When we saw the beautiful thick sushi grade tuna steaks on sale, we knew those steaks were meant for a special recipe such as Tuna Steaks Alla Genovese.
The Genovese technique uses a single skillet to quickly brown the fish steaks, then it makes a wonderfully tasting sauce, and at the end puts the two together, perfectly marrying the flavors.
The magic touch to cooking tuna steaks
Normally we like to grill tuna steaks or make them like our Fresh Tuna with Caramelized Onions. When we grill, my Honey watches the tuna steaks like a hawk so that they don’t go beyond medium rare.
If I cook the steaks in a pan, it’s a matter of tossing them in the skillet for a minute or so then flipping them over for another minute.
If you’ve ever tried to eat tuna steaks medium or well done, you know you have to have a large glass of liquid nearby just so you can swallow. I’ve made that mistake! To make it palatable, you either drown the tuna with tons of sauce or make tuna salad out of it.
Lucky seafood find
We couldn’t believe we found such a great deal at Lucky’s Market –fresh tuna at $5.99 a pound. We certainly love a good bargain! So, we bought quite a few tuna steaks just so we could freeze them to enjoy at a later date.
Lucky’s Market is a new store in our area. When we first saw their ads we thought they were something like a Save-a-Lot. The name just doesn’t fit the store, although you could say we got lucky with the delicious foods and bargains. 🙂
Lucky’s a store for many tastes
The store concentrates on fresh and organic fruits and vegetables. The meat and fish cases are loaded with lots of delicious choices and the deli is full of meats and cheeses. Their salads are so numerous it’s really hard to pick out what looks best. I wanted to sample all of them.
As you walk into the store you can smell the meat being smoked — we couldn’t believe they smoked their meats right there. Both our sons said that their pastrami is the best they’ve ever tasted and they are smoked meat experts!
All of the personnel are cheerful and helpful — every time we go there it’s a pleasant shopping experience.
Lucky’s Market doesn’t have a lot of stores throughout the country but they’re opening more. Why they chose our little town I don’t know, but I’m glad they did.
I believe there’s a Lucky”s Market being built right now in Savannah, which is good for us since we frequent that area– fishing trips to Saint Simons Island, Georgia. No, I ‘m not related to anyone at Lucky’s Market nor am I being paid to praise their store. If you have a Lucky’s Market nearby you’ve got to go take a look.
Tuna steaks are quick to prepare
Now, getting back to our Tuna Steaks Alla Genovese, you don’t have to cook them in the skillet if you don’t want to. Say you wanted to prepare this recipe for guests, the beauty of this recipe is that you can make the sauce ahead of time.
Say you want to grill the tuna steaks, all you have to do is omit the step of flouring and frying the steaks in the skillet.
You just make the sauce by sautéing the garlic, anchovies, and porcini in 3 Tablespoons of olive oil in a smaller skillet. You then would then just follow the rest of the sauce recipe. Just before grilling, you would season the tuna steaks with 3 Tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Once the guests arrive all you have to do is fire up the grill and cook the fish.
We haven’t made it on the grill yet, but the way hubby likes to grill I’m sure that’s in the near future.
The sauce is wonderful and we enjoyed it over bucatini. If you don’t put it over pasta, make sure you have a scarpetta ( bread for soaking up the delicious sauce).
You can also make this recipe with other seafood such as, bass, cod, and salmon. Since hubby loves to fish , we’re hoping that fall fishing will be plentiful and we’ll be able to try it alla Genovese with flounder and sea trout.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
Tuna Alla Genovese
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tuna steaks about 6 ounces each, cut 1 inch or thicker
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour spread on wax paper for dredging
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more as needed
- 3/4 cup dried porcini mushrooms soaked in 1 cup warm water
- 6 large garlic cloves
- 2 anchovy fillets drained and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons fresh Italian parsley chopped
Instructions
- Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon salt over the tuna steaks. Dredge each steak in the flour, coating both sides. Shake off the flour.
- Pour 4 Tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, lay all the tuna in the pan, and sauté on the first side for about 1 minute, just until browned. Flip the steaks over, and brown the second side another minute or so. Take the pan off the heat. transfer the tuna to a platter and keep warm while you make the sauce.
- Take the rehydrated porcini pieces from the soaking water and reserve the water. Pour the porcini water through a coffee filter or fine sieve to remove any sediment. Finely chop the porcini.
