If you’ve been craving a taste of Asia, try making this Zesty Baked Tuna. It’s easy and delicious, and a great option for those who hate the fishy smell. This recipe is easy to make, and requires minimal preparation. Just prep the tuna in advance. To avoid clumps, use pre-minced garlic and ginger. They are available in the grocery store and are a smart and quick cooking hack. Also, lemon juice and parmesan cheese can be used in place of cheese, and you can easily substitute them.
Zesty Baked Tuna Recipes
Zesty Baked Tuna
Ingredients
- 2 tuna fillets
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp lime zest
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp scallions chopped
- Lime wedges to serve
Instructions
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Preheat the oven to 390 degrees F.
- Coat the tuna fillets in garlic powder, sesame oil, lime juice, lime zest, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Place on a baking tray.
- Bake for 10 minutes and flip it. Bake for another 10 minutes.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes. Cut into slices.
- Add the sesame seeds, scallions on top. Serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Grilling Zesty Baked Tuna
Ingredients:
- 2 tuna steaks
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary) for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate the Tuna: In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Place the tuna steaks in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C) and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Tuna: Remove the tuna steaks from the marinade and place them on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the steaks. You want the tuna to be slightly pink in the center for the best texture and flavor.
- Baste with Marinade: While grilling, baste the tuna with the leftover marinade to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Add Lemon Slices: In the last few minutes of grilling, place lemon slices on the grill. They’ll get a delicious char and make a zesty garnish.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the tuna steaks have grill marks and are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the grill. Garnish with fresh herbs and the grilled lemon slices. Let them rest for a minute or two.
- Serve Hot: Plate your grilled Zesty Baked Tuna and enjoy the smoky, citrusy goodness.
Tips for making Zesty Baked Tuna
Cooking Tips
- Quality Matters: Start with the freshest tuna you can find. Look for firm, deep-red steaks or fillets. If you’re using frozen tuna, ensure it’s properly thawed.
- Marinating Time: Let the tuna marinate for at least 30 minutes, but don’t overdo it. Too much time in acidic marinades can “cook” the fish, affecting its texture.
- Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to the right temperature before popping in the tuna. Consistent heat is key to even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Tuna cooks quickly, and it’s easy to overdo it. Aim for slightly pink in the center, as it’ll continue to cook a bit even after removal from the oven.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re uncertain about doneness, a meat thermometer can be your best friend. Tuna is perfect at 125-130°F (52-55°C).
- Baste Occasionally: While baking, occasionally spoon the marinade over the tuna to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the tuna to rest for a few minutes. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps it succulent.
Serving Suggestions
- Lemony Couscous: Serve your tuna over a bed of lemony couscous for a zingy, Mediterranean twist.
- Mango Salsa: Top the tuna with a fresh mango salsa for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Avocado Salad: A simple avocado salad with red onion, lime juice, and cilantro pairs beautifully with the zesty flavors.
- Asparagus Spears: Roasted asparagus is an excellent side, offering a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor.
- Wine Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay for white wine enthusiasts. For those who prefer red, a light Pinot Noir complements the tuna’s flavors.
- Fresh Baguette: A slice of fresh crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up the delectable sauce.
FAQs about Zesty Baked Tuna
- How can I store leftover Zesty Baked Tuna? Leftover tuna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain its tenderness, store it separately from any side dishes or salads.
- Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe? While this recipe is tailored for tuna, you can experiment with other firm-fleshed fish like swordfish or mahi-mahi.
- Is there a way to reduce the sodium content in this dish? To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari in the marinade. You can also skip the extra salt in the recipe.
- How do I know if the tuna is fresh? Fresh tuna should have a deep red color and a clean, ocean-like smell. Avoid tuna with a fishy odor or brown spots.
- What can I do if my tuna turns out too dry? If you accidentally overcook the tuna, consider flaking it and mixing with some mayonnaise or yogurt to create a tasty tuna salad. This can give it new life and flavor.
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I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.