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Zesty Lemon Pepper Tuna Recipe

Zesty Lemon Pepper Tuna Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 24-41 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Zesty lemon pepper tuna delivers a quick, protein-packed meal that sparks your dinner game with Mediterranean flair. Seasoned fish fillets sizzle in a tangy marinade, turning your weeknight cooking into a restaurant-worthy experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 yellowfin tuna steaks

Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 zest of lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt (to taste)

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, zest of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice together in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and blend thoroughly.
  2. Use paper towels to completely dry your 2 yellowfin tuna steaks. Transfer them to a shallow dish and pour the marinade over both sides, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Refrigerate the tuna for 15-30 minutes, allowing the marinade to infuse the fish with tangy, peppery flavors.
  4. Remove tuna from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 3-4 minutes before cooking.
  5. Heat a grill or stovetop pan to 400°F over medium-high heat until surface is hot and slightly smoking.
  6. Place tuna steaks on the heated surface and cook precisely 2 minutes on the first side. Flip carefully and cook an additional 2 minutes for medium-rare doneness.
  7. Transfer tuna to a clean plate and let rest 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges alongside the steaks.

Notes

  • Always pat tuna steaks completely dry before marinating to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
  • Use fresh, high-quality tuna steaks for the best flavor and texture, preferably sushi-grade if eating rare.
  • For a gluten-free version, confirm all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Adjust cooking time based on thickness – thinner steaks need less time to prevent overcooking and maintain a tender, pink center.
  • Prep Time: 20-35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 minutes
  • Category: Tuna
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg