I’ll admit, we do eat and post a lot of seafood recipes and this time it’s Southern Italian Grilled Tuna Steaks. You just may be starting to think — aren’t they tired of fish yet? Well, actually, no we’re not. Now we do realize lemon, butter and white wine with fish, as delicious as those ingredients are, can only go so far before monotony starts in. So what is it we do to prevent seafood boredom?
Easy! We think outside the box.
First of all, I know that not everyone considers seafood, and in this case tuna steaks, a star of a deliciously satisfying meal. In fact, I would venture to say, that some of you might even gag at the sight of a seafood fillet or grilled tuna steak presented on a plate in front of you.
That’s really sad! *sigh* You’re missing out on so many yummy dishes. Of course, if you’d been forced fed processed fish sticks or smelly fish while growing up, then the aversion is perfectly understandable. Today I won’t eat mackerel . . . anyway . . . anyhow.
It was a bad experience in the 70’s. My dear mother-in-law, who didn’t drive, wanted to join Weight Watchers so I told her I’d join with her. It seemed like in those days the diet required eating fish morning, noon and night. 🙁 I think I bought out the stores in tuna and orange roughy. Anyway, one day for a change, I’d picked up a can of mackerel. The mackerel was cheap and it was right next to the cans of tuna I wanted to buy.
This particular day I was completely out of tuna. So I thought, why not give the mackerel a try? Oh boy, did I regret that!! Once the can opener cut into the lid an overwhelming odor permeated the kitchen. I rushed around the house opening the windows and doors. Once back in the kitchen I grabbed a plastic bag out of a drawer and threw in the partially opened can. Heavens! Cat food smelled better than that mackerel! I was afraid to put that plastic bag in the outside trash. The smell would invite every feral creature in the vicinity to check out the trash can!! I ended up putting the bag with the mackerel in the freezer so we could save it until trash day.
Now our tuna for our Southern Italian Grilled Tuna Steaks doesn’t have any odor at all. That is the big difference . . . you have to buy fresh fish or fresh frozen fish. If the fish smells — don’t buy it!! There are people who do enjoy fresh mackerel on the grill. What’s important is having freshly caught fish!
So how do we prevent seafood boredom?
We make special marinades like Lime Marinated Mahi Mahi, or delicious toppings as with our Fresh Tuna with Caramelized Onions and Tuna Genovese , or herbs and oil as in Grilled Lime Herb Fish with Truffle Oil. Fish is easily prepared in so many different ways. There is no reason to let seafood boredom set in. Try our Southern Italian Grilled Tuna Steaks recipe– the dish will make your tastebuds stand at attention.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
Southern Italian Grilled Tuna Steaks
Ingredients
- 4 tuna steaks 1" thick (see notes)***
- Extra virgin olive oil for brushing on the tuna steaks
- Freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1 cup dry vermouth may substitute dry white wine
- 2/3 cup Kalamata olives sliced
- 1/4 cup capers drained and rinsed in cold water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
- Brush the tuna steaks with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat the grill to high and brush the cooking grates with oil or spray with vegetable spray before lighting the grill.
- FOR THE SAUCE: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic for a minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for another couple of minutes. Add the vermouth and bring to a simmer for two minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients except for the parsley and simmer uncovered for 4 minutes. Stir in the parsley and remove from heat.
- FOR THE TUNA:On the grill, sear the tuna steaks over high, direct heat for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Do not over cook!! Tuna steaks should be rare to medium rare for the best taste and texture. *
- Lightly tent the tuna steaks with foil and let them rest for 4 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve topped with the sauce.
Notes
- *The tuna steaks will continue to cook once they are off of the grill.
- Inspired by Kimberly Killebrew's recipe for Sicilian-Style Grilled Tuna Steaks at www.daringgourmet.com
Nutrition
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Veena Azmanov says
I love grilled tuna steaks. Last week we had some amazing tuna and I could not decide if I should grill or use it for Sushi. The kids decided they wanted sushi but boy was I in the mood for grilled. Next time I’m trying this one. So yum.
Denise says
You are such an expert on seafood! This looks wonderful. Olives, capers and lemons are one of my favorite combinations. You sure can cook!
Gloria says
Tuna is such a great fish for the grill. So meaty, and doesn’t fall between the grates. This dinner looks delicious, and is a great one to feed a crowd with. Love the flavours happening here….makes me feel like I am on vacation.
Heather says
Gorgeous! Super healthy and the tuna looks moist and delicious. I eat so much seafood, I am always looking for more great easy recipes, especially now in summer time. I also love that you use vermouth in this recipe.. very creative.
Pavani says
That is such a nutritious and delicious meal with tuna steaks. I love Mediterranean flavors in any dish and this one sounds absolutely lovely.
Stephanie Simmons says
This is such a delicious way to cook tuna!
Madi says
This is such a gorgeous meal! Tuna is my favorite fish to cook, I can’t wait to try this recipe soon!
Claudia Lamascolo says
My whole family loves tuna this really looks delicious and going on my must make list maybe this fridays dinner!
Wajeeha says
This tuna looks super delicious…I’m sorry about your bad experience with mackerel :/ but this looks like the perfect summer meal!
