Blackened Tuna

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This recipe was sponsored by Omaha Steaks, thanks for supporting the brands that we love!

The temps are heating up and we are reaching for lighter, healthier recipes like this yellowfin tuna recipe.

We’re really digging our blackened tuna recipe because it is easy to make with spices you have on hand in the pantry, it’s ready in mere minutes, and it is super versatile.

You’ll find us using this recipe to add protein to salads or to make easy blackened tuna tacos.

For this seared tuna steak recipe we reached for Omaha Steaks Yellowfin Tuna Steaks. Yes, they’re known for beef steaks, but they have the best tuna steaks too! 

In fact, we’ve been really blown away by the quality of all of Omaha Steaks Seafood. (Want proof? Check out this Thai Scallop Curry or Shrimp Ceviche Tostada Recipe).

Our freezer is always stocked with the individually vacuum sealed tuna filets.

This is perfect for when we need to grab two filets for an entree or just use one frozen piece of tuna to share for our favorite blackened tuna tacos.

While we used yellowfin tuna, you can also easily use this recipe for seared ahi tuna or another cut of fish as well.

What is blackened tuna?

Blackened tuna consists of a Cajun dry rub pressed into all sides of a raw tuna steak.

Then, the fish is seared and sliced.

You can also use the spices and flavors of the blackening seasoning on other proteins like shrimp or even a Blackened Chicken Recipe.

How to thaw fish

Start this recipe by thawing your fish.

The safest way to de thaw your seafood is to set it in the refrigerator the night prior to making your tuna fillet recipe.

In a hurry? Speed up the defrosting process by placing the sealed tuna steaks in a bowl with cool water to thaw.

Cajun Dry Rub

For this seared tuna recipe, you’ll start by making a simple Cajun rub for the fish.

In a small bowl combine: 

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your desired spice level) 
• ¼  teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika 
• ¼ teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 
• 1 teaspoon salt

How to make seared tuna steak 

Use a paper towel to pat the thawed, raw tuna steak dry.

Next season the exterior. You may choose to use a simple salt and pepper or roll it in sesame seeds as we chose to do for our sesame seared tuna Buddha bowls, one of our favorite healthy tuna recipes.

Or you may choose to use a dry rub like we do for this blackened tuna recipe.

Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet set to high heat. 

For a medium rare tuna steak, Sear the largest side of the fish for about 60 seconds until the fish exterior turns from pink to white, then flip the tuna filet to sear the opposite side.

Remove the fish from the skillet, and slice the fish through the sear.

The fish should have a white edge but a pink center

You can also make blackened tuna on the grill. 

For a grilled ahi tuna recipe, preheat your grill to high heat. Brush the exterior of the fish with olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking on the grill grates.

Grill the tuna filet for 90 seconds per main side. 

The exterior should be white but the inside still bright pink.

Blackened Tuna Tacos Recipe

We serve strips of sliced blackened tuna steak on a tortilla with slaw, lime, and cilantro. 

Typically we always make our own coleslaw dressing. If you want to give it a try on your tuna tacos, here is the coleslaw dressing recipe:

• ½ teaspoon yellow mustard
• ¼ cup mayo
• 1 tablespoon sugar 
• 1 teaspoon vinegar (we love using prosecco vinegar )
• Salt and pepper

Continue to Content

Blackened Seared Tuna Recipe

Yield: 2 tuna steaks

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 4 minutes

An easy cajun dry rub recipe that works perfectly on seared tuna for blackened tuna tacos!

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Ingredients

• 2 Yellowtail Tuna Filets
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your desired spice level)
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions

1. Use a paper towel to pat the thawed, raw tuna steak dry.
2. Mix together all of the spices in a shallow bowl until well combined.
3. Press the dry rub onto the exterior of the tuna steak.
4. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet set to high heat. 
5. For a medium rare tuna steak, Sear the largest side of the fish for about 60 seconds until the fish exterior turns from pink to white, then flip the tuna filet to sear the opposite side.
6. Remove the fish from the skillet, and slice the fish through the sear.
7. The fish should have a white edge but a pink center
8. Let the fish rest for a few minutes, slice, and serve on salads, tacos, and sandwiches.

Notes

For a grilled ahi tuna recipe, preheat your grill to high heat. Brush the exterior of the fish with olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking on the grill grates. Grill the tuna filet for 90 seconds per main side. The exterior should be white but the inside still bright pink.

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