Chili-Lime Seared Ahi Tuna Recipe

This seared ahi tuna steak is marinated in a bold, delicious Thai chili marinade for a quick, healthy, flavorful seafood option that the entire family will love. Pair it with tricolor quinoa (like we did) or perfect white rice + roasted green beans for a healthy, balanced meal.

These seared chili-lime tuna steaks are straight out of my 3rd book, Cook Once Dinner Fix, and let me tell you, they are so, so delicious.

If you’re unfamiliar with cooking tuna, don’t sweat it — I’ll walk you through exactly how to cook these steaks so you can feel confident and at ease in your kitchen. The tuna first marinates in a zesty chili-lime marinade that’s my absolute favorite for fish (the combination will knock your socks off!). The steaks then get cooked to perfection in a quick 8 minutes.

Looking for more tuna recipes? I’ve got you. Tuna noodle casserole is one of my forever favorite meals + I’ll never turn down a classic tuna salad recipe.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for the most flavorful ahi tuna steaks:

• 2 tablespoons of Thai Chili Sauce
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari if you’re gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice (from 1 juicy lime)
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds of ahi tuna steaks
• 2 tablespoons of salted butter or olive oil spray
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon of white sesame seeds, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for garnish

Ingredient Modifications

Here are some of the ingredient swaps you can make here if needed/desired!

• Make it dairy-free: sear your tuna steaks in olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free dinner.
• Use a different kind of tuna: if you can’t find ahi tuna (or it’s just super expensive at your local grocery store), use ANY tuna steaks you can find.

How to Sear Ahi Tuna Steak

The process is super easy — here’s how you’ll pull it together:

1. Marinate the tuna steaks – in a small bowl, whisk together the chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and olive oil. Put the tuna steaks in a large zip-top bag, pour in the chili sauce mixture, and marinate for at least 10 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
2. Sear the tuna steaks – in a skillet on the stovetop, melt the butter over medium heat. Discard the marinade and add the marinated tuna steaks to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until a slight crust forms on the bottom. Flip and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the second side.
3. Garnish and serve – divide the tuna among four plates, garnish with the cilantro and sesame seeds, and serve alongside your favorite sides.

Is it hard to sear ahi tuna?

It isn’t! I know cooking a new protein (especially seafood) can feel intimidating, but the process is so, so easy. You’ll just need to sear it in a nice, hot pan for 3-4 minutes per side.

How long does it take to make the best seared ahi tuna recipe?

Actually searing the tuna steaks takes very little time — I’m talking 3-4 minutes per side — but you’ll want the steaks to marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours). 

How to Store and Reheat

Store any leftover tuna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I actually don’t recommend freezing cooked tuna steak, as the texture will likely be compromised in the freezing/thawing/reheating process.

Reheat your tuna either in the microwave or a pan on the stovetop until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ahi tuna steak healthy?

If you tolerate tuna well, it’s definitely a great protein to include in your diet. Tuna is a super heart-healthy option, includes a ton of omega-3 fatty acids, and is rich in vitamin B3, vitamin C, selenium, manganese, and zinc. It’s delicious, and so good for you.

How do you know when the ahi tuna steak is done?

Great question! When overcooked, tuna steaks can get super dry and chewy. To avoid this, you’ll want to make sure that you stick to the sear times listed above (3-4 minutes per side). Having pink in the middle of your steak is totally safe and really delicious.

What temperature should ahi tuna be?

The internal temperature of tuna steak should be about 115°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.

What goes well with this seared ahi tuna steak recipe?

Quinoa is a perfect tuna steak accompaniment here. If you’re not a quinoa fan, though, rice, farro, or any other starchy side you love would be delicious here. If you’re looking to add veggies to your meal, a side of roasted or steamed broccoli or green beans or even a simple arugula side salad would be great.

More Favorite Seafood Recipes

• Oven Baked Tilapia
• The Best Salmon Burger Recipe
• Lemon Garlic Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes
• Incredible Baked Red Snapper Recipe
• Easy Citrus Roasted Salmon
• Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
• How to Make Salmon Tacos
• The Best Salmon in the Air Fryer

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Chili-Lime Seared Ahi Tuna Steak Recipe

By: Cassy Joy Garcia

3.9 — Votes 22 votes

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Prep Time: 10 mins

Marinate Time 10 mins

Cook Time: 8 mins

Servings: 4 servings

This seared ahi tuna steak is marinated in a bold, delicious Thai chili marinade for a quick, healthy, flavorful seafood option that the entire family will love. Pair it with tricolor quinoa (like we did) or perfect white rice + roasted green beans for a healthy, balanced meal.

Ingredients  

.5x1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 tablespoons Thai chili sauce
• ▢ 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• ▢ 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice from 1 lime
• ▢ 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ▢ 1 1/2 pounds tuna steaks
• ▢ 2 tablespoons salted butter or olive oil spray
• ▢ 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• ▢ 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds for garnish
• ▢ 1 lime cut into wedges, for garnish

Instructions

• Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and olive oil. Put the tuna steaks in a large zip-top bag, pour in the chili sauce mixture, and marinate for at least 10 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
• In a skillet on the stovetop, melt the butter over medium heat. Discard the marinade and add the marinated tuna steaks to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until a slight crust forms on the bottom. Flip and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the second side.
• Divide the tuna among four plates and spoon the quinoa alongside. Garnish with the cilantro and sesame seeds and serve, with lime wedges alongside for squeezing over the top.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Chili-Lime Seared Ahi Tuna Steak Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

258

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

8.3

g

13

%

Saturated Fat

 

2.8

g

18

%

Cholesterol

 

74.1

mg

25

%

Sodium

 

499.1

mg

22

%

Carbohydrates

 

1.2

g

0

%

Fiber

 

0.3

g

1

%

Sugar

 

0.2

g

0

%

Protein

 

42.3

g

85

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recipe Notes

Ingredient Modifications and Variations

• Make it dairy-free: sear your tuna steaks in olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free dinner.
• Use a different kind of tuna: if you can’t find ahi tuna (or it’s just super expensive at your local grocery store), use ANY tuna steaks you can find.