- Pour 2 Tablespoons olive oil into the skillet, set it over medium-high heat, toss in the garlic cloves, then stir in the anchovy and the porcini. The anchovy will melt into the oil. Cook and stir until everything is sizzling nicely, then pour in the white wine, lemon juice, and porcini water. Add the thyme sprigs and season with the remaining salt. Bring the sauce to a boil. Cook until reduced by half.
- When the sauce has thickened, arrange the tuna steaks in the skillet again, and pour in any juices from the platter. Heat for a minute in the bubbling sauce, then turn the steaks over and cook briefly on the second side The tuna should still be rare at this point.
- Just before serving, drop the 2 Tablespoons butter into the pan in-between the tuna steaks, and stir it into the sauce. Turn off the heat and stir in the parsley.
- Serve the steaks over pasta spooning sauce over them.
Notes
- Inspired by Lydia Bastianich's recipe Tuna Genovese Style
Nutrition
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Nicolas Hortense says
That tuna looks delicious!! I definitely don’t cook it often enough, let alone cook it like this.
Kitty says
I never know what to do with fish steaks. We didn’t eat much seafood growing up. But this Italian dish looks approachable. Thanks for the inspiration Marisa!
EA The Spicy RD says
I love how easy this recipe is, and I bet the flavors are delicious! Confession: I love seared tuna, but I’ve never cooked it at home before. I can’t wait to make this!
Jessica (Swanky Recipes) says
I’ve really got into meal prepping for a friend the past few weeks and I’m looking to shake things up a bit. I’m used to just using a spice or two to add flavor to tuna but I love all the added flavor with this fresh meal! Even better that I can make this for the hubs and I and pack the rest for our friend!
Kelsey says
This looks so good! I love the way you put the tuna steak on pasta! Genius!
Sharon says
These tuna steaks look like the perfect date night meal to me. The delicious sauce that it makes and adding the pasta makes this a filling meal too.
Arlene Mobley says
Looks so easy and delicious!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I have never heard of a Lucky Market before, but I looked it up and the nearest one is on the other side of the province 🙁
This looks like such a great dinner idea!!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Cathleen! It is delicious!
Chef Markus says
Simple recipes that focus on flavour like this one, are just the best! I was always apprehensive of cooking tuna at home before I started cooking professionally, but dishes such as this one make it a very approachable fish for the average home cook to work with, not to mention delicious!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Markus! I appreciate the kind words. We really love tuna and learned long ago not to overcook!
Daniela says
I’m always looking for different ways to cook tuna steaks, and this recipe looks like a winner. The sauce, in particular, has me drooling! Yum!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Daniela! Thank you it’s so good! The sauce doesn’t overwhelm the tuna. It’s perfect.
Dominique | Perchance to Cook says
It looks like you nailed that lemon white wine mushroom sauce! I love eating this dish with a tuna steak to change things up. Tuna steaks are so satisfying; I don’t eat them enough. I’m happy to have a new idea as to how to cook them now!
Julie says
Tuna steaks always make me so nervous to cook because like you mentioned, it’s so easy to overcook and they are so tough to eat at that point. But I love a good practically rare tuna steak!
Aditi Bahl says
Marissa, ive always loved your recipes, and this one is no less. You make the dish look like served in a good restaurant, but prepared at home.Thanks for sharing.
Denise says
I was anxious to see what you put in the sauce. I love fresh tuna but its hard to come by and we usually pan fry them like steaks. This would be a much tastier way to eat it!
Veena Azmanov says
Oh, Marisa, this would be an absolute feast for me. I love the flavors you have in this recipe. I’m a huge fan of tuna and it’s been a while since we ate fresh tuna. Saving this for later.
Jolina says
Oh we will definitely eat every last drop of that delicious sauce! We don’t get a lot of fresh tuna here so it’s great that we can try this recipe with other kinds of fish.
Dawn says
I don’t eat tuna a lot, but when I do it’s a real treat! I’ve never prepared it this way, usually lightly seared with some soy sauce mixture. This looks like a delicious way to mix things up. Perfect for entertaining or date night too 🙂
Veena Azmanov says
I love Tuna but we don’t get fresh tuna here – I have to only use frozen or canned tuna. But that sauce – I am definitely making that sauce. Not sure what I want to serve it with but I love the flavors there.
Denise says
Oh that sauce sounds out of this world! The porchini mushrooms, anchovies and garlic….I can see why you would want a nice loaf of bread to soak up all that goodness!
Marisa Franca says
It really is good, Denise! We enjoy our fresh tuna and have it quite often so we like to find different recipes.
