5 Easy Grilled Tuna Recipes to Wow Your Guests

In the world of grilling, tuna stands out as a versatile and flavorful option that can elevate any summer barbecue or casual dinner party. Whether you're a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, these five grilled tuna recipes will not only simplify your cooking process but also impress your guests with their delicious outcomes. Let's dive into the mouthwatering world of grilled tuna, exploring recipes that cater to various tastes and skill levels.

Grilled Tuna Steak with Lemon Herb Butter

Starting our list is a classic that’s both simple and elegant. This Grilled Tuna Steak with Lemon Herb Butter is perfect for those looking to achieve a tender, juicy tuna steak with a burst of fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 tuna steaks, about 1 inch thick
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Preheat your grill to high heat. Make sure your tuna steaks are at room temperature.
2. Season: Season the tuna steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Rub with olive oil.
3. Lemon Herb Butter: Mix the softened butter with parsley, dill, lemon zest, and juice in a bowl until well combined. This can be prepared in advance.
4. Grill: Place tuna steaks on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare. Adjust time for preferred doneness.
5. Serve: Remove steaks from the grill and immediately top each with a generous dollop of the lemon herb butter. Let it melt over the warm tuna before serving.

🔍 Note: Cooking tuna steaks to rare or medium-rare is recommended to preserve their delicate texture and flavor.

Spicy Grilled Tuna Tacos

If you’re looking to spice things up, these Spicy Grilled Tuna Tacos are sure to be a hit. This recipe transforms the tuna into a south-of-the-border delight, perfect for taco nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh tuna steaks
• 2 tablespoons chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Tortillas
• Toppings: shredded cabbage, avocado slices, lime wedges, cilantro, salsa

Instructions:

1. Season: Combine chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture onto both sides of the tuna steaks.
2. Grill: Grill the tuna steaks over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side, or until the desired doneness is reached.
3. Slice: After grilling, let the tuna rest for a couple of minutes, then slice into strips.
4. Assemble: Heat tortillas on the grill for a minute or two. Fill with tuna slices and your choice of toppings.

🌮 Note: For an extra kick, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the seasoning mix.

Grilled Tuna Nicoise Salad

For a fresh and light meal, try this Grilled Tuna Nicoise Salad. It’s a beautiful combination of grilled tuna with traditional salad ingredients, making for a satisfying yet elegant dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb tuna steak
• ¹⁄₂ lb green beans, trimmed
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
• 8-10 small new potatoes, halved and boiled
• ¹⁄₂ cup Nicoise or Kalamata olives
• Mixed greens
• Dressing: olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Grill: Season the tuna with salt and pepper. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Prepare Salad: Blanch green beans, then cool them quickly in ice water to maintain their vibrant color. Arrange mixed greens on a platter, top with potatoes, beans, eggs, and olives.
3. Slice Tuna: After grilling, slice the tuna and arrange over the salad.
4. Dress: Drizzle with the prepared dressing just before serving.

🍴 Note: You can add tomatoes or anchovies for an authentic Nicoise experience.

Honey Glazed Grilled Tuna

This Honey Glazed Grilled Tuna recipe brings sweetness and tang to the grill, offering a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 tuna steaks
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Marinate: Combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Marinate tuna steaks in this mixture for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Remove tuna from marinade (reserve marinade) and grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, basting with the marinade periodically.
3. Serve: Allow the tuna to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to retain its juiciness.

Grilled Tuna with Mango Salsa

Finish our list with a tropical twist by pairing grilled tuna with a vibrant Mango Salsa. This dish is perfect for showcasing the harmony between the grill’s robust flavors and the salsa’s refreshing notes.

Ingredients:

• 4 tuna steaks
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• ¹⁄₂ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1 lime, juiced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make Salsa: Mix diced mango, onion, jalapeno, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it sit to allow flavors to meld.
2. Grill Tuna: Season tuna with salt and pepper, then grill over high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side for a rare to medium-rare result.
3. Serve: Top the grilled tuna with the mango salsa just before serving to keep the salsa’s vibrant flavors intact.

🍈 Note: Mango salsa can also be used with chicken or fish tacos for a sweet and spicy treat.

Each of these grilled tuna recipes offers something unique, catering to a variety of tastes while keeping preparation straightforward. From the citrusy freshness of the Lemon Herb Butter Tuna to the tropical flair of the Mango Salsa, there's a recipe here for every palate. Grilling tuna not only brings out its rich flavors but also offers a healthier, lighter meal option that can be dressed up or down according to the occasion. Try one or try them all; your guests will surely be delighted by the variety and sophistication these dishes bring to your grill.