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  1. Home
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  3. Fresh Tuna Recipes

Fresh Tuna Recipes

March 17, 2014
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Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
We offer up 38 of our favorite fresh tuna recipes.
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Fresh Tuna

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Tuna Salad Niçoise

Albacore, skipjack, bigeye, yellowfin—no matter your preference, there's no denying the elegance of an entreé made with fresh tuna. Whether slightly sautéed or chopped over vibrant greens, tuna is one of Cooking Light's favorite types of fish. Here are more than 30 different ways to incorporate fresh tuna into your wheelhouse.

 

Niçoise is typically a salad composed of tuna, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives, and anchovies, dressed with a vinaigrette. We substituted kalamata olives for Niçoise, since they are easier to find. Serve with

Although it is one of the most popular species, tuna is tricky when it comes to sustainability. To make sure you're making a sustainable choice, check out Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch for up-to-date information on the best tuna choices.

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Sesame Albacore Tuna 

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Sesame Albacore Tuna

There are very few dishes more visually appealing than a slightly sauteéd albacore steak sprinkled with salt and pepper.

 

 

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Seared Tuna with Avocado Salsa

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Seared Tuna with Avocado Salsa

Before you sear the tuna, be sure to get the pan screaming hot--this gives you a deep crust without overcooking the interior.

 

 

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Grilled Tuna Steaks with Cucumber-Pickled Ginger Relish

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Grilled Tuna Steaks with Cucumber-Pickled Ginger Relish

The pickled ginger adds a sweet, spicy bite to the cucumber relish. Prepare the relish while the tuna grills. Make a quick side by steaming snow peas in the microwave. Serve with

 

 

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Seared Tuna Niçoise

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry & Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Seared Tuna Niçoise

This flavor-packed dish combines tuna, hard boiled eggs, potatoes, and lots of veggies.

 

 

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Coriander-Crusted Tuna with Black Bean Salsa

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Coriander-Crusted Tuna with Black Bean Salsa

This Southwestern tuna has a spicy crust made with coriander, cumin, and black pepper. Serve with warm flour tortillas, and garnish with sliced avocado.

 

 

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Sesame Tuna with Edamame and Soba

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Sesame Tuna with Edamame and Soba

Use all white sesame seeds if black seeds are unavailable and serve with

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Grilled Tuna and Broccolini with Garlic Drizzle

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Grilled Tuna and Broccolini with Garlic Drizzle

The garlic-anchovy drizzle adds another flavor dimension to this already tasty dish.

 

 

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Tuna Summer Rolls

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Tuna Summer Rolls

Seasoned sushi rice replaces traditional rice noodles in these divine tuna summer rolls.

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Grilled Tuna with Chipotle Ponzu and Avocado Salsa

Credit: Cooking Light
View Recipe: Grilled Tuna with Chipotle Ponzu and Avocado Salsa

Here is a great example of how bold Asian and Latin flavors work well together. Orange and lime juice substitute for rice vinegar, the acidic ingredient typically used in a Japanese ponzu dipping sauce. It gets a kick from the hot, smoky chipotle chiles.

 

 

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Tuna Puttanesca

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Tuna Puttanesca

Puttanesca sauce, which is made from olives, capers, anchovies, and tomatoes, is an ideal accompaniment for tuna. Cover the fish with foil to keep it warm while the sauce heats in the skillet.

 

 

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Grilled Tuna with White Bean and Charred Onion Salad

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Grilled Tuna with White Bean and Charred Onion Salad

Marinated with lemon, garlic, Dijon mustard, freshly ground black pepper, and olive oil, this grilled tuna salad will have your taste buds begging for more.

 

 

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Grilled Tuna Sandwiches with Onions, Bell Peppers, and Chile-Cilantro Mayonnaise 

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Grilled Tuna Sandwiches with Onions, Bell Peppers, and Chile-Cilantro Mayonnaise

The tangy citrus quality of the mayonnaise pairs well with the grilled tuna. When the weather is nice, prepare this on the grill. Red bell peppers are a good source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, and the amount of bell peppers in just one sandwich delivers almost a whole day's requirement for vitamin C.

 

 

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Seared Tuna and Radish Salad with Wasabi Dressing

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Seared Tuna and Radish Salad with Wasabi Dressing

The tuna is seared in this recipe, but you can serve it raw if you purchase sushi-grade fish.

 

 

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Grilled Tuna with Basil Butter and Fresh Tomato Sauce

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Grilled Tuna with Basil Butter and Fresh Tomato Sauce

The fresh tomato sauce and basil butter come together harmoniously to turn this grilled tuna into a work of art that will leave your taste buds in awe.

