As the summer months approach, many of us are looking for refreshing and light meal options that can be enjoyed outdoors. Grilled tuna is a great choice for a warm-weather dinner, as it’s not only delicious but also packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. In this article, we’ll explore 18 flavorful grilled tuna recipes that are perfect for summer gatherings, outdoor picnics, or even a quick weeknight dinner. From classic lemon garlic butter to spicy sriracha skewers, we’ve got you covered with these mouth-watering recipes that will elevate your grilled tuna game.
Grilled Tuna Steaks with Lemon Garlic Butter
Add a burst of citrusy flavor to your grilled tuna steaks with this simple and delicious recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Brush both sides of tuna steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill tuna steaks for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the garlic-lemon butter mixture evenly over the tuna steaks.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes total
Spicy Sriracha Grilled Tuna Skewers
Elevate your outdoor cooking with these succulent and flavorful tuna skewers, infused with the bold taste of sriracha. Perfect for a quick dinner or a summer gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz sushi-grade tuna steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together sriracha, olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
3. Add the tuna pieces to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread marinated tuna onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes total
Grilled Tuna with Mango Salsa
Elevate your dinner game with this refreshing and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of grilled tuna with the sweetness of mango salsa.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil for grilling
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season tuna steaks with salt and pepper.
3. Grill tuna for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in a bowl.
5. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve grilled tuna with mango salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Garlic Herb Grilled Tuna with Chimichurri
Elevate your grilled tuna game with this flavorful and refreshing recipe that combines the richness of garlic and herbs with the brightness of chimichurri.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chimichurri sauce (see below)
Chimichurri Sauce:
– 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of tuna steaks with the herb mixture.
4. Grill tuna for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Serve with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Grilled Tuna Poke Bowl
A refreshing twist on traditional poke bowls, this grilled tuna poke bowl combines the flaky goodness of seared tuna with a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sushi-grade tuna steak
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white or brown rice
– Edamame, sliced carrots, and diced cucumber for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season tuna with salt and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, green onions, and ginger.
3. Slice grilled tuna into thin strips.
4. Divide rice between two bowls. Arrange tuna slices on top.
5. Drizzle soy sauce mixture over the tuna. Garnish with edamame, carrots, and cucumber.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Teriyaki Glazed Grilled Tuna
Experience the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with this easy-to-make Teriyaki Glazed Grilled Tuna recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Brush both sides of the tuna steaks with the glaze.
4. Grill the tuna for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Grilled Tuna Nicoise Salad
This classic French-inspired salad combines seared tuna with the simplicity of a Mediterranean-style plate, featuring fresh vegetables and creamy eggs. The result is a light and refreshing dish perfect for a warm evening.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
– 1 can of Niçoise olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season tuna with salt and pepper; brush with olive oil.
3. Grill tuna for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. In a large bowl, combine grilled tuna, eggs, olives, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (grilling time)
Mediterranean Grilled Tuna with Olives and Tomatoes
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this quick and easy recipe, featuring grilled tuna paired with juicy olives and sweet tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and oregano.
3. Brush both sides of the tuna steaks with the mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the tuna for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, toss the olives and tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Serve the grilled tuna with the olive-tomato mixture spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grilled Tuna Tacos with Avocado Crema
Grilled Tuna Tacos with Avocado Crema Recipe
A flavorful twist on traditional tacos, featuring grilled tuna and a creamy avocado crema.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 corn tortillas
– Avocado Crema (recipe below)
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Avocado Crema:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Place tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
4. Grill tuna steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in foil and heating on the grill for 2 minutes.
6. Assemble tacos with grilled tuna, Avocado Crema, and cilantro.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Tuna with Wasabi Mayo
A flavorful and refreshing dish that combines the rich taste of grilled tuna with the spicy kick of wasabi mayonnaise. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tsp wasabi paste
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and wasabi paste until smooth.
3. Brush tuna steaks with soy sauce and sesame oil.
4. Grill tuna for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve each tuna steak with a dollop of wasabi mayonnaise on top.
6. Garnish with fresh scallions.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Grilled Tuna and Pineapple Kebabs
A tropical twist on traditional kebabs, this recipe combines the smoky flavor of grilled tuna with the sweetness of pineapple. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as an impressive appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound tuna steak (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 10 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and olive oil.
3. Cut tuna into 1-inch cubes and thread onto skewers with pineapple chunks.
4. Brush the kebabs with the soy-honey mixture.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes or until tuna is cooked through, turning occasionally.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Grilled Tuna with Ginger Soy Glaze
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and easy-to-make grilled tuna recipe, infused with the warm spices of ginger and soy.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic.
3. Brush the tuna steaks with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill tuna for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the glaze all over the tuna steaks.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grilled Tuna Burgers with Spicy Aioli
This recipe combines the richness of tuna with the bold flavors of spicy aioli, all wrapped up in a juicy burger. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch, these grilled tuna burgers are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sushi-grade tuna steak
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Spicy Aioli (recipe below)
– Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix tuna, panko breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Form into 4 patties.
4. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble burgers with buns, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and Spicy Aioli.
Spicy Aioli Recipe:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– 1 minced garlic clove
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total.
Grilled Tuna with Balsamic Glaze
A classic combination of flavors and textures, this grilled tuna recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the freshness of tuna paired with the tanginess of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the tuna steaks.
4. Grill the tuna for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. While the tuna is grilling, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan.
6. Bring the glaze to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
7. Serve the grilled tuna with the balsamic glaze spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grilled Tuna Caesar Salad
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing combination of grilled tuna, crisp romaine lettuce, and tangy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of yellowfin tuna (drained and flaked)
– 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush tuna with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill tuna for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing in a large bowl.
5. Slice grilled tuna into thin strips and place on top of the salad.
6. Sprinkle croutons over the tuna and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including grill time)
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Tuna Caesar Salad!
Grilled Tuna with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Experience the perfect blend of flavors and textures with this refreshing grilled tuna recipe, topped with a zesty cilantro lime dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and ginger.
3. Season tuna steaks with salt and pepper.
4. Grill tuna for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve immediately with Cilantro Lime Dressing spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Grilled Tuna and Vegetable Foil Packets
Savor the flavors of the ocean with this quick and easy recipe, featuring grilled tuna paired with colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12 inches square)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In the center of each piece of foil, place a tuna steak, a few slices of bell pepper, and some zucchini.
3. Sprinkle garlic over the vegetables and top with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables.
5. Fold foil to create a packet, sealing edges tightly.
6. Place packets on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tuna is cooked through.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Tuna with Sesame Crust
A flavorful and healthy dish that combines the richness of sesame seeds with the tender flesh of grilled tuna. Perfect for a quick dinner or as an appetizer for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together sesame seeds, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Brush both sides of the tuna steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Coat each tuna steak with the sesame seed mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Grill the tuna for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these 18 mouth-watering grilled tuna recipes! From classic dishes like Grilled Tuna Steaks with Lemon Garlic Butter to international inspirations like Teriyaki Glazed Grilled Tuna, there’s something for every taste. Spicy Sriracha Grilled Tuna Skewers and Grilled Tuna Poke Bowl are perfect for adventurous eaters, while Mediterranean Grilled Tuna with Olives and Tomatoes and Grilled Tuna Nicoise Salad offer a refreshing twist on traditional salads. Whether you’re in the mood for something simple or something more elaborate, these recipes will guide you to a deliciously grilled tuna dinner.
