Stuffed Tuna Steaks with Asian-Inspired Marinade
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
This Stuffed Tuna Steaks recipe brings an unexpected touch of elegance to your table, combining bold Asian flavors with the freshness of mixed greens for a truly unique dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, these tuna steaks are simple to prepare yet look and taste sophisticated. The key to this recipe is the savory soy-based marinade, which infuses the tuna with delicious umami flavor, complemented by the zesty brightness of lime juice and the earthy warmth of ground ginger. Stuffing the tuna steaks with mesclun greens adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, meaty fish, creating a dish that’s both hearty and light. The best part? You can make this recipe in under 30 minutes using either your broiler or the grill, so it’s perfect for busy nights or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mesclun (mixed greens) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Tuna steaks | 2 (about 6 oz each) |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper (freshly ground) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry white wine | 1/2 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Lime juice | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 557.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 129.3 mg |
| Sodium | 2174.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 5.4 g |
| Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 1.2 g |
| Protein | 83.5 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Grill or Broiler
Start by preheating your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. This ensures that your tuna steaks cook evenly and quickly, resulting in a perfectly seared exterior while maintaining a moist, tender center.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, dry white wine, lime juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir well to blend the ingredients into a smooth marinade. This flavorful mixture will infuse the tuna with rich, savory flavors while keeping it moist as it cooks.
Step 3: Prepare the Tuna Steaks
Using a sharp, thin-bladed knife, carefully make a small incision along one side of each tuna steak, creating a pocket. Be cautious not to cut all the way through the steak; the goal is to create enough space to stuff the greens without compromising the integrity of the tuna. You can also gently wiggle the knife or slowly work the inside apart to create a larger pocket if desired.
Step 4: Marinate the Tuna
Place the tuna steaks into the marinade, ensuring each side is coated with the flavorful liquid. Let the tuna marinate for about 5 minutes, allowing the fish to soak up the soy sauce and spice mixture. After marinating, remove the tuna from the liquid and let any excess sauce drip off. This prevents the fish from becoming too salty or soggy while cooking.
Step 5: Toss the Greens
In a separate bowl, toss the mesclun greens with the remaining marinade. The greens should be drenched in the flavorful mixture, allowing them to absorb the tangy soy and lime dressing. This step adds an extra burst of flavor to complement the tuna.
Step 6: Stuff the Tuna Steaks
Carefully stuff each tuna steak pocket with the marinated mesclun greens. The greens will wilt slightly as they cook, but they’ll retain their fresh, crisp texture inside the tuna. Once the pocket is filled, seal the opening with toothpicks to prevent the greens from spilling out while grilling or broiling.
Step 7: Cook the Tuna Steaks
Place the stuffed tuna steaks on the preheated grill or broiler. Grill or broil the tuna for about 5 minutes per inch of thickness, flipping once halfway through the cooking time. You can cook the tuna to your preferred level of doneness—whether you like it rare, medium, or well-done—but for the best flavor and texture, aim for a medium-rare to medium doneness. The center of the tuna should still be slightly pink and moist.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the tuna is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill or broiler and let it rest for a minute before serving. Discard the toothpicks, slice the tuna into thick portions, and serve it on a platter. The stuffed tuna steaks pair wonderfully with a side of rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a light cucumber salad to complement the fresh, zesty flavors of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Stuffed Tuna Steaks recipe is both satisfying and light, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion meal. Pair it with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will complement the tangy soy-lime marinade. For a complete meal, serve the tuna alongside sautéed greens or a simple avocado salad to balance the flavors. You can also garnish the tuna steaks with fresh herbs, like cilantro or green onions, to add a bit of extra flavor and visual appeal.
Enjoy your elegant, flavorful, and quick-to-prepare stuffed tuna steaks!
Notes:
- Grill vs. Broiler: You can prepare this recipe either on the grill or under the broiler in your oven. If using the grill, make sure it’s well-heated before placing the tuna on it. If using the broiler, ensure the oven rack is positioned close to the heat source for an even sear.
- Tuna Steaks: Fresh tuna steaks work best for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen tuna, make sure it’s properly thawed and patted dry before marinating.
- Greens Variation: If mesclun greens aren’t available, you can substitute them with spinach, arugula, or even baby kale. The key is to use fresh, tender greens that will provide a contrast to the rich tuna.
This Stuffed Tuna Steaks recipe is an easy yet impressive dish that brings the exciting flavors of Asia right to your plate. The combination of soy sauce, lime, and ginger creates a mouthwatering marinade, while the tender tuna and fresh greens add texture and balance. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend grilling session with friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
