Go Back
+ servings
Seared tuna steak with sesame seeds – Perfectly cooked tuna steak with a golden crust, garnished with sesame seeds and lemon.
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Tuna Steak

This easy Tuna Steak Recipe is ready in just 5 minutes. Packed with protein and low in carbs, seared tuna is perfect as a healthy weeknight dinner or a last-minute dish to impress family and guests.
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Clean eating, Gluten-free, High Protein, Keto, Low calorie, Low carb, Low fat
Keyword: tuna
Servings: 2 steaks

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tuna steaks about 6 oz (170 g) and 1 inch thick
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • lemon juice optional

Instructions

  • Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. Brush lightly with olive oil on both sides, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Use a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat over high heat until it’s smoking hot, without greasing the skillet with oil—this helps create a perfect crust.
  • Place the tuna steaks in the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes per side. The outside should be golden brown while the inside remains pink and rare–avoid overcooking or they will get dry.
    Raw tuna steak in a pan – Fresh ahi tuna steaks in a non-stick pan, ready to be seared for a quick and healthy meal.
  • Remove from the pan and let rest for a minute before serving. Enjoy immediately, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Storage Directions
  • To store: Store leftover tuna steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking.
  • To freeze: After cooking, let the tuna steak cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm briefly in a skillet.
Recipe Tips
  • Use a HOT skillet – A smoking hot pan creates a perfect sear while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
  • Don’t overcook – Tuna is best rare to medium-rare; cooking too long makes it dry and chewy. Remove from heat early, as it continues cooking off the pan.
  • Season simply or get creative – Tuna tastes great with just salt and pepper, but you can spice it up it with marinades, sesame crusts, or Cajun spices for variety.
  • Choose the right tuna – Ahi (Yellowfin) is the most common choice, but Bigeye and Bluefin are great too.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 tuna steak | Calories: 306.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Protein: 39.7g | Fat: 15.3g | Saturated Fat: 3.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7.8g | Cholesterol: 64.6mg | Sodium: 66.4mg | Potassium: 428.5mg | Vitamin A: 3711.1IU | Calcium: 13.7mg | Iron: 1.8mg