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What Are Tuna Steaks?

Cynde Gregory
Cynde Gregory

Healthy eaters who eschew, rather than chew, red meat can still have their steak and eat it too as long as it’s tuna steak! Tuna steaks, unlike fillets, are thick, meaty cuts that can be purchased at most groceries and that are broiled, pan-seared, or grilled. There are 1,001 ways to prepare tuna steak; in truth, the cook is only limited by his or her imagination, what’s in the fridge, and how deep his or her pockets are.

Folks with access to the sea might find that cutting their own tuna steaks is a money saver. It’s not hard to do, but anyone lacking a shore within walking distance will no doubt discover that it’s easier to find tuna steaks already cut than it is to find a whole tuna and cut the steaks to save a couple bucks. The most important thing to remember, though, is that tuna steaks that are less than fresh will make inferior, and possibly dangerous, meals.

Tuna steaks can be broiled, seared, or grilled like a regular steak.
Tuna steaks can be broiled, seared, or grilled like a regular steak.

One of the easiest ways to create a memorable tuna steak dinner begins with steaks that have been broiled in the oven or grilled over apple or cedar wood. Served with slices of avocado, mango salsa, and a lightly dressed salad, the meal is both healthy and satisfying. Cooks who feel guilty unless they chop, pour, and mix things will find these fish steaks are happy to swim in any one of a number of marinades before heading to the grill. Olive oil and fruit-scented vinegar, together with a tablespoon or two (15 to 30 grams) of minced garlic is one way to go. For an Asian flair, orange juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil mixed with minced ginger and garlic will bring diners to their knees in gratitude.

Some species of tuna -- which provides the popular canned and fresh fish -- can grow more than six feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds.
Some species of tuna -- which provides the popular canned and fresh fish -- can grow more than six feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds.

Tuna steaks are both workhorses and superstars. Coating them with crushed, dried herbs such as rosemary, basil, oregano, or a combination, then frying them briefly will result in steaks that can be served as steaks or thinly sliced Carpaccio-style and nestled into a bed of salad greens. Encrusting tuna steak in crushed sesame seeds and ginger before grilling will bring even the shyest mermaid to the table.

A pan needs to be very hot for searing tuna.
A pan needs to be very hot for searing tuna.

Home cooks who don’t live seaside are strongly encouraged to hunt for a fish market where freshness is assured. Shady vendors have been known to retain the deep red sunset hue that bespeaks a tuna’s freshness by exposing the flesh to carbon dioxide. It’s not good for diners, but it does keep the fish’s meat looking good.

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

Grilled tuna steaks sliced and served on a salad is also wonderful, Talentryto. The flavors of the tuna, the salad dressing, and the greens go together perfectly for a tasty meal.

Talentryto

I like to grill tuna steaks and serve them as sandwiches with onions. This is a great combination that is served at one of my favorite restaurants. I enjoy it so much, that I began making it at home!

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    • Tuna steaks can be broiled, seared, or grilled like a regular steak.
      By: Kondor83
      Tuna steaks can be broiled, seared, or grilled like a regular steak.
    • Some species of tuna -- which provides the popular canned and fresh fish -- can grow more than six feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds.
      By: lunamarina
      Some species of tuna -- which provides the popular canned and fresh fish -- can grow more than six feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds.
    • A pan needs to be very hot for searing tuna.
      By: juniart
      A pan needs to be very hot for searing tuna.