Mediterranean-style, extra-juicy tuna steaks — effortlessly grilled and perfect for feeding a crowd. Thanks to a simple marinade and a few grilling secrets, they turn out tender and flavor-packed every single time. Use fresh or thawed frozen tuna steaks — both work beautifully.
Today we’re grilling tuna — juicy, smoky, and so ridiculously easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it sooner. No fuss, no fancy kit, just a few little tricks and a hot grill. Works beautifully with fresh or frozen (just thaw first) tuna steaks. Let’s get to it.
ALSO: CHECK OUT MY easy RECIPE for Greek-style Mackerel Fillets (Grilled) or this easy peasy Mediterranean Bluefish Recipe (Grilled).
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Juice of one lemon – for marinate
- Olive oil, extra virgin – for marinate
- Fresh basil, chopped – for marinate
- Honey, optional for marinate – but it adds that touch of sweetness you do not want to miss
- Salt & black pepper to taste – for marinate
- 4 steaks tuna fish (thawed or freshly caught), about 4 oz. each,
- Onion, for running through the grill before tuna, cut in half
- Olive oil – for brushing grill with
TIPS: HOW TO COOK TENDER TUNA STEAKS on the grill?
- There’s one golden rule for juicy tuna steaks: marinate, then marinate some more. Technically just one step — but it’s that important. A good soak before grilling makes all the difference.
- Another key detail? Cooking time. Overdo it, and you’re left with dry, tough tuna that even your cat might turn its nose up at. If the centre still looks fresh and slightly pink, you’re golden — it’s ready to serve.
- A clever trick from my father-in-law: as soon as the steaks come off the grill, he pops them into a glass dish with a lid. This way, all those lovely juices stay put instead of evaporating into the air — leaving you with even more tender, flavour-packed steaks. Genius (and delicious).
SUSTAINBILITY OF TUNA
Tuna species are found throughout the world’s oceans. Fisheries are managed globally by five regional fishery management organizations. If you are interested in the Tuna Conservation efforts read on here- the PEW’s Tuna Preservation projects. Another place to take a peak is this article on robust tuna fish stocks by the NFI.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH GRILLED TUNA STEAK?
There are many things that go well with grilled tuna steaks, however here are some of my family’s preferred side dished:
Juicy Grilled Tuna Steaks
Ingredients
Marinate
- Juice of one lemon
- 4-6 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tbsp fresh basil minced
- 1 tbsp honey optional
- Salt & black cayenne pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine ingredients for marinate. Then coat tuna fillets (previously thawed or freshly caught) on each side and refrigerate for approx. 30 minutes (cover with a plate or foil).
- Preheat grill (mine is a city portable grill) and run the half onion across grill plate to coat it – let smoke ’escape’. Then, coat grill with olive oil (generously). Reduce heat to medium-high.
- Place each fillet on the grill and turn around every 2-3 minutes. Check inside of tuna steak – if pink and tender – remove from grill and place in a glass casserole with lid. Using my grill (medium heat) tuna steaks are done in between 8-12 minutes.
- Next, let cooked tuna steaks sit for 10-15 min in the glass casserole with lid on. That adds additional tenderness. Then serve with a favorite side dish.
Notes
Nutrition
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