How do I know when a tuna steak is well done?

The best way to know when any fish or meat is well done is by checking its internal temperature by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tuna steak, and it should register between 145-150°F for well-done tuna.

How long does it take to grill a tuna steak to be well done?

Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the tuna steak and the heat of your grill. As a general guideline, you can grill a 1-inch-thick tuna steak to well done in approximately 4-5 minutes per side . Since we sliced our tuna steaks in half (lengthwise), your 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick steaks should cook in about half the time - roughly 4-6 minutes total cook time (no flipping required).

How to store leftover tuna steak?

To store leftover tuna steaks, wrap and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a bit of butter or olive oil until just heated through.

Tips for buying tuna steaks:

In a typical grocery store or fish market, you will find several different species of tuna steaks. Yellowfin Tuna : also known as Ahi tuna, is a popular choice for tuna steaks. Ahi tuna steaks have a firm texture and a mild flavor, making it versatile for various cooking methods like grilling or searing. You can also plate this as raw tuna for a sushi or sashimi preparation. Albacore Tuna: these tuna steaks are known for their light pink color and mild flavor. They have a tender texture and are often used in recipes that call for a milder-tasting fish. Albacore is often a less expensive variety of tuna. Bigeye Tuna : bigeye tuna steaks have a deep red color and a rich flavor. They are slightly oilier than other varieties, giving them a robust taste. Bigeye tuna is well-suited for making a grilled tuna steak or a pan-seared preparation in a grill pan or cast iron skillet. Bluefin Tuna: this type of tuna is highly prized for its exceptional flavor and buttery texture. However, due to concerns over sustainability, it may be less common to find it in grocery stores. If available, it is often the most expensive option. When buying tuna steaks, it's important to consider their freshness and quality. Look for steaks that have a vibrant color, firm texture, and no signs of discoloration or strong odor. If possible, look for sustainably sourced tuna to support responsible fishing practices.

Garlic Tuna Steaks (How to Grill Tuna Well Done)

Ingredients

Scale

2 6-7 oz tuna steaks sliced in half lengthwise (4 pieces, about 1/2 inch thick)

6 tablespoons butter, divided

4 garlic cloves, grated

3 tablespoons finely minced scallion, white and light green part only

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 large red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 cup arugula

4 ciabatta rolls

Lemon wedges, for serving

Deli mustard, for serving

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Instructions

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter with garlic, scallions, salt and pepper in a small bowl in the microwave. Set aside to bring the marinade to room temperature.
After cutting your fresh tuna steaks in half lengthwise, use paper towels to dry fish very well. (Each tuna steak should be 1/2 - 3/4 inch thick.) Lay out 4 large pieces of aluminum foil and place one tuna steak in the middle of each. Spread about 2 teaspoons of the garlic scallion mixture over each steak. Turn and cover the second side with the same amount. Use a second piece of foil to create a foil pouch for each tuna steak. Set aside to marinate for 20 minutes.
While the tuna is seasoning, slice onion thinly. Melt final 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Add onions, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until softened and a little brown, about 15 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar to the pan and cook an additional minute or two until the onions look glazed, but no liquid remains in the pain. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.
Preheat gas grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400℉). Once hot, add wrapped tuna packets onto the grill grates and cover the grill. Grill tuna steaks for 4-6 minutes, or until your desired internal temperature. (145-150℉ for well done, 140-145℉ for medium/medium well, 130-140℉ for medium rare). Tuna packets can also be cooked on a charcoal grill or baked in the oven at 400℉ for about 6 minutes.
Remove tuna packets from the grill and carefully open (watch for steam!) Serve grilled tuna steaks immediately on ciabatta rolls with yellow deli mustard, arugula and balsamic red onions. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Check the blog FAQ notes for all the details on choosing the best tuna for this recipe!

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 30
Category: Sandwiches
Method: grill or oven
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4
Calories: 459
Sugar: 5.1 g
Sodium: 963.8 mg
Fat: 15.2 g
Carbohydrates: 44.6 g
Protein: 35.9 g
Cholesterol: 72 mg