Tuna steaks tend to hold up well on the grill, and are naturally rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats, according to the National Institutes of Health, and this keeps them from drying out on high heat. A seared tuna steak is a bit different than the canned tuna everyone is used to. For one thing: it comes in a whole, beautiful raw steak that holds its form much easier than other kinds of fish, which may tend to flake apart. For another thing: it is usually cooked medium-rare: seared on the outside, red on the inside. It actually looks very similar to a beef steak in this regard. It. Is. AMAZING.

Why choose Ahi Tuna?

Ahi tuna is type of tuna that is divided into two different species: yellowfin and bigeye. And it’s often cheaper than bluefin tuna, with a very similar flavor profile and texture. You can usually find it frozen at Trader Joe’s or your local grocery store for very inexpensive. Tuna steaks are usually served seared on the outside and raw on the inside. Look up any seared ahi tuna recipe and you will see that it is almost always cooked this way. If you order it a restaurant, it’s bound to be cooked medium-rare as well.

How to make Seared Tuna Steaks

Ingredients

• 2 tuna steaks (about 5 oz each)
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp black sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat a grill to medium-high.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat tuna steaks dry with a paper towel and place them in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steaks, making sure they are evenly coated. Marinate for about 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour.
4. Remove tuna steaks from marinade and place directly on the grill (discard marinade). Grill for about 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.
5. Transfer tuna steaks to a serving dish and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.