Easy and Flavorful Tuna Steak Bowl Recipe – Fresh, Healthy & Quick
I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this tuna steak bowl recipe with you! After making this dish for the first time, I was hooked. The vibrant flavors, the combination of seared tuna with fresh toppings, and the creamy, spicy sauce make it irresistible.
Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also the perfect mix of healthy and satisfying. If you’re into fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this is the dish for you. Also, quick and flavorful, the Rotisserie Chicken Crescent Roll Recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients for Tuna Steak Bowl Recipe
- 2 ahi tuna steaks
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For the Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- ½ small jalapeño, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- ½ tbsp chile lime seasoning
- ½ lime, juiced
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup lite mayo
- 2 tsp ketchup
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha
- ½ tsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked cilantro lime rice
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ⅔ cup cucumber, diced
- ⅔ cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp green onion, chopped
Note: The above quantities serve 2 people.
Variations to Try
This recipe is highly customizable to suit dietary preferences and flavor preferences. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Protein: Swap tuna for grilled shrimp, salmon, or chicken for a lean alternative. Or, go vegetarian with tofu or edamame marinated in the same flavorful mixture.
- Sauce: Use a store-bought spicy mayo if you’re in a pinch, or dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayo to make it vegan-friendly.
- Salsa: Substitute pineapple with mango for a tropical twist, or try a mix of both fruits. You could even omit the salsa and stick to fresh diced veggies.
- Rice: While cilantro lime rice adds a tangy kick, you can use brown rice, sushi rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Looking for more tasty dinner recipes, check out our full guide here
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Cast iron skillet: For perfectly searing the tuna steaks.
- Rubber spatula: To handle delicate flipping without damaging the fish.
- Whisk: To mix the marinade and sauce smoothly.
- Knife: For dicing, slicing, and precision cuts.
- Cutting board: To prepare all the fresh ingredients.
- Mixing bowls: For the marinade, salsa, and sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
How to Make Tuna Steak Bowl Recipes?
Creating a tuna steak bowl is easier than it seems! Each step is simple and brings you closer to a fantastic meal.
Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice
Start by cooking your choice of rice and mixing in lime juice and chopped cilantro for a fresh, citrusy base. This bright rice ties the whole dish together and is incredibly fragrant. Set it aside while you prepare the toppings and tuna.

Marinate the Ahi Tuna
Place the tuna steaks in a plastic bag or shallow dish. Combine soy sauce, lime juice, and dijon mustard in a bowl or jar, whisking until the marinade is blended.
Pour it over the tuna and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures the fish absorbs all those delicious flavors!

Sear the Tuna
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Remove the tuna from the marinade, coating it lightly in sesame seeds.
When the oil begins to shimmer, sear the tuna on each side for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The middle should stay pink for the best texture. Allow it to rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
Make the Pineapple Salsa
Combine diced pineapple, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and chile lime seasoning in a bowl. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning. The combination of sweet, spicy, and acidic flavors gives the dish a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the savory tuna.
Whisk the Sauce
Mix Greek yogurt, lite mayo, sriracha, rice vinegar, and seasonings in a small bowl until smooth. If you prefer an extra kick, add a bit more sriracha. This creamy dressing adds the final touch to the bowl. Set it aside until ready to assemble.
Assemble the Bowl
Now for the fun part! Layer the cilantro lime rice at the bottom, then top it with diced bell peppers, cucumbers, pineapple salsa, and avocado slices. Add your seared tuna slices and drizzle the spicy sauce on top. Garnish with green onion for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe has so much to offer!
- Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- A healthy, protein-packed, and well-balanced dish.
- Easy to switch up ingredients for your dietary needs.
- Tastes just as good as your favorite sushi bowl from a restaurant.
- Beautifully colorful and visually exciting for meal preps or gatherings.
How to Serve Tuna Steak Bowl Recipes?
For ultimate presentation, use a wide, shallow bowl to display the layers of ingredients. Arrange the sliced tuna in a fan shape over the rice while keeping the colorful toppings in neat sections.
Drizzle the sauce in a zig-zag pattern and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or extra green onions. This dish is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Learn step by step how to prepare a Rotisserie Chicken Fajitas Recipe.
Nutritional Information
This bowl is both nutritious and satisfying! For one serving, here’s what you’re getting:
- Calories: 671
- Protein: 56 g
- Carbohydrates: 69 g
- Fat: 29 g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe can be easily prepared ahead of time, making it great for meal prep. The salsa, sauce, and rice can be stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days.
If you plan to store the tuna, keep it in an airtight container, but note that seared fish is best eaten fresh. To prevent avocado from browning, slice it fresh when serving. Leftovers should not be frozen, as the texture and flavors may change.
Tips for Making the Recipe
From my experience, here are a few tricks to ensure your tuna steak bowl turns out perfectly:
- Use sushi-grade tuna for the best flavor and safety when searing lightly.
- Double the sauce recipe; it’s so good, you’ll want extra for other meals too!
- Don’t overcook the tuna. Keep the center rare for the most succulent texture.
- Assemble the bowl just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
- Experiment with the toppings! I added some shredded carrots and it added a nice crunch.
Your homemade tuna steak bowl is now ready to enjoy. Packed with flavor, texture, and color, it’s proof that restaurant-quality meals can be made right in your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite!

Tuna Steak Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by cooking your choice of rice and mixing in lime juice and chopped cilantro for a fresh, citrusy base. This bright rice ties the whole dish together and is incredibly fragrant. Set it aside while you prepare the toppings and tuna.
- Place the tuna steaks in a plastic bag or shallow dish. Combine soy sauce, lime juice, and dijon mustard in a bowl or jar, whisking until the marinade is blended. Pour it over the tuna and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures the fish absorbs all those delicious flavors!
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Remove the tuna from the marinade, coating it lightly in sesame seeds. When the oil begins to shimmer, sear the tuna on each side for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The middle should stay pink for the best texture. Allow it to rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Combine diced pineapple, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and chile lime seasoning in a bowl. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning. The combination of sweet, spicy, and acidic flavors gives the dish a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the savory tuna.
- Mix Greek yogurt, lite mayo, sriracha, rice vinegar, and seasonings in a small bowl until smooth. If you prefer an extra kick, add a bit more sriracha. This creamy dressing adds the final touch to the bowl. Set it aside until ready to assemble.
- Now for the fun part! Layer the cilantro lime rice at the bottom, then top it with diced bell peppers, cucumbers, pineapple salsa, and avocado slices. Add your seared tuna slices and drizzle the spicy sauce on top. Garnish with green onion for a fresh, vibrant finish.