Michelle says
This is one of those meals that doesn’t look like you made it at home but is still totally doable. I love all the different flavors coming through!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Well I do have a hard time getting great “fresh” tuna steaks. Unless I head into the fish market…and the closet one is like 40 minutes away….I often use frozen. That being said….they would for sure work in this tasty recipe. I just might have to swap out the anchovies for black olives. Perfect with a glass of white wine.
Marisa Franca says
Gloria, honestly you can’t taste the anchovies. It just adds another dimension but by all means, add the olives. I highly recommend cooking with the small anchovies. They just melt away.
Rosemary says
Well this is certainly the recipe for us, we love our fish and it looks and sounds amazing. I can’t wait to try it.
Jessica says
I don’t make nearly enough tuna at my house. Thanks for the inspiration!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Jessica! It really is an easy meal to make and enjoy!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
This looks amazing! It looks like something you would get at a restaurant. I have to try this! Pinning.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Thao! It was very tasty and quick to make. Have a great day!!
Molly Kumar says
Look at that Tuna Steak – Oh my gosh!! It looks fabulous and that sauce is just perfect in everyday. You created such a delicious meal with such ease 🙂 I’m saving this recipe and hope to try it soon as we love Tuna.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Molly! Thank you! It is a great and EASY recipe. So tasty! If your family likes tuna they’ll love this.
Natalie says
I’ve never heard of Genovese technique but now you got me interested. This tuna steak looks absolutely amazing. I love the sauce. Sounds heavenly delicious. I could eat it with the spoon.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Natalie! It is soooo good. You will want to clean up the sauce. 🙂
Velva says
This is a beautiful and flavorful dish. Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
Velva-Tomatoes on the Vine
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Velva. I’m always glad to share good recipes.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
What a lucky find getting these on sale! And what a great way to serve these delicious steaks. I love everything about this recipe – thanks for sharing!
Marisa Franca says
You’re welcome, Tricia! When we find a good recipe we are always anxious to share. Have a great day.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
That is one amazing hearty recipe and simple love the flavor of the sauce. Being vegetarian, I can totally try to grill some firm tofu and use the sauce as the base.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Sandhya! I suggested the firm tofu to another reader. I haven’t tried it but the sauce is so amazing I believe it would taste great! 🙂
soniya Saluja says
This looks amazing !! I am not a big fan of tuna but i really wanna try this recipe of yours 🙂 Saving it ..will definitely give it a try soon . Thanks for sharing !
Marisa Franca says
You’re welcome, Soniya! The tuna has a really mild taste — and the sauce gives it extra flavor.
Ashley - Forking Up says
Yum! I love love love tuna steaks but have never made them myself. This recipe looks so very tasty! I think perhaps even my fish-hating fiance would enjoy it.
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Ashley! We love tuna — a lot! And it is so easy and fast to prepare. This recipe really gives the tuna a special touch.
swathi says
That sauce looks delicious makes that tuna steaks flavorful. I always find had to cook steaks of fishes, especially salmon, cod they don’t like to incorporate any spices for that reason this sauce will be good.
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Swathi! With salmon and tuna, it’s best to almost make them separately because the fish cooks so fast and it’s easy to overcook. I hope you try the recipe.
Megan Marlowe says
I’ve never made tuna steaks before but I must say I am salivating at this dish. I love tuna, so I’m not sure why I haven’t made them before, but you are definitely making me wish I had a Lucky’s and scored some deliciously cheap tuna!
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Megan! We are lucky to have Luckys — we are always on the lookout for good fish sales. We feel like we really score when we get wild caught salmon. 🙂
Lori Vachon says
I haven’t prepared tuna steaks in a very long time, I definitely need to give your recipe a try. Looks amazing!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Lori! You just have to take care not to overcook. The sauce is amazing!
Sara @ Modern Little Victories says
I have never seen tuna prepared like this before. I would have never thought of serving it in this fashion with the pasta and that lovely sauce! I’d be willing to bet it would be a delicious surprise for most people too!
Marisa Franca says
I agree with you, Sara! Until we found Lidia’s recipe we would have made our tuna as we usually do. Once we tried this we were hooked. It’s delicious.
ManilaSpoon says
I am always on the lookout for new seafood recipes to try as I think we need to add more seafood to our diet. I can imagine how tasty this is with the flavors of white wine, lemon juice and even some anchovies added! YUM!!
