Are you ready to savor an explosion of flavors in a delightful seafood dish? Look no further! This Blackened Ahi Tuna easy recipe is the epitome of culinary perfection, featuring succulent tuna steaks coated with a tantalizing blend of spices. Get ready to indulge in a sensational dining experience!
While Ahi Tuna is generally enjoyed throughout the year, it tends to be particularly popular during the warmer months when lighter, seafood-centric dishes are favored. Additionally, it can make a special appearance on holiday menus, especially during festive occasions like Easter, Mother's Day, and summer celebrations.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Intense Flavor: This recipe boasts a robust Blackened Seasoning blend, ensuring a burst of irresistible flavors in every bite of seared Ahi Tuna.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, this dish can be whipped up effortlessly, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatility: Whether for a dinner party or a cozy meal at home, this Blackened Ahi Tuna pairs seamlessly with a variety of side dishes, offering a versatile dining experience.
🥘 Ingredients
The Ahi Tuna steaks absorb the bold flavors of the blackened seasoning while unsalted butter or oil aids in creating a delicious crust, and the carefully curated spice blend brings depth to the dish with adjustable spiciness.
- Ahi Tuna Steaks - Fresh Tuna steaks are best, but you can also use frozen tuna steaks - just make sure to fully defrost first. You can also opt to use yellowfin tuna steaks.
- Tablespoon of Butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free option)
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning (Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Oregano, Garlic Salt) - You can also add onion powder, black pepper, and garlic powder. All of these combined help to create big flavor!
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card.
Create the spice mixture in a small bowl.
Pat dry the Ahi Tuna steaks with paper towels.
Coat both sides of the tuna with the dry rub of spices.
Heat a cast iron pan over high heat and add unsalted butter.
Sear the seasoned tuna for 1-2 minutes on each side.
Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute. Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes.
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tip
- Make sure that the skillet or pan used for searing the Ahi Tuna is smoking hot before adding the tuna. This ensures a quick sear and helps to develop a flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender and moist.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Instead of unsalted butter, use a high smoke point oil such as grape-seed oil for searing the Ahi Tuna steaks.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure that the spices used in the Blackened Seasoning are certified gluten-free. Some commercial blends may contain additives or fillers that could contain gluten. Alternatively, make your own seasoning blend using gluten-free spices.
- Asian-inspired Twist: Substitute the Blackened Seasoning with a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Serve the seared Ahi Tuna with a side of steamed bok choy and jasmine rice.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Replace the Blackened Seasoning with a mixture of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary, along with lemon zest and minced garlic. Serve the tuna alongside a Greek salad with feta cheese and olives.
- Citrus-infused Variation: Add a zesty twist to the dish by incorporating lemon or lime zest into the Blackened Seasoning. Sear the Ahi Tuna steaks as usual and serve them with a side of citrus-infused quinoa and grilled asparagus.
🍴 Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan
- Small bowl
- Paper towels
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
💭 Recipe FAQs
Cook the Ahi Tuna steaks for about 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the steaks. Aim for a rare to medium-rare doneness.
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter with a high smoke point oil like grapeseed oil for a dairy-free option.
Some suggested side dishes include fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or rice. These options complement the flavors of the Blackened Ahi Tuna well.
🥣 Storage & Reheating
Storage: Once cooked, store any leftover Blackened Ahi Tuna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat the tuna, gently warm it in a skillet over low to medium heat until just heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can cause the tuna to become dry.
Freezing: It's not recommended to freeze cooked Ahi Tuna, as it can result in a change in texture and loss of flavor. It's best enjoyed fresh. However, if you must freeze it, wrap the tuna tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
🍷 Wine Pairing
This crisp and zesty white wine with citrus and herbaceous notes complements the spiciness of the blackened seasoning while providing a refreshing contrast.
🌿 Related Recipes
🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Blackened Ahi Tuna
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Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan
- Small bowl
- Paper towels
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz Ahi Tuna Steaks 2 filets; typically 4-8 oz is a small serving for one person
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil
Blackened Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper optional, for added spiciness
- 1 tablespoon Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper (if using), Oregano, and Garlic Salt to make the Blackened Seasoning.
- Pat the Ahi Tuna Steaks dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better to the tuna.
- Generously coat each side of the tuna steaks with the Blackened Seasoning. Make sure to press the seasoning onto the fish to ensure it adheres well.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until it's smoking hot. Add the Unsalted Butter to the pan and let it melt.
- Carefully place the seasoned Ahi Tuna Steaks in the hot pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the steaks. The goal is to sear the outside while leaving the inside rare to medium-rare.
- Once the tuna is seared on both sides, remove it from the pan immediately. Be cautious not to overcook the tuna, as it can quickly become dry and lose its tenderness.
- Let the tuna rest for a minute or two before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute within the fish, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Serve the Blackened Ahi Tuna with your favorite side dishes, such as a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or rice.
Video
Notes
🌡️ Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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