Tuna steaks are one of the easiest cuts of fish to cook as they are sold ready to hit the pan without much prep. Tuna is a firm meaty fish so can stand up to intense direct heat when cooking so is ideal for frying and barbecuing.
To prepare your tuna steak, put on a plate and brush each side with oil. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Tuna is also a great fish for marinating – try a simple mix of lemon juice, olive oil and chilli flakes or mix a little harissa or chipotle paste with oil and brush on before cooking.
Tuna is very similar to regular steak in that it can be served from extremely rare to well done so cooking times will depend on how you like your tuna. Follow these approximate timings to get yours how you like it (thinner steaks will take a little less time).
Rare tuna steak – cook for 30 seconds per side.
Medium tuna steak – cook for 1-2 minutes per side.
Well-done tuna steak – cook for 3 minutes per side.
If frying your tuna steak, choose a solid heavy based frying or chargrill and heat until very hot before cooking so the steak sears rather than steams. If cooking on a BBQ cook over direct heat. Once cooked it’s best to leave tuna to rest loosely under foil for 3-4 minutes before serving.