 

 

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Sesame-Crusted Tuna with Wasabi-Ponzu Sauce

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Sesame-Crusted Tuna with Wasabi-Ponzu Sauce

This tuna recipe takes on an Asian flair with a coating of sesame seeds and a dipping sauce made of wasabi paste, soy sauce, and fresh ginger.

 

 

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Mediterranean Tuna Cakes with Citrus Mayonnaise

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Cakes with Citrus Mayonnaise

Fresh tuna makes all the difference in this recipe and is worth the expense. Pulse it about 5 times in the food processor to finely chop.

 

 

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Grilled Yellowfin Tuna with Romaine and Tropical Fruit

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Grilled Yellowfin Tuna with Romaine and Tropical Fruit

Here's a healthy summer dish with everything you need—grilled yellowfin tuna, romaine lettuce and tropical fruit. The fish will cook on a hot grill pan quickly so you can have this impressive meal on the table in a snap.

 

 

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Tuna Steaks with Wasabi-Ginger Glaze 

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Tuna Steaks with Wasabi-Ginger Glaze

Jasmine rice and steamed fresh asparagus pair nicely with the tuna steaks to complete the meal. Chinese-style hot mustard has a sharp, spicy bite and can be used in place of wasabi paste.

 

 

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Tuna Poke 

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Tuna Poke

Be sure to use sushi-grade fish for this Tuna Poke salad because the fish is raw and isn't "cooked" with citrus juice, as in seviche.

 

 

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Grilled Lime-Soy Tuna with Noodles 

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Grilled Lime-Soy Tuna with Noodles

This Asian-inspired meal is an impressive date-night dinner, and it can easily be doubled to feed a family.

 

 

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Tuna Scaloppine with Onion, Mint, and Almond Topping 

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Tuna Scaloppine with Onion, Mint, and Almond Topping

This traditional Italian dish is extremely versatile. The topping would also make a fine accompaniment for grilled or sautéed chicken breasts.

 

 

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Tuna Tartare Sliders with Wasabi Mayo

Credit: Photo: Nigel Cox
View Recipe: Tuna Tartare Sliders with Wasabi Mayo

For a little burger with big flavor, try Tuna Tartare Sliders with Wasabi Mayo. This succulent tuna slider comes with a wasabi kick.

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Grilled Thai-Spiced Tuna Steak

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Grilled Thai-Spiced Tuna Steak

Red curry paste gives this tuna dish spiciness and depth of flavor. The sweetness from the vibrantly colored accompanying salad balances the heat and adds a burst of fresh flavor to the meal. Use less curry paste, if you prefer.

 

 

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Asian Seared Tuna Salad

Credit: Photo: Karry Hosford
View Recipe: Asian Seared Tuna Salad

Tuna pairs beautifully with this sweet, salty, and spicy Asian vinaigrette.

 

 

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Seared Herbed Tuna

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Seared Herbed Tuna

In this recipe, meaty tuna cooks up in no time. The side salad capitalizes on filling ingredients such as potatoes and green beans.

 

 

 

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Seared Mediterranean Tuna Steaks

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Seared Mediterranean Tuna Steaks

Coriander has a lemon-sage flavor that complements the tuna and the fresh tomato sauce. Serve with a side of refrigerated potato wedges, roasted according to package instructions.

 

 

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Sautéed Tuna and Green Onion Stalks on Romaine

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Sautéed Tuna and Green Onion Stalks on Romaine

Incorporating a variety of nutritious ingredients is an easy way to serve a healthful dish. Carrot contributes the antioxidant beta-carotene, while bok choy, a unique and hearty choice for a salad, is rich in potential cancer-fighting indoles. And tuna is a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fats.

 

 

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Tuna-Guacamole Tacos

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Tuna-Guacamole Tacos

Brighten up weeknight dinners with easy and flavorful Tuna-Guacamole Tacos. The guacamole is very creamy and tasty on its own--make extra.

 

 

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Seared Sesame Tuna with Orange-Ginger Sauce

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Seared Sesame Tuna with Orange-Ginger Sauce

The sesame seeds tend to pop out of the skillet as the tuna cooks, so use caution and wear an oven mitt when you turn over the fish.

 

 

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Summer Salad of Seared Tuna, Lima Beans, and Tomatoes 

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Summer Salad of Seared Tuna, Lima Beans, and Tomatoes

If you can't find fresh limas, try flageolets, cranberry beans, or any combination of shell beans.

 

 

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Sesame Tuna with Spicy Slaw

Credit: Photo: Lee Harrelson
View Recipe: Sesame Tuna with Spicy Slaw

Sriracha chile sauce can be found in the ethnic foods aisle in large supermarkets or in Asian groceries. If you can't find Sriracha, substitute half the amount of Tabasco or other hot sauce. There isn't a good substitute for the one-of-a-kind flavor of fish sauce, though many cooks will use soy sauce in a pinch. Pair this dish with rice noodles.

