If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and packed with summery flavor, this Marinated Tuna Steak is about to become your go-to. The citrusy, herb-infused marinade takes simple tuna to elegant, restaurant-quality heights in under an hour—and trust me, every tangy, garlicky bite will have you coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Citrus and Herbs: The orange juice, lemon, and fresh herbs transform tuna into a bright, craveable dish that never feels heavy.
- Quick Yet Impressive: With only about 10 minutes of hands-on prep and a short marinating time, you’ll look like a pro with minimal kitchen time.
- Healthy & Flavorful: Packed with lean protein and heart-healthy olive oil, this Marinated Tuna Steak offers a clean, energizing dinner you can truly feel good about.
- Perfect for Grilling Season: That quick turn on the grill gives the tuna irresistible smoky edges and keeps it tender inside—plus, there’s almost no cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marinated Tuna Steak recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on just a handful of bold ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. Each one serves a purpose—whether it’s brightness, depth, or fresh aroma—so choose the best quality you can find for the very best results!
- Orange Juice: The secret to juicy, subtly sweet flavor and tenderizing the tuna.
- Soy Sauce: Adds savoriness and a gentle saltiness that balances the citrus and herbs.
- Olive Oil: Provides a silky mouthfeel and helps lock in moisture during grilling.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings freshness and a vibrant green color to the marinade.
- Lemon Juice: Another layer of brightness, with a sharper kick than orange juice.
- Garlic: One clove is plenty for aromatic, irresistible undertones.
- Fresh Oregano: Earthy and slightly peppery, it enhances the Mediterranean vibe.
- Ground Black Pepper: Rounds out the flavors with just a hint of heat.
- Tuna Steaks (4, about 4 ounces each): Look for firm, sushi-grade tuna steaks if possible—they’ll hold up beautifully on the grill and soak up every ounce of that marinade.
Variations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable—feel free to play up different flavors, swap ingredients for what you have on hand, or tweak to fit dietary preferences. Marinated Tuna Steak is always delicious with a personal twist!
- Asian-Inspired: Swap out the parsley and oregano for chopped scallions and sesame seeds; add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
- Spicier Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to ramp up the heat.
- Citrus Swap: Try lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly tangier, tropical profile.
- Herb Detox: Use fresh basil or cilantro for a herby, garden-fresh finish (perfect with summer veggies on the side).
- No Grill? The recipe is just as tasty pan-seared on the stovetop or even broiled for a few minutes per side.
How to Make Marinated Tuna Steak
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Marinade
In a non-reactive dish (think glass or ceramic), whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and black pepper until well combined. The aroma at this stage will immediately get your taste buds ready for something special!
Step 2: Marinate the Tuna Steaks
Add the tuna steaks to your marinade, turning each one gently so it’s fully coated. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—this infuses the fish with layers of flavor while helping it stay tender and moist on the grill.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove the tuna steaks from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (but don’t discard the marinade—you’ll want it for basting), and get ready for the sizzle!
Step 4: Grill and Baste
Place the tuna steaks directly on the hot grill. Cook for 5–6 minutes, then flip and generously baste with the reserved marinade. Continue grilling for another 5 minutes, or until the Marinated Tuna Steak reaches your desired doneness—just be careful not to overcook, as tuna is best with a rosy center. Discard any leftover marinade at the end.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer your fragrant, perfectly glazed Marinated Tuna Steak straight to a serving platter. Add your favorite sides and garnishes—then dig in while it’s hot and juicy!
Pro Tips for Making Marinated Tuna Steak
- Choose Your Tuna Wisely: Opt for thick, sushi-grade tuna steaks—these have the best flavor and will hold together perfectly on the grill.
- Don’t Over-Marinate: Thirty minutes is usually plenty! Too long in the citrusy marinade can start breaking down the texture of the fish.
- Super Hot Grill: Preheat your grill thoroughly for gorgeous sear marks and to keep the tuna from sticking.
- Baste for Deep Flavor: Frequent basting in those last few minutes locks in moisture and amps up the savory-sweet finish on each Marinated Tuna Steak.
How to Serve Marinated Tuna Steak
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a few lemon or orange wedges, and a finishing drizzle of olive oil are all you need to make your Marinated Tuna Steak look—and taste—like a restaurant showstopper. For extra color, scatter on some microgreens or a handful of finely sliced radishes.
Side Dishes
This dish is beautifully complemented by a light cucumber salad, garlicky grilled asparagus, or fluffy herbed rice. Try it with roasted potatoes or a simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a complete, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each Marinated Tuna Steak on a wooden board with grilled veggies and citrus slices for a rustic, summer-gathering vibe. For date night, slice the tuna on the bias and fan it out over a bed of greens, or go tapas-style with mini skewers as a chic party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Marinated Tuna Steak should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within two days for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
While freshly grilled tuna is always best, you can freeze cooked portions. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store for up to 2 months. Let defrost overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
To avoid drying out the tuna, gently reheat it in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil, just until warmed through. Or try it cold, flaked over salads for a next-day treat!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen tuna steaks for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the tuna completely and pat it dry before marinating. This helps the fish absorb all those delicious flavors and sears perfectly on the grill.
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What’s the best way to tell if my tuna steak is cooked through?
Tuna cooks quickly—just a few minutes per side for a beautifully seared outside and a blush-pink center. If you prefer it more well-done, go a minute or two longer, but resist overcooking to keep it moist and tender.
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Is it safe to use leftover marinade for basting?
Yes—so long as you only use the reserved marinade on the tuna while it’s cooking, and then discard any remaining marinade afterward. Never serve marinade that’s touched raw fish.
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Can I cook Marinated Tuna Steak indoors if I don’t have a grill?
You sure can! A heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) or a stovetop grill pan works wonderfully. Just preheat it until smoking hot and follow the same timing for a perfect sear.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a meal that’s as impressive as it is effortless, Marinated Tuna Steak won’t disappoint. Fire up the grill, embrace those bold citrusy aromas, and treat yourself (and your favorite people) to a dish that’s pure summer on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it—enjoy every last bite!
PrintMarinated Tuna Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in the flavors of the sea with this easy and delicious Marinated Tuna Steak recipe. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Tuna Steaks:
- 4 (4 ounce) tuna steaks
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Mix marinade ingredients. Mix orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and pepper in a dish. Add tuna steaks to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat and grill. Preheat grill, oil grate, and grill tuna steaks for 5-6 minutes on each side. Baste with reserved marinade while grilling.
- Serve and enjoy!
Ingredients gathered to make marinated tuna steaks.
Tuna steaks placed in the dish of marinade.
Four marinated tuna steaks being basted while cooking on a grill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 65mg