Seared Ahi Tuna Fillets

Why wait for a fine-dining experience when you can make exquisite ahi tuna steaks at home? This quick and simple recipe lets you enjoy perfectly seared tuna in just seven minutes — yes, you read that right, just seven minutes!

How to Choose Ahi Tuna

Ahi tuna comes in two main varieties: bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna. Bigeye has a rich, buttery flavor, while yellowfin is lighter and more subtle. Both types work wonderfully for this recipe.

For raw consumption, always choose sashimi-grade or sushi-grade tuna. This ensures the fish has been approved by the market for safe, raw eating.

How to Prepare Ahi Tuna Steaks

Making ahi tuna steaks is a breeze, especially since they’re typically cooked rare or medium-rare — just a quick sear for about one minute on each side is all it takes.

Ahi tuna has a subtle flavor, so it’s important to season it before cooking. This recipe uses salt, cayenne pepper, and a sear in butter, olive oil, and whole peppercorns. For variety, you can also try adding a simple sauce like teriyaki, orange, or soy sauce to enhance the flavor.

How to Prepare Ahi Tuna Steaks

The best way to cook ahi tuna steaks is by searing them in a pan on the stove, but grilling, baking, or air frying are also excellent alternatives.

Skillet Method

The skillet method is the top choice for cooking ahi tuna steaks because it gives the perfect sear, leaving the center raw while creating a crisp exterior. Sear the steaks in a pan with butter, olive oil, and peppercorns for 30 seconds to 1 ½ minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness.

Grilling

Season the tuna and place it on a preheated grill over high heat. Grill each side for about 2 minutes until the outside is nicely charred, leaving the inside raw.

Oven Method

Bake the seasoned ahi tuna steaks in a preheated oven at 450°F for 8 to 10 minutes. You can flip the steaks halfway through if you prefer, but it’s not essential.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F and air fry the seasoned ahi tuna for about 4 minutes for a quick, delicious result.

Nicole's Top Ahi Tuna Tips

Culinary expert Nicole McLaughlin, also known as Nicole McMom, shares that these ahi tuna steaks offer a "restaurant-quality experience right at home." Here are her top tips and techniques for making this dish a showstopper every time:

· To preserve the tuna’s natural, fresh taste, Nicole prefers to season it simply with salt and cayenne pepper.
· Two keys to a perfect sear: Very high heat (even hotter than you think, according to Nicole) and a dry surface. If you’re unsure, lightly pat the tuna with a paper towel before cooking.
· Oil is ideal for searing thanks to its higher smoke point, but Nicole often adds a bit of butter for extra richness and flavor.

Is it Possible to Freeze Ahi Tuna Steaks?

Yes, you can freeze ahi tuna steaks whether they are raw or cooked.

For raw ahi tuna, first wrap the fish in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a zip-top bag to seal it. You can freeze it for up to three months. Once thawed, do not refreeze. Ahi tuna should never be frozen again after it has been previously frozen.

For cooked ahi tuna, store the leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a zip-top bag. You can freeze it for 2 to 3 months.

Dinogo Community Insights and Reviews

"Quick, simple, and packed with flavor. I served the tuna steaks on a bed of homemade mango-cucumber salsa alongside grilled sweet corn. The corn’s sweetness, combined with the citrusy salsa, perfectly complemented the tuna’s flavors and the kick from the chili powder," says moto guzzi.

"This is absolutely amazing. The tuna practically melts in your mouth when cooked as instructed. The peppercorns add the perfect touch of heat," praises Janice W Davis.

"I followed the recipe exactly, and it turned out fantastic! We usually grill tuna steaks, but it’s easy to overcook them on the grill. By searing them in the pan, I was able to control how rare they were. Just make sure the pan is hot before adding the steaks. Quick and straightforward... I’ll definitely use this method again," says Mrs Z.

Editorial contributions by Bailey Fink

Ingredients

• 2 (5 ounce) ahi tuna steaks

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional)

• ½ tablespoon butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns

Instructions

Pat the tuna steaks dry and season both sides with salt and cayenne pepper.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil and peppercorns, then cook until the peppercorns soften and start to pop, about 5 minutes.

Carefully place the seasoned tuna in the skillet and cook to your preferred doneness, ranging from 30 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes per side.

Slice the tuna into 1/4-inch thick pieces for serving.

Dig in and enjoy!

Pro Tip

Nutritional Information (per serving)