A summer evening at our house means the grill gets more action than the stove, and when tuna steaks are on the menu, everyone perks up. I still remember the first time I splurged on those thick, blush-pink tuna steaks at the fish market—hoping I wouldn’t overdo them. Tossing them on the hot grill, with a citrusy marinade perfuming the air, felt like a tiny vacation on the patio. Now, grilled tuna steak recipes are my go-to for crowd-pleasing summer meals, whether it’s a quiet date night or a family BBQ where the kids pinch tastes straight off the platter.
Grilled Lemon-Garlic Tuna Steaks
Why You’ll Love It:
Nothing says summer like the zing of fresh lemon and garlic sizzling on smoky tuna. This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver—quick marinade, super quick cook, and totally impressive for those last-minute guests or just for treating yourself on the deck.
Serving size: Serves 2.
Prep Time: 10 minutes.
Cook Time: 8 minutes.
Total Time: 18 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tuna steaks (about 6 oz each, 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
How to Make It:
- Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
- Rub the marinade all over both sides of the tuna steaks and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to high.
- Grill tuna for about 3–4 minutes per side, leaving the center just pink.
- Plate, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Flavor Boost: Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and extra lemon zest right after grilling.
Chili-Lime Grilled Tuna Steaks
Why You’ll Love It:
This one is for spicy food fans. The chili-lime combo cuts through the richness of the tuna and just begs for an ice-cold beer on the side. It’s quick to throw together for those nights when you want a little extra kick.
Serving size: Serves 4.
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 6 minutes.
Total Time: 21 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 red chili, sliced thin (optional)
How to Make It:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, lime juice, honey, salt, and paprika.
- Rub the tuna with the mixture and let marinate while the grill heats to medium-high.
- Grill tuna for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Serve garnished with cilantro and extra lime.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook—the tuna dries out, so keep it rare in the center.
Sesame-Crusted Grilled Tuna Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
If you love sushi, this sesame-crusted tuna is for you. The nutty crunch pairs with the meaty, just-rare middle. This is a showstopper for dinner parties but easy enough for a Tuesday.
Serving size: Serves 2.
Prep Time: 12 minutes.
Cook Time: 6 minutes.
Total Time: 18 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
- ¼ cup sesame seeds (mix of black and white)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sliced green onion
How to Make It:
- Brush both sides of the tuna with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Press the tuna into sesame seeds, creating an even coating on both sides.
- Preheat grill to high.
- Grill steaks for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Slice and sprinkle with green onion.
Serving Idea: Set out wasabi, pickled ginger, and rice as a sushi-inspired platter.
Tuscan Herb Grilled Tuna Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
This is like taking your palate to the coast of Italy. Fresh rosemary, a splash of balsamic, and garlic call for a glass of crisp white wine. Perfect for alfresco dinners under the fairy lights.
Serving size: Serves 4.
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 10 minutes.
Total Time: 30 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make It:
- Mix olive oil, herbs, garlic, balsamic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat tuna and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Grill 5 minutes per side.
- Rest 2 minutes before slicing.
Best Pairings: Serve with grilled vegetables, a slice of focaccia, and a mixed green salad.
Mediterranean Grilled Tuna Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
Loaded with tomatoes, olives, and capers, this tuna steak tastes like a short trip to a seaside taverna. The colorful toppings make it totally dinner-party worthy.
Serving size: Serves 2.
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 8 minutes.
Total Time: 23 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make It:
- Toss tomatoes, olives, onion, capers, basil, and lemon juice in olive oil.
- Pat tuna dry, then oil lightly and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill tuna over medium-high for 4 minutes per side.
- Top with tomato-olive mixture and serve.
Meal Prep Tip: Make the topping ahead and chill; just grill the tuna fresh.
Grilled Tuna Niçoise Platter
Why You’ll Love It:
Everything you love about a Niçoise salad, but with smoky, grilled tuna at the center. Toss on the veggies and eggs too—makes a glorious summer feast.
Serving size: Serves 4.
Prep Time: 30 minutes.
Cook Time: 12 minutes.
Total Time: 42 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 12 baby potatoes, halved
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pitted black olives
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Boil potatoes until just tender; toss with olive oil and season.
- Blanch green beans, cool, and set aside.
- Boil eggs 9 minutes, peel, and halve.
- Brush tuna with oil, season, and grill 3–4 minutes per side.
- Arrange all components on a large platter.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for vinaigrette; drizzle over the top.
Serving Idea: Build as a DIY-mix platter so people can assemble their own plates.
Soy-Ginger Grilled Tuna Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
This is my rainy-day solution when I want something Asian-inspired but effortless. That marinade gives a sweet-salty punch, and leftovers work wonders in a rice bowl the next day.
Serving size: Serves 2.
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 7 minutes.
Total Time: 22 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make It:
- Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and pepper to make a marinade.
- Marinate tuna for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat grill to high.
- Grill each side for 3–4 minutes.
- Top with green onions and serve.
Swap This With That: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
Miso-Marinated Grilled Tuna Steaks
Why You’ll Love It:
Miso adds umami depth in no time. This is the dish I crave when I want something fancy-ish without the fuss. Great with sticky rice and quick-pickled cucumbers.
Serving size: Serves 4.
Prep Time: 10 minutes.
Cook Time: 10 minutes.
Total Time: 20 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- ½ cucumber, sliced
How to Make It:
- Stir together miso paste, vinegar, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and sugar.
- Spread over both sides of tuna and marinate 10 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Grill 5 minutes per side.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with rice and cucumber.
Flavor Boost: Brush extra marinade on during the last minute of grilling.