Tina says
This is a beautiful dish! I love tuna steaks, and love the flavors in the dish. I think I will pair this up with a pesto zoodle salad. 🙂
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
This looks and sounds absolutely divine. Brilliant use of flavors – what a combo! PERFECT for summer
Jessica Robinson says
Absolutely loving this tuna steak dish and cannot wait to try them! This looks so darn good!
Noel Lizotte says
what a great way to liven up a grilled meal. This sure would be a change from burgers and hot dogs!
Can’t wait to try it.
Jolina says
I think we’re experiencing seafood boredom too. This would definitely solve that…looks amazing. Can’t wait to try it. We don’t cook with tuna a lot, this is the perfect recipe to get better at it 🙂
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Jolina! The trick with tuna is not to overcook it. It does look pink but it doesn’t taste raw — frankly, it’s delicious. Hope you do give it a try.
Veena Azmanov says
Marisa I am always so jealous of your fresh fish recipes. I wish I have the luxury to find good affordable fresh fish. I love grilled tuna steak and this looks so awesome. Love all those veggies too!
Marisa Franca says
Oh, Veena! You have all those marvelous cakes and exotic dishes that I wish I could make. I don’t know how you come up with some of your ideas. xoxo
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
I am an Italian food lover…and this looks so good. We do love tuna, but finding fresh can sometimes be a problem. I will have to give this a try….looks like a great weekend meal…along with some wine!!
Marisa Franca says
Yes, Gloria! The wine is a must – it does have a way of making the food taste better. ????
Student Welfare says
Thanks for showing me the new way to go with tuna!
Marisa Franca says
Your welcome! If you like tuna this is delicious!
Lisa at celebrate creativity says
Marisa, believe it or not…. I’ve never eaten tuna steak before. Yes, I’m the girl who has always eaten tuna from a can with mayo-lol.
I can see how this dish could cure “seafood boredom”. Love that term. I’m going to borrow that one.
Oh, I’m on a grilling kick lately too.
Hope you have a wonderful week!
Marisa Franca says
Lisa, if you like canned tuna you’ll love fresh off the grill! Hope you have a great week too 🙂
annie@ciaochowbambina.com says
Ahhhh! Such a perfect meal on this hot and sunny day! Loving the pasta and that sauce!!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Annie! I think it’s hot everywhere! Thinking about cold plates until the weather gets cooler 🙂
Frank says
Looks like a particularly lovely tagliata… How I love the foods of summer. 🙂
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Frank. We love summer foods also — light and tasty!
Carina Simeon says
Marisa, beautifully cooked/grilled Tuna and great shots of that plated dish as well. Brava. Carina
Marisa Franca says
Grazie Carina, sei molto gentile!
Molly Kumar says
I love Tuna steaks and would love to make the Italian version soon. Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe.
Marisa Franca says
You’re welcome Molly! We do love our tuna — in fact it’s on sale again and we’re buying more 🙂
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Man oh man, now this is how to dress up tuna and make it sexy.
Marisa Franca says
Hi Bintu! I am going to use that sauce on some other dish!! It is so good.
Trish @ Rhubarbarians says
YUM! That Italian sauce sounds SO delicious! The perfect Summer meal. 🙂
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Trish. It is perfect for summer — easy and light 🙂
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says
Tuna steaks are one of my favorite meals and I can’t get any fresh where I live now. But this looks fantastic! Drooling!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Melanie! Keep an eye out for the fresh-frozen variety. Sometimes the stores will bring in a whole slab and cut steaks off of it. The tuna is still good.
Jovina Coughlin says
Super delicious meal Marisa. Love everything about it including the pasta – a perfect compliment.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Jovina!
Mandee Pogue says
This recipe sounds amazing! You just took me back to my Nona’s house! She used to make dishes so similar to this!
Marisa Franca says
Hi Mandee! Isn’t is amazing how food can bring back so many fond memories 🙂 Life and food — you can’t separate them.
Ciao Chow Linda says
I feel the same way about mackerel. Oh but your tuna, now that’s a different story! Gorgeous!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Linda! We are so lucky that we’ve been getting it at $5.99 or $6.99. We feel like we’ve hit the motherlode. 🙂
daniel says
I love tuna fish
Marisa Franca says
Me too!!
Chiara says
I am never tired of eating fish , I think fish is the most healthy meal ! Have a nice day Marisa, un abbraccio !
Marisa Franca says
Grazie Chiara! I grew up eating lots of different fish — it is good for us, isn’t it. Buona giornata e un abbraccio forte.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Nicole, and I’m with you — Italian and Mediterranean are my favorites. But I could be tempted with Asian and Mexican too 🙂
Shinee says
Funny you’ve posted this recipe today, because I too posted grilled swordfish steaks on my blog. Tuna steaks are great for grilling. Love all the veggies on yours. Yum. And I’m with you, I can eat seafood every day if I could, they’re so good!
Marisa Franca says
Hi Shinee! Great minds think alike 🙂
Mary says
I love grilled tuna steaks! These look great!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Mary! Not only are they easy to prepare but delicious!
Olivia @ Olivia's Cuisine says
What a great meal! So much yumminess happening in that plate!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Olivia! We certainly enjoyed our dinner!
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says
I love tuna! This looks absolutely delicious!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Marsha! If you love tuna, this is the recipe you’ll have to make!