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Perfect Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks with Garlic Herb Butter

Close-up of a perfectly seared tuna steak, cut in half, showing a rare pink center and a dark herb crust, resting in a pool of yellow sauce.
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Make restaurant-quality tuna steaks at home. This recipe shows you how to get a perfect sear on ahi tuna, finishing it with a simple, rich garlic herb butter for an easy, healthy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6-ounce) ahi tuna steaks, about 1 inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the tuna steaks completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet, like cast iron, over high heat until it just begins to smoke. This high heat is key for a good sear.
  3. Carefully place the tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare. Do not move the steaks while searing.
  4. Remove the tuna steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to rest.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic, parsley, and thyme. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Spoon the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the rested tuna steaks.
  7. Slice the tuna against the grain and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a blackened tuna steak finish, mix the salt and pepper with 1 teaspoon of paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper before seasoning the steaks.
  • If you prefer a soy-ginger marinade, marinate the steaks for 15 minutes before patting them dry and searing.
  • To achieve a restaurant-style sear, use a very hot pan and ensure your steaks are cold when they hit the oil.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/tuna-steak-perfect-pan-seared-garlic-butter/