Seafood lovers, get ready for a delicious treat! Tuna steak is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is an excellent alternative to red meat. While grilling is the most popular method for cooking tuna, pan-searing with butter is a simple and quick way to enjoy this delectable dish at home. The buttery flavor complements the tuna’s meaty texture, making it a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
So if you are wondering how to cook tuna steaks in pan with butter? Read ahead and find out!
Can You Cook Tuna Steaks in Pan with Butter?
Tuna steak is a delicious and healthy dish that can be cooked in various ways, but have you ever wondered if you can cook it in a pan with butter? The answer is yes! Cooking tuna steak in a pan with butter is a great way to achieve a crispy, golden crust and a juicy, flavorful center. Butter is a great ingredient when cooking fish because it adds a rich, savory flavor and helps prevent the fish from sticking to the pan.
Ingredient breakdown
- Ahi tuna steaks: The tuna steaks are the main ingredient in the recipe and provide a rich, meaty flavor. They have a firm texture enhanced by pan-searing, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
- Salt: salt is used to season the tuna steaks, giving them a savory taste that complements the buttery flavor.
- Onion powder: Onion powder add a subtle, sweet flavor. This recipe provides a mild onion flavor that pairs well with the tuna and butter.
- Black pepper: It enhances the overall taste of the tuna steaks and complements the other ingredients.
- Cayenne pepper: It adds a spicy kick to the dish, and its heat level can be adjusted according to personal preference.
- Rosemary sprig: Its woody aroma pairs well with the meatiness of the tuna steaks and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic cloves: Garlic provides a pungent and savory flavor to the dish. It has a distinct aroma that pairs well with the butter and enhances the taste of the tuna steaks.
- Butter: It complements the tuna steaks’ meaty flavor and helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Tips to Remember
Here are some tips to keep in mind while cooking tuna steak in a pan with butter:
- Use fresh, high-quality tuna steaks for the best flavor and texture. Buying tuna that is sushi-grade or specifically labeled for cooking is essential since some tuna is meant to be eaten raw.
- Cook the tuna steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the steak. You want it to be seared on the outside and rare to medium-rare on the inside for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure to cook the tuna steak carefully, as it can become dry and tough.
- Once the tuna steak is cooked, rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak and keeps it moist.
What to serve with tuna steaks?
Here are some ideas for what to serve with cooked tuna steak:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables are a perfect complement to the flavor of tuna. You can roast broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and zucchini in the oven until tender.
- Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado is a great side dish for a tuna steak. You can dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, depending on your preference.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve your tuna steak with rice or quinoa for a filling and nutritious meal. You can season the rice or quinoa with herbs and spices or mix some vegetables for added flavor.
How to store tuna steaks
Here’s how to store your leftover tuna steak in a pan with butter:
- Allow the tuna steak to cool down to room temperature before storing it.
- Once the tuna steak has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container.
- You can store cooked tuna steak in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.
How to Cook Tuna Steaks in Pan with Butter
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 ahi tuna steaks 4 oz. each & 1″ thick
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 3 halved Garlic cloves
- 2 Fresh rosemary sprig
- ¼ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Pat dry tuna steaks using a paper towel, and season both sides with salt, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes until very hot.
- Add butter and garlic cloves to the hot pan. Once the butter has melted, add the rosemary sprigs, followed by the tuna steaks. Sear both sides of the tuna for 1 to 1½ minutes for medium-rare; you can cook for more time according to your desired doneness.
- Once the tuna is cooked, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the tuna steaks into ½” slices, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and serve.
How to Cook Tuna Steaks in Pan with Butter
Preparation time: 5 minutes; Cooking Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 ahi tuna steaks 4 oz. each & 1" thick
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 3 halved Garlic cloves
- 2 Fresh rosemary sprig
- ¼ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Pat dry tuna steaks using a paper towel, and season both sides with salt, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes until very hot.
- Add butter and garlic cloves to the hot pan. Once the butter has melted, add the rosemary sprigs, followed by the tuna steaks. Sear both sides of the tuna for 1 to 1½ minutes for medium-rare; you can cook for more time according to your desired doneness.
- Once the tuna is cooked, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the tuna steaks into ½” slices, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and serve.