Succulent tuna steaks marinated in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce and perfectly seared to achieve a tender, flaky texture. This quick and flavorful dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, paired with jasmine rice and steamed vegetables.
[cooked-sharing]
Yields4 ServingsPrep Time25 minsCook Time25 minsTotal Time50 mins
For the Tuna Steaks
4tuna steaks (6 oz each, 1 inch thick)
1tbspvegetable oil
1tbspsesame oil
¼cupsesame seeds (optional, for crust)
For the Teriyaki Marinade
¼cupsoy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
¼cupmirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
2tbsprice vinegar
2tbspbrown sugar
1tbsphoney
1tbspfresh ginger, grated
2clovesgarlic, minced
1tbspsesame oil
¼tspred pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Juice of 1/2 lime
For Garnish
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Lime wedges
Prepare the Marinade
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and lime juice.
Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for the glaze.
Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the remaining marinade over them.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour. Turn the steaks halfway through to ensure even marinating.
Prepare the Glaze
2
Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened and reduced by half.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Tuna Steaks
3
Remove the tuna steaks from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to prevent splattering.
If desired, coat the tuna steaks in sesame seeds for an added crunch and visual appeal.
Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the tuna steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 4-5 minutes per side for well-done.
The internal temperature for medium-rare tuna should reach 125°F (52°C).
Serve and Garnish
4
Transfer the tuna steaks to a serving plate and drizzle with the teriyaki glaze.
Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice and a side of sautéed bok choy or grilled asparagus.
Tips and Variations
5
For a Bolder Flavor: Allow the tuna to marinate for up to 2 hours.
Spice it Up: Add 1 tsp of sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Storage: Leftover tuna can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Alternative Cooking Methods: The tuna steaks can also be grilled over medium-high heat for a smoky, charred flavor.
Ingredients
For the Tuna Steaks
4tuna steaks (6 oz each, 1 inch thick)
1tbspvegetable oil
1tbspsesame oil
¼cupsesame seeds (optional, for crust)
For the Teriyaki Marinade
¼cupsoy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
¼cupmirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
2tbsprice vinegar
2tbspbrown sugar
1tbsphoney
1tbspfresh ginger, grated
2clovesgarlic, minced
1tbspsesame oil
¼tspred pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Juice of 1/2 lime
For Garnish
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Lime wedges
Directions
Prepare the Marinade
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and lime juice.
Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for the glaze.
Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the remaining marinade over them.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour. Turn the steaks halfway through to ensure even marinating.
Prepare the Glaze
2
Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened and reduced by half.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Tuna Steaks
3
Remove the tuna steaks from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to prevent splattering.
If desired, coat the tuna steaks in sesame seeds for an added crunch and visual appeal.
Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the tuna steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 4-5 minutes per side for well-done.
The internal temperature for medium-rare tuna should reach 125°F (52°C).
Serve and Garnish
4
Transfer the tuna steaks to a serving plate and drizzle with the teriyaki glaze.
Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice and a side of sautéed bok choy or grilled asparagus.
Tips and Variations
5
For a Bolder Flavor: Allow the tuna to marinate for up to 2 hours.
Spice it Up: Add 1 tsp of sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Storage: Leftover tuna can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Alternative Cooking Methods: The tuna steaks can also be grilled over medium-high heat for a smoky, charred flavor.