna steaks.
3. Sear in hot skillet 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with more glaze.
4. Slice, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions.

Flavor Boost: Add a few drops of sriracha for heat in the glaze.

Kitchen Tip: Leftover glaze is great drizzled over rice bowls.

15. Tuna Steak Poke Bowl

Why You’ll Love It:

This builds on the poke craze but skips the sushi-grade fish requirement—just a quick sear and you have a bowl full of satisfying texture and flavor, no delivery needed.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 cups cooked sushi rice
• 1 small cucumber, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup shelled edamame
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Salt

How to Make It:

1. Rub tuna with soy sauce and sesame oil; sear for 1-2 minutes each side.
2. Cut into cubes.
3. Arrange rice in bowls.
4. Top with tuna cubes, cucumber, avocado, carrots, and edamame.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Best Pairings: Serve with miso soup and green tea.

Swap This With That: Try with brown rice or quinoa for more fiber.

16. Moroccan-Spiced Tuna Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

Spicing tuna with cumin and coriander feels a little out of the ordinary and really pays off with fragrance and flavor. Great for a date night or when you’re feeling like something adventurous.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt
• Lemon wedges
• 1 cup cooked couscous (for serving)

How to Make It:

1. Mix cumin, coriander, paprika, and salt; rub on tuna.
2. Sear tuna steaks in hot pan with oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Slice and serve with lemon and couscous.

Best Pairings: Roasted carrots and a yogurt sauce work perfectly.

Flavor Boost: Add chopped preserved lemon zest to the couscous.

17. Lemon Pepper Tuna Steak with Baby Arugula

Why You’ll Love It:

Cracked black pepper and tangy lemon wake up tuna’s mild flavor, and peppery arugula adds crunch. This is a lunch or light dinner you’ll want to make on repeat.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 2 radishes, thinly sliced
• Salt

How to Make It:

1. Pat tuna dry; rub with oil, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
2. Sear in skillet for 2-3 minutes each side.
3. Arrange arugula on plate, slice tuna, and lay over greens.
4. Garnish with radishes and lemon wedges.

Meal Prep Tip: Pack leftovers and arugula separately if prepping for lunch.

Swap This With That: Use baby spinach if you can’t find arugula.

18. Herb-Crusted Tuna Steak with Mustard Cream

Why You’ll Love It:

Coating tuna in fresh herbs gives an aromatic twist, and the quick mustard-spiked cream sauce adds a little luxury. It’s a surprisingly easy way to impress dinner guests.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

How to Make It:

1. Press herb mixture onto all sides of tuna.
2. Sear tuna steaks in oiled pan for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Mix sour cream, mustard, and lemon for sauce.
4. Slice tuna and serve drizzled with sauce.

Personal Note: I love bringing out the good plates for this one.

Serving Idea: Serve with new potatoes and steamed asparagus.

FAQ

How do I know when my tuna steak is done?

Tuna steaks are best served seared on the outside and still pink—rare to medium-rare—on the inside. Just 2–3 minutes per side over high heat is usually perfect for 1-inch thick steaks. If you prefer it more cooked, add another minute or two per side.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen tuna steak?

For food safety and best texture, thaw frozen tuna steaks overnight in the fridge. If you’re short on time, seal them in a zip-top bag and submerge in cold water for about 30–40 minutes (never use warm water).

Can I use these recipes with canned tuna?

Canned tuna works for salads and some bowls, but for seared steak recipes you really want a thick, fresh (or properly thawed) raw tuna steak. That’s what achieves the crisp sear and tender center.

How should I store leftover tuna steak?

Once cooked, let tuna steaks cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’re great cold in salads or sandwiches.

Conclusion

Having a handful of fresh and perfectly seared tuna steak recipes makes any night feel just a little more special. There’s no need to keep seared tuna for only big occasions—it can be a weeknight treat, a healthy meal-prep hero, or your show-off dish when friends stop by. The real beauty of tuna steak is how fast, easy, and versatile it is, especially with so many ways to switch up the flavors, sauces, and sides. Whether you’re going classic with just salt and pepper or venturing into bold spices and tropical salsas, you can’t really go wrong. Trust your senses, don’t overthink the sear, and enjoy making your kitchen (and your table) feel extra special—with tuna, all year round.