Description
This recipe features perfectly seared tuna steaks served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce, accompanied by a fresh mixed salad. It’s a quick and delicious Mediterranean-inspired main course that balances tender, flavorful tuna with a zesty, creamy sauce and crisp vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Tuna Steaks
- 4 tuna steaks, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salad & Dressing
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for dressing
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare Tuna Steaks: Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika to infuse flavor evenly.
- Sear Tuna: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the tuna steaks in the skillet and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes for medium-rare doneness, or cook longer if preferred. Remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest to retain juices.
- Make Garlic Sauce: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Mix in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. Remove from heat to prevent curdling.
- Prepare Salad and Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard until emulsified. Toss in mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Mix gently to coat vegetables evenly with the dressing.
- Serve: Plate each tuna steak and drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Serve alongside a generous portion of the fresh salad for a balanced and flavorful meal.
Notes
- To ensure tender and moist tuna, avoid overcooking—medium-rare is ideal.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the tuna in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 15 minutes before cooking.
- This creamy garlic sauce pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or pasta as an alternative.
