Seared tuna steaks are a simple yet flavorful dish that is made by cooking both sides of tuna steaks in a hot pan until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust. The lemon caper sauce is a tangy and slightly briny sauce that complements the rich flavor of the tuna. The result is a dish that is both fresh and satisfying, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This fast, healthy, and delicious seared tuna dish comes together in one pan and is ready in less than 30 minutes. Serve with a mixture of seasoned cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion for a light and refreshing and delicious meal.
Making pan-seared tuna steaks with a lemon caper sauce is relatively straightforward and does not take a lot of time. The preparation time is minimal, and the cooking time is brief, making it an ideal option for a quick and easy meal.
To make the dish, you will need to season the tuna steaks and sear them in a hot pan until they are cooked to your desired degree of doneness. While the tuna is cooking, you can make the lemon caper sauce by simmering lemon juice, butter, capers,(garlic, and fresh parsley if desired) in a small saucepan. In this recipe it is made in the pan where the tuna was seared.
Overall, pan-seared tuna steaks with a lemon caper sauce can be made in about 20-30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or for a quick and easy dinner party. While it may take a little practice to get the perfect sear on the tuna, the end result is a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to please.
More about Tuna!
There are several types of tuna that can be used in a pan-seared tuna steak recipe. Some of the most commonly used types of tuna include:
- Yellowfin Tuna: This is a popular choice for pan-seared tuna steaks due to its firm, meaty texture and mild flavor. It is also known as ahi tuna.
- Albacore Tuna: This type of tuna is known for its light, delicate flavor and tender texture, making it a good choice for those who prefer a milder tasting tuna.
Nutrition Facts
Tuna is considered a healthy food choice due to its high nutritional value. It is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and for maintaining a healthy immune system. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and brain function. Tuna is also low in fat and calories, making it a good choice for those who are trying to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, it is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and niacin. Overall, eating tuna can help to improve overall health and provide a variety of important nutrients for the body.
This article contains affiliate links.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 6-oz. sushi-grade fresh tuna steaks, approximately 3/4” thick
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 organic lemon, sliced thin
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
Equipment
- Large or medium skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Serving platter
Instructions
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tuna steaks to hot skillet and cook for approximately 1-2 minutes for rare (add one minute per side for medium).
- Flip tuna and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minute, depending on desired level of doneness. Transfer tuna steaks to a plate and season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired. Keep warm.
- Add remaining olive oil and chopped shallots to skillet, Sauté, stirring occasionally, until shallots are soft and start to turn golden brown, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon slices to skillet. Deglaze pan by scraping up any brown bits from the bottom with a spatula. Cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Reduce heat to medium and add capers. Stir to combine and cook for another minute or until heated through.
- Transfer the tuna steaks onto individual serving plates and top with a “melted” lemon slice and a spoonful of the lemon-caper sauce and serve immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Goes well with (other dishes, wine/drink)
Pan-seared tuna steaks is a versatile dish that pairs well with many different foods and drinks. Some of the most common accompaniments for pan-seared tuna include:
- Vegetables: Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini, provide a fresh and crisp contrast to the rich flavor of the tuna.
- Rice or Pasta: A light and simple grain dish, such as quinoa or pasta, can help to round out a meal and absorb the flavors of the lemon caper sauce.
- Salad: A green salad, such as mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumber, can help to balance the richness of the tuna and provide a fresh crunch.
- Wine: A crisp, dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, can help to cut through the richness of the dish and complement the bright flavors of the lemon caper sauce.
- Bread: A crusty loaf of bread can be used to mop up any extra sauce and add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
These are just a few options, and the best accompaniments will depend on personal taste and preference
You May Also Like
Bragging Rights
We would love to see what you did with this recipe!
Comment below or share your photo @flavorportal / #flavorportal
Pan Seared Tuna with Lemon Caper Sauce
Seared tuna steaks are a simple yet flavorful dish that is made by cooking both sides of tuna steaks in a hot pan until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust. The lemon caper sauce is a tangy and slightly briny sauce that complements the rich flavor of the tuna. The result is a dish that is both fresh and satisfying, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This fast, healthy, and delicious seared tuna dish comes together in one pan and is ready in less than 30 minutes. Serve with a mixture of seasoned cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion for a light and refreshing and delicious meal.
Making pan-seared tuna steaks with a lemon caper sauce is relatively straightforward and does not take a lot of time. The preparation time is minimal, and the cooking time is brief, making it an ideal option for a quick and easy meal.
To make the dish, you will need to season the tuna steaks and sear them in a hot pan until they are cooked to your desired degree of doneness. While the tuna is cooking, you can make the lemon caper sauce by simmering lemon juice, butter, capers,(garlic, and fresh parsley if desired) in a small saucepan. In this recipe it is made in the pan where the tuna was seared.
Overall, pan-seared tuna steaks with a lemon caper sauce can be made in about 20-30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or for a quick and easy dinner party. While it may take a little practice to get the perfect sear on the tuna, the end result is a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 6-oz. sushi-grade fresh tuna steaks, approximately 3/4” thick
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 organic lemon, sliced thin
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
Instructions
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tuna steaks to hot skillet and cook for approximately 1-2 minutes for rare (add one minute per side for medium).
- Flip tuna and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minute, depending on desired level of doneness. Transfer tuna steaks to a plate and season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired. Keep warm.
- Add remaining olive oil and chopped shallots to skillet, Sauté, stirring occasionally, until shallots are soft and start to turn golden brown, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon slices to skillet. Deglaze pan by scraping up any brown bits from the bottom with a spatula. Cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Reduce heat to medium and add capers. Stir to combine and cook for another minute or until heated through.
- Transfer the tuna steaks onto individual serving plates and top with a “melted” lemon slice and a spoonful of the lemon-caper sauce and serve immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy!