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Perfect Pan-Seared Tuna Steaks with Garlic Herb Butter

Close-up of a perfectly seared tuna steak, rare in the center, topped with a glistening herb and seed crust.
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Make restaurant-quality tuna steaks at home quickly. This recipe uses a simple pan-searing technique and a rich garlic herb butter to create a juicy, flavorful, high-protein dinner in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6-ounce) tuna steaks (ahi or yellowfin)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced

Instructions

  1. Pat the tuna steaks completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Carefully place the tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side for rare (or longer if you prefer more done). You want a dark crust.
  4. While the tuna sears, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and chives. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic.
  5. Remove the tuna steaks from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Immediately spoon the garlic herb butter mixture over the top of each steak.
  6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the buttered tuna steaks.
  7. Let the tuna rest for 3 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a sesame crust, press the seasoned tuna steaks into sesame seeds before searing.
  • If you prefer Asian flavors, substitute the garlic herb butter with a quick soy-ginger glaze.
  • This quick tuna dinner is best served when the center is still pink and cool (rare).

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/tuna-steak-pan-seared-garlic-butter-recipe/