Best Tuna Steak Marinade Recipe | Zesty, Savory & Easy
There’s something about tuna steak that feels upscale yet so simple to prepare. After trying this marinade, I knew I had discovered a game-changer. It’s the perfect balance of zesty, savory, and sweet that takes tuna to a whole new level.
I usually whip this up when I’m looking to impress or craving something that feels fancy without much effort. You can explore our tasty Barbacoa Nachos Recipe for a quick and filling meal idea.
Ingredients for Tuna Steak Marinade Recipe
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of half a lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Note: This recipe serves about 4 tuna steaks. Adjust quantities for fewer or additional servings.
Variations to Try
Whether you want to customize the flavor or meet dietary needs, this marinade is flexible. Here are some tasty variations to try:
- Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different zesty profile.
- Sweetened Touch: Replace honey with maple syrup for a more subtle, natural sweetness.
- Spicier Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Herb Swap: Use dill or basil instead of parsley and cilantro for a fresher taste.
- Soy-Free: Replace black pepper with tamari for a soy-free, gluten-free version.
Explore our dinner recipes to discover flavorful meals that fit every occasion.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Marination Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Mixing bowl: For combining the marinade ingredients.
- Whisk: To blend the ingredients thoroughly.
- Ziploc bag or shallow dish: For marinating the tuna steaks evenly.
- Tongs: To handle the tuna steaks while cooking.
- Grill or skillet: To cook the steaks.
- Meat thermometer: To check if your tuna is at the perfect temperature.
How to Make Tuna Steak Marinade?
Tuna steaks are incredibly easy to prepare, especially with this quick and flavorful marinade. Follow this step-by-step guide to enhance your tuna.
Step 1: Create the marinade
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl – olive oil, honey, garlic, herbs, spices, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk them well until fully blended. The olive oil brings moisture, while the spices and herbs deliver a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the tuna.
Step 2: Marinate the tuna
Place your tuna steaks in a Ziploc bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring they’re fully coated on all sides. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Aim for no more than an hour as the acidity could start to break down the fish.
Step 3: Cook the tuna steaks
Remove the tuna from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat a grill, skillet, or broiler to medium-high heat. Grill the steaks for about 6-8 minutes on each side, flipping once.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center temperature reaches 90-95°F for a perfect medium-rare finish.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Once done cooking, rest the tuna steaks for 5 minutes. This step ensures juicy, flavorful steaks. Slice them up or serve whole with your favorite side dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This marinade is a game-changer for tuna lovers. Here’s why it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen:
- Quick Prep: Requires only five minutes to mix the ingredients.
- Bold Flavors: Combines zesty citrus, savory spices, and a touch of sweetness.
- Healthy Choice: Low in calories and packed with good fats.
- Versatile: Works with grilling, searing, or broiling techniques.
How to Serve Tuna Steak Marinade?
Presentation is everything when you’ve got perfectly marinated tuna. Here are some serving suggestions to make your dish a standout.
- Plate the tuna steak whole with a lemon wedge garnish.
- Add it atop a bright green salad with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Serve alongside steamed rice and grilled veggies for a hearty meal.
- Slice it into strips as a topping for noodle bowls or flatbread.
- Pair with a glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown of the marinade per serving (without the tuna):
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
Make Ahead and Storage
This tuna steak marinade is ideal for prepping ahead of time and storing.
- You can make the marinade up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If freezing, pour the marinade into a freezer-safe bag and lay it flat for easier thawing later.
- It can be frozen for up to three months. If marinating tuna, consume within three days of refrigerating or up to one month if frozen.
Looking for game-day snacks? Check out this Peach Pesto and Burrata Sandwich Recipe packed with flavor.
Tips for Making the Recipe
From my experience, a few little tweaks and tricks can make all the difference when preparing this marinade.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Don’t marinate too long to avoid overly acidic fish.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to high heat for a proper sear.
- Slice thinly for salads or bowls to make the tuna stretch further.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight if cooking frozen tuna steaks.
How Best to Cook Tuna Steak?
Tuna steak is at its best when cooked medium-rare over high heat. This ensures the outside is caramelized, while the inside remains a tender pink.
Grilling or pan-searing are the most popular methods for even cooking and great flavor. Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
What Tastes Good on Tuna?
Tuna pairs well with bright, tangy flavors and light textures. Think fresh herbs like dill or parsley, a touch of citrus juice, or a spicy aioli drizzle. For a heartier take, serve tuna steak with roasted potatoes or as a fish taco filling alongside a zesty slaw.
This tuna steak marinade is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for effortless, gourmet cooking. Try it once, and you’ll find new ways to serve and savor it!
Tuna Steak Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl – olive oil, honey, garlic, herbs, spices, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk them well until fully blended. The olive oil brings moisture, while the spices and herbs deliver a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the tuna.
- Place your tuna steaks in a Ziploc bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring they’re fully coated on all sides. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Aim for no more than an hour as the acidity could start to break down the fish.
- Remove the tuna from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat a grill, skillet, or broiler to medium-high heat. Grill the steaks for about 6-8 minutes on each side, flipping once. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center temperature reaches 90-95°F for a perfect medium-rare finish.
- Once done cooking, rest the tuna steaks for 5 minutes. This step ensures juicy, flavorful steaks. Slice them up or serve whole with your favorite side dishes.