Grilled Tuna Steaks with Lemon Herb Marinade
In short: Tuna steaks marinated for 20 minutes in lemon, garlic and herbs, then grilled hot and fast. Includes cues for medium and fully cooked tuna. It takes about 18 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 8 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 18 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 225 kcal
Tuna behaves more like a steak than a fish: it takes high heat, a short cook and a rest before slicing. A quick marinade of lemon, garlic, oregano and olive oil adds flavor without turning the flesh mushy. Aim to take the steaks off while the center is still pink and juicy, or cook them through if that is what you or your guests need. Either way, do not walk away from the grill.
Instructions
- Whisk the oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Add the tuna, turn to coat and marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes, no longer.
- Heat a grill or ridged grill pan to high, about 230°C (450°F). Clean the grate and oil it lightly with a folded paper towel held in tongs.
- Lift the tuna out of the marinade, shake off the excess and discard the leftover marinade.
- Grill the steaks for 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare with a pink center, or 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium. For fully cooked tuna, grill 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the center reads 63°C (145°F).
- Rest the tuna for 3 minutes on a plate. Slice it or serve it whole with lemon wedges.
Tips
- Marinate for 20 minutes at most. Longer in acid turns the surface of the fish mealy.
- Serve with a salad of tomatoes and olives, or with warm white beans, to balance the lean, meaty fish.
Questions and answers
How do I know when grilled tuna is done?
For medium-rare, the outside is browned and the center is still deep pink and warm. The safe doneness is 63°C (145°F), when the flesh turns opaque and flakes.
Is it safe to eat tuna medium-rare?
Fresh, well-handled tuna is commonly eaten medium-rare by healthy adults. Children, pregnant women, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system should eat it cooked to 63°C (145°F).
Can I use canned tuna instead of steaks?
Not for grilling. Canned tuna works best in melts, patties, pasta and salads.
How long does it take to make Grilled Tuna Steaks with Lemon Herb Marinade?
About 18 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 8 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Grilled Tuna Steaks with Lemon Herb Marinade?
About 225 kcal per serving, with 41 g of protein, 1 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 225 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 41 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
