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Pan-seared tuna steaks garnished with garlic herb butter on a plate

Pan-Seared Tuna Steaks

Quick, elegant pan-seared tuna steaks finished with a rich garlic-herb butter baste, perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Seafood
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tuna Steaks
  • 2 pieces tuna steaks, about 6 ounces each and 1 inch thick Thick tuna steaks are key for a good sear.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Helps the surface brown quickly.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Garlic Herb Butter
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Serve melted as a sauce.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the butter.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped Brightens the flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves Adds aromatic flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the tuna steaks completely dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Cooking
  1. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers.
  2. Carefully place the tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare.
  3. Remove the skillet from heat. Add the butter, minced garlic, parsley, and thyme to the pan.
  4. Tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the melted garlic herb butter over the tuna steaks for about 30 seconds.
  5. Move the tuna immediately to a cutting board and let it rest for 2 minutes. Slice against the grain.
Serving
  1. Spoon the garlic-herb butter from the pan over the sliced tuna and serve right away.

Notes

For best results, don’t crowd the pan when cooking. If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Serve with simple sides like roasted potatoes or a crisp salad.