Marisa Franca says
I agree with eating seafood. I feel almost guilty about putting so many fish dishes on the blog. But!! That’s how we eat.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
I love a good pasta dinner. I have never used tuna in this way. Sounds totally delicious, and I can really see how this would work with pasta. Dried mushrooms are so good. They add so much depth in flavour. I love soaking them in wine.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Gloria! We love dried mushrooms, they give such an intense flavor to dishes!!
Byron Thomas says
That’s a great price for tuna steaks! Where’s this Lucky’s you speak so fondly of? LOL. I love the dried mushrooms in this dish too; I bet there was such a robust, woodsy flavour. Looks delicious, Marisa!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Byron! Lucky’s is based in Colorado and they are expanding. Who knows, they may decide to go into your neck of the woods. If they do, try their pastrami — it’s to die for!!They make it in-house.
Veena Azmanov says
Oh this looks like a great Tuna recipe. I love the images and the recipes sounds so good. Can’t wait to try.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Veena! Tuna is such a good seafood.
Adriana Lopez Martn says
You got me at tuna steaks. I love fresh tuna and makes a great meal but then paired with pasta this is a winner on my list =)
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Adriana! Pasta makes everything more special.:-)
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
Mmmm…porcini mushrooms! We used to have stores where I live called Lucky, but they turned into something else. I wonder if they’re related.
Uma says
I love that you fresh Italian pasrsely. I love the flavor of that. Your pic is good too.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Uma! Fresh herbs do add a special touch to a dish. 😉
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says
This dish looks so elegant and perfect for entertaining or an easy dinner. I wish we had a Lucky’s Market near us cause it sounds like a place I’d love to visit 🙂
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Stephanie! Lucky’s is expanding. They may be coming near you. They aren’t a Trader Joe, more like Fresh Thyme or Fresh Market.
traditionallymodernfood says
your pic talks about the dish.. looks delish. Being a vegetarian I cant imagine the taste but i bet it tastes yum
Marisa Franca says
Yes, it was good! Do you eat tofu? I wonder if you could try for a similar flavor with it? Have a great weekend.
Jovina Coughlin says
What a great dinner. Love your recipe. I have a tuna steak in the freezer and your recipe is a good one for my tuna.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Jovina! Let me know how you like it — we thought it was great!
shernell says
Oh my, I’m vegan but I remember the taste of fish and pasta very well. Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Nagi@RecipeTinEats says
oh my gosh. I watched Lidia make this once and have been meaning to try it for ages! I presume I can make this with other white fillets? Tuna steaks are ridiculously expensive!
Marisa Franca says
I don’t see why you couldn’t make it with other fish. As I mentioned in the post we were so lucky to get a good deal on tuna. In fact we’re having it tonight 😀
Rina I Thee Cook says
These look really good! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you! It was my pleasure joining.
Amanda says
Wow, my mouth is watering just looking at this. What a show stopping meal!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you — that sauce is delicious.
Frank says
The sauce really does sound lovely. And I couldn’t agree more that overcooked tuna is simply inedible!
Marisa Franca says
I think canned tuna is preferable to overcooked fresh tuna — 🙂
Simply Suzannes at Home says
WOW! Photo number 4 made my mouth water!
I told my husband about the recipe . . . and he wants me to try it!
I noticed that this dish was inspired by Lydia! I enjoy watching her cooking show with my mom!
She’s had her cooking show for decades. She’s the real deal! 110% Italian! I could totally see you enjoying her authentic recipes :0)
Congratulations on being nominated for a Liebster Award!
Thanks for sharing your recipe! My husband thanks you, too ;0)
Big hugs! Suzanne
shernell says
I’m vegan but this recipe had my mouth watering. I love it. Thanks for sharing. Maybe I can make the sauce !
Jovina Coughlin says
What a delicious way to prepare tuna. I like to try new ways to cook fish and meat to keep life interesting. this sauce sounds perfect for seafood. Definitely on my todo list the next time I purchase tuna. Looks delicious.
MyCookingSecrets.com | Krystallia Giamouridou says
Hi Marisa! This is Krystallia (from food bloggers central) & I nominated you for the LIEBSTER AWARD! I strongly believe that your blog is amazing with interesting recipes and I really like it. To find out more information and how to get started with this award… read the following post on my blog http://www.mycookingsecrets.com/the-liebster-award/ Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Chiara says
bellissima ricetta Marisa,prendo nota, voglio farla ! Buona settimana, un abbraccio
Marisa Franca says
Grazie Chiara! Spero che ti piaccia. Un abbraccio forte! Buona serata!