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Chili lime seared tuna steak on a light pink plate with a gold fork and side of quinoa with a lime wedge. The plate is on a light grey surface with a light blue linen. There is another plate to the top with a serving of quinoa and a small bowl of chili sauce on the bottom right.
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3.97 — Votes 31 votes

Chili-Lime Seared Ahi Tuna Steak 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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Marinate Time10 minutes
Total Time28 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Cassy Joy Garcia

Ingredients

  • 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.

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.2g | Protein: 42.3g | Fat: 8.3g | Saturated Fat: 2.8g | Cholesterol: 74.1mg | Sodium: 499.1mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.2g