 

 

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Pan-Grilled Thai Tuna Salad

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Pan-Grilled Thai Tuna Salad

Pair with a side of crunchy rice crackers and prepare a refreshing dessert to follow the spicy salad.

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Tuna with Avocado Green Goddess Aioli

Credit: Photo: Lee Harrelson
View Recipe: Tuna with Avocado Green Goddess Aioli

The aioli features heart-healthy avocado, which contributes vitamin E to this dish. But the real nutritional standout is the tuna, which is rich in niacin.

 

 

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Sesame-Crusted Tuna with Ginger-Peanut Rice

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Sesame-Crusted Tuna with Ginger-Peanut Rice

If you like your tuna cooked rare, buy sushi-grade tuna.

 

 

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Grilled Tuna over Lemon-Mint Barley Salad

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Grilled Tuna over Lemon-Mint Barley Salad

The flavors of the vinaigrette are mirrored in the marinade, so there's a double dose of the refreshing combination of the lemon and mint.

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Marmitako (Fresh Tuna Stew)

Credit: Photo: Karry Hosford
View Recipe: Marmitako (Fresh Tuna Stew)

This dish derives its name from the marmita, a type of pot used for stews. Its roots trace back to men who prepared it aboard tuna fishing boats. There are many versions of marmitako, and ingredients vary according to what is available. But most renditions include tuna, potatoes, garlic, and peppers. Although crushed red pepper flakes are not traditional, they add a little kick.

 

 

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Grilled Tuna Over Green Bean, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Grilled Tuna Over Green Bean, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad

This easy, high-protein meal comes together quickly following an after-work workout. If you exercise at midday, save leftovers for lunch.

 

 

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    1 of 38 Fresh Tuna
    2 of 38 Sesame Albacore Tuna 
    3 of 38 Seared Tuna with Avocado Salsa
    4 of 38 Grilled Tuna Steaks with Cucumber-Pickled Ginger Relish
    5 of 38 Seared Tuna Niçoise
    6 of 38 Coriander-Crusted Tuna with Black Bean Salsa
    7 of 38 Sesame Tuna with Edamame and Soba
    8 of 38 Grilled Tuna and Broccolini with Garlic Drizzle
    9 of 38 Tuna Summer Rolls
    10 of 38 Grilled Tuna with Chipotle Ponzu and Avocado Salsa
    11 of 38 Tuna Puttanesca
    12 of 38 Grilled Tuna with White Bean and Charred Onion Salad
    13 of 38 Grilled Tuna Sandwiches with Onions, Bell Peppers, and Chile-Cilantro Mayonnaise 
    14 of 38 Seared Tuna and Radish Salad with Wasabi Dressing
    15 of 38 Grilled Tuna with Basil Butter and Fresh Tomato Sauce
    16 of 38 Sesame-Crusted Tuna with Wasabi-Ponzu Sauce
    17 of 38 Mediterranean Tuna Cakes with Citrus Mayonnaise
    18 of 38 Grilled Yellowfin Tuna with Romaine and Tropical Fruit
    19 of 38 Tuna Steaks with Wasabi-Ginger Glaze 
    20 of 38 Tuna Poke 
    21 of 38 Grilled Lime-Soy Tuna with Noodles 
    22 of 38 Tuna Scaloppine with Onion, Mint, and Almond Topping 
    23 of 38 Tuna Tartare Sliders with Wasabi Mayo
    24 of 38 Grilled Thai-Spiced Tuna Steak
    25 of 38 Asian Seared Tuna Salad
    26 of 38 Seared Herbed Tuna
    27 of 38 Seared Mediterranean Tuna Steaks
    28 of 38 Sautéed Tuna and Green Onion Stalks on Romaine
    29 of 38 Tuna-Guacamole Tacos
    30 of 38 Seared Sesame Tuna with Orange-Ginger Sauce
    31 of 38 Summer Salad of Seared Tuna, Lima Beans, and Tomatoes 
    32 of 38 Sesame Tuna with Spicy Slaw
    33 of 38 Pan-Grilled Thai Tuna Salad
    34 of 38 Tuna with Avocado Green Goddess Aioli
    35 of 38 Sesame-Crusted Tuna with Ginger-Peanut Rice
    36 of 38 Grilled Tuna over Lemon-Mint Barley Salad
    37 of 38 Marmitako (Fresh Tuna Stew)
    38 of 38 Grilled Tuna Over Green Bean, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad

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