How to Cook Tuna Steaks

Tuna steaks are a great alternative to other seafoods and beef steaks. They can be cooked very rare and served in a variety of styles. Depending on your preference or convenience, you can grill or pan-sear a tuna steak, both with outstanding results.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tuna steak
• Grill or pan
• Flavoring ingredients of choice
• Oil

1. Decide on your method of cooking. Tuna steaks can be either grilled or pan-seared and both come out great. If you are grilling, you need to be sure to grill on high heat.

2. Decide on your flavors. Tuna steaks go well with Asian flavors such as teriyaki or sesame. If you like, a simple marinade for a tuna steak might consist of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, teriyaki and some sesame oil or sesame seeds.

3. If grilling, preheat the grill to a high temperature. If using a gas grill, turn it on to high and close the lid to allow the grates to get extremely hot. Be sure to oil the tuna or the grill before putting it on. If using a charcoal grill, either cook it over a preheated grate on direct heat, or you can cook a tuna steak directly over a charcoal chimney. To do this, light charcoal in a chimney until the coals are burning, then place grilling grate or similar rack directly over the chimney. Again, allow the grate to preheat to help avoid sticking, and to sear most efficiently. When grilling over high heat, a total cooking time of four minutes will result in a rare tuna steak. You can cook for two minutes per side, or allow two and one-half minutes on one side and one and one-half minutes on the other. If you prefer your tuna steak more done, simply leave it on longer.

4. If pan-searing your tuna steak, follow the same instructions as grilling, but with a hot pan. Preheat your pan and add oil when hot, or liberally oil the steak. The same cooking times as Step 3 apply.

5. Serve tuna steak either as a main course in steak form, or sliced thinly as an appetizer. Slices can also be added to a salad. Tuna does not have to be served warm, as many people prefer it at room temperature or cool.

Tips & Warnings

• Asian flavors work very well with tuna steaks, such as teriyaki.
• Sliced ginger and wasabi are often used as condiments for tuna.
• Use extreme caution when handling a charcoal chimney, as they get very hot.

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[jlavelle15]

on 11/17/2009 I am reading a lot about cooking tuna steak quickly and leaving it pink in the middle. What about food borne illness concerns, worms, and other concerns with undercooked fish?

[aimeedachef]

on 2/17/2009 There are not many unforgiveable sins other than "Overcookiing" Tuna...or over mariadating. I have nothing against a nice dipping sauce being served with it, but please PEOPLE allow the Tuna to speak for itself. A bit of salt and pepper on each side than a quick pan sear...YES it is simple...but sometimes simple is all soooo good!! I've often find that cooks, professionals and home cooks alike tend to complicate things. We always feel we need to be busy in the kitchen. Just devote a very few minutes on the Tuna...the rest of the time, you can make a salad if you need to be kept busy =) Good and Safe cooking to all ~A~imee

[aimeedachef]

on 2/17/2009 There are no many unforgiveable sins other than "Overcookiing" Tuna...or over mariadating. I have nothing against a nice dipping sauce being served with it, but please PEOPLE allow the Tuna to speak for itself. A bit of salt and pepper on each side than a quick pan sear...YES it is simple...but sometimes simple is all soooo good!! I've often find that cooks, professionals and home cooks alike tend to complicate things. We always feel we need to be busy in the kitchen. Just devote a very few minutes on the Tuna...the rest of the time, you can make a salad if you need to be kept busy =) Good and Safe cooking to all ~A~imee