Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for this grilled tuna steak recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Tuna Steak:
Tuna steak recipes can work with several types of tuna, including ahi tuna (yellowfin), albacore, bluefin, and bigeye. Ahi and albacore tuna are the most commonly used for grilling because they have a firm texture and mild flavor that holds up well on the grill. Bluefin tuna has a rich, buttery flavor and a high fat content, while bigeye tuna is slightly milder in taste and has a slightly softer texture. Look for a bright color and firm texture, as this indicates that the fish is fresh and will hold up well on the grill.
Tuna Steak Marinade:
Coconut Aminos – I use this as an alternative to soy sauce, but you could also use low sodium soy sauce for this recipe. Sesame Oil – Sesame oil pairs well with the other flavors in this dish, but if you don’t have any, you can use olive oil or another neutral oil of choice. Garlic – Fresh minced garlic will give your tuna steak marinade the best flavor, but you could use 1 1/2 teaspoons of jarred minced garlic for convenience if you prefer. Fresh Ginger – Delivers a unique, slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the marinade. Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness. I prefer to use zero sugar honey, but regular also works. Sea Salt & Black Pepper Red Pepper Flakes – For a touch of heat and spice! You can substitute with cayenne pepper or chili powder if you like.
How To Grill Tuna Steaks
This section shows how to make tuna steak on the grill, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
How Long To Grill A Tuna Steak?
Grill tuna steaks for 2-4 minutes per side (2-3 minutes for 1 inch thick or 3-4 minutes for 1.5 inch thick), or until they reach an internal temperature of 125 degrees F.
Storage Instructions
Store: Wrap grilled tuna steak tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It should keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat: Tuna cooks quickly, so to reduce the chance of overcooking, bring it to room temperature before reheating. Then, you can reheat on the grill, in the oven at 350 degrees F, or on the stovetop over medium heat. It’s easy to overcook when reheating, so I prefer to just serve leftovers cold over an ahi tuna salad or in a Hawaiian poke bowl instead.
Can You Freeze Tuna Steaks?
Yes, tuna steaks can freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Now that you know how to grill tuna steak, let’s dive into some tips for achieving the perfect sear and flavor on your grilled tuna.
Don’t marinate for too long. Normally I don’t recommend marinating fish for longer than 30 minutes (after that it can turn into ceviche from acids in the marinade), but this marinade doesn’t have any acidic ingredients, so up to 2 hours is okay. Grill properly. To avoid the steaks falling apart or sticking, make sure the grill grates are well oiled, preheat the grill for at least 10 minutes, and don’t flip the fish until it easily releases from the grill. Avoid overcooking. Tuna steaks are ideal with a rare or medium-rare inside (red or pink in the center). Otherwise they will be dry and lose flavor. Use a thermometer. For best results, use a regular or probe meat thermometer to check for doneness. The ideal internal temp to remove from heat is 125 degrees F. Let rest. Because the heat causes juices to squeeze out of the fish, allowing it to rest for a few minutes after grilling allows the fish to reabsorb some of the juices that were lost.
What To Serve With Tuna Steak Recipes
Now that you have your tuna steak, it’s time to think about what to serve with it. These sides will complement the flavors of your tuna steak and make your meal complete:
Grilled sides – While you have your grill going, you might as well make some grilled asparagus, tender grilled broccoli, or even grilled eggplant. Barbecue sides – Pair this grilled tuna steak recipe with some easy BBQ sides, like coleslaw, creamy cauliflower potato salad (or roasted cauliflower salad), or a simple cucumber tomato salad. Rice – You can’t go wrong with a side of rice. For a lighter side, try cauliflower rice. Salads – Try fresh favorites like grilled peach salad, leafy mango salad, or Asian-inspired smashed cucumber salad.
More Grilled Seafood Recipes
Check out these easy fish and seafood recipes that will take your grilling to the next level: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info uses sugar free honey, but regular works, too.
