Ahi Tuna Steaks

Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 2 Ahi tuna steaks, 5 oz (142 g) each
2. 0.25 tsp. (0.6 g) cayenne pepper
3. 0.1 tsp. (0.6 g) kosher salt
4. 1 tsp. (2.3 g) ground paprika
5. 0.5 tbsp. (7 g) butter
6. 2 tbsp. or 0.125 cups (28 g) olive oil
7. 1 tsp. (3 g) whole peppercorns

Directions:

1. Place the 2 Ahi tuna steaks (10 oz / 284 g total) in a bowl and evenly sprinkle them with 0.25 tsp. (0.6 g) cayenne pepper, 0.1 tsp. (0.6 g) kosher salt, and 1 tsp. (2.3 g) ground paprika.
2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 0.5 tbsp. (7 g) butter, then pour in 2 tbsp. or 0.125 cups (28 g) olive oil. Add 1 tsp. (3 g) whole peppercorns to the mixture and cook for 5 minutes or until they have softened.
3. Carefully lay the spiced Ahi tuna steaks into the hot skillet. Sear the steaks for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
4. Remove the cooked Ahi tuna steaks from the skillet immediately and serve them hot.

Nutritional Information

Here is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this dish to help you track your macros:

• Calories: 669 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g (Net carbs are very low, making this a great keto option!)
• Protein: 65.5 g
• Fat: 45.1 g

Chef's Pro Tips for the Perfect Sear

To ensure your Ahi Tuna Steaks turn out tasting like they came from a high-end seafood restaurant, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Pat the Tuna Dry: Before sprinkling on your cayenne and paprika, use a paper towel to thoroughly dry the surface of your tuna steaks. Moisture is the enemy of a good crust!
• Watch the Heat: While the recipe calls for softening the peppercorns over medium heat, make sure your pan is sufficiently hot before adding the fish so you get a beautiful, quick sear without cooking the tuna all the way through.
• Don't Overcook: Ahi tuna is incredibly lean. It is best enjoyed rare or medium-rare (seared on the outside, cool and red on the inside). Cooking it completely through will result in dry, tough fish.
• Source Sushi-Grade Fish: Because you are eating the center practically raw, always buy high-quality, sushi-grade or sashimi-grade Ahi tuna from a reputable fishmonger.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ahi tuna supposed to be raw in the middle? Yes, Ahi tuna is traditionally served rare or medium-rare in the center. Because the fish is so lean, cooking it all the way through will cause it to dry out and lose its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How do I know when my Ahi tuna is done cooking? For the perfect sear, you only need to cook the tuna for 1 to 2 minutes per side. You can watch the color change from deep red to opaque white as it cooks up the side of the steak. Once about a quarter-inch is cooked on each side, take it off the heat immediately.

Can I use frozen tuna steaks for this recipe? Absolutely! Frozen Ahi tuna is often flash-frozen at sea and is a high-quality option. Just be sure to thaw the steaks safely in the refrigerator overnight, and pat them completely dry with a paper towel before adding your spices.

What side dishes pair well with Ahi tuna? Since this is a rich and flavorful dish, it pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Try serving it alongside a crisp cucumber salad, steamed asparagus, or cauliflower rice to keep the meal entirely low-carb.

Conclusion

I hope you give this easy tuna steak recipe a try the next time you are craving a quick seafood dinner! Working with fresh tuna steaks at home is incredibly rewarding, and this peppercorn crusted tuna easily ranks at the top of my favorite 15-minute meals. If you are trying to incorporate more healthy fish recipes into your weekly rotation, this low-carb tuna dinner is an absolute winner. It delivers a fantastic high protein seafood punch while remaining a perfectly keto-friendly tuna dish. Leave a comment below and let me know how your pan-seared Ahi tuna turns out!