Sicilian Tuna Steaks in Onion Sauce
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 232.8
Recipe Description:
This Sicilian-inspired dish brings together the savory flavors of tuna and a rich, sweet-sour onion sauce. Originating from the islands off the western coast of Sicily, the sauce combines the aromatic sweetness of caramelized onions with a bold tang from red wine vinegar, balanced by the subtle heat of cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce. The result is a simple yet vibrant dish perfect for any seafood lover. The onions can be paired with swordfish steaks too, making this recipe versatile for different types of fish.
Recipe Category: Tuna
Keywords: European, <30 Minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1/4 (large) |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Red wine vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Tabasco sauce | 1 tsp |
| Tuna steaks | 4 (6 oz each) |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Dry white wine | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 232.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 23.2 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 4.6 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 7.6 mg |
| Sodium Content | 167.8 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 4.3 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.4 g |
| Sugar Content | 2.4 g |
| Protein Content | 0.3 g |
Instructions
For the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the red wine vinegar and sugar. Lower the heat slightly and continue to cook, allowing the vinegar to reduce and the sugar to dissolve into the onions. Be cautious here, as the steam from the vinegar can be intense. It’s best to stay at a safe distance from the skillet during this step.
- Once the vinegar has fully evaporated, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of Tabasco sauce to the mixture for a little heat. Stir well to combine and remove the skillet from the heat.
- The onions should have a soft, spoonable texture, retaining some moisture yet maintaining their shape. Keep the sauce covered and warm while you prepare the tuna steaks.
For the Tuna Steaks:
- In a separate large skillet, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the bay leaves over medium heat.
- Once the oil is warmed (but not smoking), carefully add the tuna steaks to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté the tuna steaks for 2-3 minutes per side. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook for a shorter time.
- Increase the heat slightly and pour in the dry white wine. Cover the skillet for a moment, allowing the wine to cook off and the steaming to subside.
- After about 30 seconds, uncover the skillet, let the tuna cook for an additional 30 seconds, then transfer the steaks to plates.
- Spoon the warm onion sauce over the tuna steaks, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The delicate yet robust flavors of the tuna and the onion sauce will shine through, making it a wonderful main course for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Tip: For an added touch of elegance, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a wedge of lemon for a burst of freshness.
Enjoy your Sicilian Tuna Steaks in Onion Sauce—an exquisite meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table!
