Perfect Pan-Seared Tuna Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
Cook tender tuna steaks quickly using a hot skillet to achieve a perfect sear and a flavorful garlic herb butter finish.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (6 ounce) tuna steaks, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Pat the tuna steaks completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron, over high heat until it is very hot, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the olive oil to the hot skillet. When the oil shimmers, carefully place the tuna steaks in the pan.
- Sear the tuna for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare. Adjust time slightly for your preferred doneness.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the butter, minced garlic, parsley, and thyme to the pan.
- As the butter melts, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the melted garlic butter over the tuna steaks for about 30 seconds.
- Remove the tuna from the skillet immediately and let rest on a cutting board for 2 minutes before slicing or serving whole.
Notes
- For a soy glaze option, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger. Drizzle this mixture over the steaks after basting with butter.
- Use high-quality, sushi-grade tuna for the best searing results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook steaks one or two at a time if necessary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0.2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0.2
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 85