How to Saute Fresh Tuna

Tuna, unlike most fish, is often cooked in the form of steaks.

Fresh tuna meat is very firm compared to most fish, which allows it to be prepared in a great variety of styles, from sashimi to sandwiches, soups and sautees. If the meat is fresh, you can even eat tuna steaks rare. Sautéing fresh tuna -- frying it in oil or butter -- is a simple, flavorful and versatile preparation method. Sautéed tuna is delicious either on its own or as the main element of a more complex dish, such as Epicurious.com's Tuna Steak Marchand de Vin. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh tuna
• Olive oil
• Knife
• Skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cut the tuna into steaks 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. Trim any skin, bones or unwanted fat with a sharp knife.

2. Season the tuna steaks lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Heat 1 or 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan.

4. Sauté the tuna steaks over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes.

5. Turn the tuna to brown the other sides. Cook 1 to 2 minutes for rare tuna steaks or 3 to 4 minutes for well-done. Serve hot.

Tips & Warnings

• Sauté the tuna along with onions, garlic, chives or herbs like tarragon, parsley, basil or oregano for added flavor.

• Epicurious.com suggests a red wine reduction as an accompaniment to tuna steaks.

References

• Epicurious.com: Tuna Steak Marchand de Vin