Grilled Tuna Steak Tacos with Mango Salsa
Why You’ll Love It:
Tuna tacos are the hero of any casual gathering. The mango salsa sets off the savory fish, and everyone can build their own. Great for kids, friends, and sunny afternoons.
Serving size: Serves 4.
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 10 minutes.
Total Time: 30 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 tuna steaks (5 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup mango, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
How to Make It:
- Mix oil, cumin, chili powder, and salt; rub onto tuna.
- Grill tuna for 4–5 minutes per side, then rest 2 minutes and slice into chunks.
- Combine mango, onion, cilantro, and lime juice for salsa.
- Warm tortillas, fill with tuna, salsa, and cabbage.
- Serve with extra lime.
Meal Prep Tip: Make the salsa ahead and keep chilled until serving.
Cajun-Spiced Grilled Tuna Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
All the flavors of a Southern grill fest—smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, and garlic. This spicy steak is bold enough to hold its own at any cookout.
Serving size: Serves 2.
Prep Time: 8 minutes.
Cook Time: 8 minutes.
Total Time: 16 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tuna steaks (7 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 green onions, sliced
How to Make It:
- Brush tuna with oil.
- Combine spices in a small bowl; pat onto fish on all sides.
- Heat grill to high.
- Cook 4 minutes per side.
- Slice and top with green onion.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Make your own Cajun spice blend with pantry staples.
Grilled Tuna Steak with Avocado Chimichurri
Why You’ll Love It:
Herby chimichurri brightened by creamy avocado is a game changer. This fresh sauce makes a simple tuna steak taste restaurant-level and takes minutes to throw together.
Serving size: Serves 2.
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 8 minutes.
Total Time: 23 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chimichurri)
- Juice of ½ lime
How to Make It:
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Rub tuna with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill for 4 minutes per side.
- Mix avocado, parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Slice tuna and top with chimichurri.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chimichurri.
Honey-Dijon Grilled Tuna Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
I have used this sweet-tangy glaze for just about every protein, but tuna makes it shine. It’s mild enough for picky eaters and great for meal-prep lunches.
Serving size: Serves 2.
Prep Time: 7 minutes.
Cook Time: 8 minutes.
Total Time: 15 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
How to Make It:
- Stir together olive oil, Dijon, honey, lemon juice, thyme, and salt.
- Brush all over tuna.
- Grill for 4 minutes per side over medium-high.
- Serve hot, tilting the steaks to catch the glaze.
Best Pairings: Roasted carrots, quinoa, and a crisp apple slaw.
Pesto Grilled Tuna Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
Bright herby pesto melts into the hot tuna, infusing it with flavor. I love this for a late summer dinner with ripe tomatoes and good bread.
Serving size: Serves 4.
Prep Time: 8 minutes.
Cook Time: 8 minutes.
Total Time: 16 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 tuna steaks (5–6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup fresh basil pesto
- Salt and pepper
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 4 slices rustic bread
How to Make It:
- Brush tuna steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill for 4 minutes per side.
- Top each steak with a generous spoonful of pesto.
- Serve with tomato slices and toasted bread.
Personal Note: My kids dip their bread in the tomato-y pesto juices for every last flavor.
Grilled Tuna Steak with Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Why You’ll Love It:
Tuna loves a hearty, zesty salsa. This southwestern-style dish is a full meal on its own and is a fun way to get more veggies onto the plate in summer.
Serving size: Serves 2.
Prep Time: 18 minutes.
Cook Time: 8 minutes.
Total Time: 26 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- ¾ cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed)
- ¾ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
How to Make It:
- Rub tuna with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill for 4 minutes per side.
- Combine corn, black beans, red pepper, onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Top tuna with salsa and serve.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Overmixing the salsa can make it mushy—gently fold just until combined.
Lemon-Dill Grilled Tuna Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
This is the fresh, light version you’ll crave when it’s too hot for anything heavy. Dill and lemon give a picnic vibe, and it’s great sliced over salad greens.
Serving size: Serves 2.
Prep Time: 8 minutes.
Cook Time: 8 minutes.
Total Time: 16 minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed salad greens
How to Make It:
- Whisk olive oil, dill, lemon zest, juice, and salt.
- Brush over both sides of tuna.
- Grill tuna 4 minutes per side.
- Serve sliced over greens.
Best Pairings: New potato salad and a tangy yogurt dressing.
FAQ
How do you keep tuna steaks from drying out on the grill?
Tuna is best cooked quickly over high heat and served medium-rare to rare. Overcooking is the most common mistake, so pull them off while the center is still pink and let them rest for a minute before serving.
Can I use frozen tuna steaks for these grilled tuna steak recipes?
Yes, as long as you fully thaw them in the refrigerator first and pat them very dry. Just be aware flavors may be slightly milder than fresh.
Should you marinate tuna steaks before grilling?
Even a short 10–15 minutes marinade will boost both tenderness and flavor. Don’t marinate for hours; the acid can start to “cook” the fish.
What are the best sauces to serve with grilled tuna steak?
Fresh salsas, herb pestos, chimichurri, or simple soy-based drizzles all taste great with tuna. You can also keep it classic with lemon wedges and a pinch of sea salt.
Conclusion
Grilled tuna steak recipes truly capture the ease and flavor of summer meals—fast, unfussy, and always a bit special. Whether you’re craving zesty, herby, spicy, or sweet, there’s a tuna steak here for every mood and moment. The beauty of tuna is how it soaks up bold flavors yet still lets its rich taste shine. Now you’ve got 12+ ways to keep dinner exciting, healthy, and grill-friendly—whenever you find good tuna at the market. Just trust your instincts, don’t fear a little pink in the center, and keep trying new toppings and sides. There’s no wrong way to make grilled tuna the highlight of your summer table.
