Description
This Seared Tuna Steaks recipe features tender, perfectly seared tuna paired with a zesty lemon, caper, and parsley butter sauce. Quick to prepare and richly flavorful, it offers a light yet satisfying Mediterranean-inspired main course that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Tuna Steaks
- 2 fresh tuna steaks (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon, Caper, and Parsley Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Tuna: Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Tuna: Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the tuna steaks and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side if you prefer rare tuna, or up to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. This quick cooking keeps the tuna tender and juicy.
- Rest the Tuna: Remove the tuna steaks from the pan and set them aside to rest, allowing the juices to redistribute for optimal texture.
- Prepare the Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same pan. Once the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant to infuse the butter with garlic aroma.
- Add Capers and Lemon: Stir in the drained capers, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, blending all the flavors. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1 minute to slightly reduce and meld the ingredients.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley to add a bright, fresh note to the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the tuna steaks and generously spoon the warm lemon, caper, and parsley butter over the top. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Tuna is best served rare to medium-rare to preserve its tenderness and flavor.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a light salad.
- Use a heavy skillet, such as cast iron, for the best sear.
- Ensure the tuna steaks are fresh and at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak with sauce
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
