Print

Perfectly Seared Tuna Steaks with Soy-Ginger Marinade

Two thick slices of perfectly seared tuna steak, showing a bright pink rare center and a dark, peppery crust.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make restaurant-quality tuna steaks at home with this quick soy-ginger marinade. This recipe focuses on searing tuna to perfection for a healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6-ounce) tuna steaks, about 1 inch thick
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon high-heat cooking oil (like avocado or canola)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a shallow dish. This creates your flavorful tuna steak marinade.
  2. Place the tuna steaks in the marinade, turning to coat both sides. Let the tuna marinate for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not marinate longer, as the soy sauce can begin to cure the fish.
  3. Remove the tuna steaks from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Season both sides of the steaks lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat the high-heat cooking oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron works well) over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. This step is key for a perfect sear.
  5. Carefully place the tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare (the preferred doneness for tuna steak). Adjust time based on your desired internal temperature.
  6. Remove the perfectly seared tuna steaks from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board for 3 minutes before slicing.
  7. Slice the tuna steaks against the grain and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a blackened tuna crust, mix 1 tablespoon of your favorite blackened seasoning into the dry seasoning step before searing.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute the cooking oil with garlic herb butter during the last minute of searing.
  • Serve these quick seafood meals with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete healthy fish dinner.

Nutrition