Best-ever Grilled Ahi Tuna with Lemony Labneh

It's grilling season! And no one can beat this deliciously Grilled Ahi Tuna recipe! It's seared on the grill to create a crispy, savory exterior while the inside stays soft and tender. This easy, healthy meal is also a breeze to clean up.

Great for weeknight dinners, grilled tuna steaks are rich and buttery with chicken- or steak-like taste that contains little-to-no fishiness. With just 5 minutes of cooking time, it'll be ready before you know it!
INGREDIENTS OF GRILLED AHI TUNA
INGREDIENTS OF GRILLED AHI TUNA

  • 1 c. labneh or full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 c. finely chopped chives
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced 
  • 2 tsp. lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 (6-oz.) ahi tuna steaks, about 1 1/2" thick
  • 10 oz. broccolini or broccoli, tough stems trimmed
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRILLED AHI TUNA
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRILLED AHI TUNA

  1. In a small bowl, mix the labneh, chives, garlic, lemon zest and juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  2. Before you begin, heat the grill to a high temperature. Next, take your tuna steaks and coat them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then place them on the grill for no more than two minutes per side. You'll know they're ready when they have light charring but are cooked only some of the way through.
  3. Toss your broccolini with 2 tbsp. of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and crushed red pepper in a large bowl. Then, put it on the grill; turning occasionally until it's lightly charred and tender (which'll take about 5 minutes).
  4. For serving, spread a thick layer of labneh onto a plate, top with tuna steaks, and nestle broccolini next to it.

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT AHI TUNA STEAK
TIPS FOR THE PERFECT AHI TUNA STEAK

  • Choose high-quality, fresh tuna: Look for ahi tuna steaks with a bright red color, firm texture, and mild oceanic aroma.
  • Keep it cold: Store ahi tuna in the refrigerator or on ice until you're ready to cook, to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Season well: Lightly season the tuna steaks with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices or herbs. A simple seasoning allows the natural flavors of the tuna to shine.
  • Sear on high heat: Preheat a skillet or grill to high heat, and sear the tuna for 1-2 minutes per side for a rare to medium-rare center. Searing quickly locks in moisture and creates a delicious crust.
  • Use a non-stick surface: Oil the grill grates or use a non-stick skillet to prevent the tuna from sticking during cooking.
  • Avoid overcooking: Ahi tuna is best served rare to medium-rare. Overcooking can result in a dry, rugged texture. Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 115-125°F.
  • Marinate briefly (optional): If desired, marinate the tuna steaks for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Keep the marinade simple to avoid overpowering the tuna's flavor.
  • Let it rest: Allow the cooked ahi tuna steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and ensures an even, tender texture.
  • Slice against the grain: To achieve a tender bite, slice the tuna against the grain using a sharp knife.
  • Serve with complementary sides: Pair your ahi tuna steak with light, refreshing sides like a cucumber salad, steamed vegetables, or a citrus-infused quinoa salad to complete the meal.

Dishes best paired with Ahi Tuna Steak
Dishes best paired with Ahi Tuna Steak

  • Asian slaw: A tangy and crunchy Asian slaw with cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and a sesame-ginger dressing complements the rich flavor of ahi tuna.
  • Mango avocado salsa: A fruity mango avocado salsa with red onion, cilantro, and lime juice adds a touch of sweetness and freshness to the dish.
  • Sesame cucumber salad: A light, refreshing sesame cucumber salad with rice vinegar and toasted sesame seeds pair well with ahi tuna steak.
  • Steamed or grilled asparagus: Simple steamed or grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt offers a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
  • Coconut jasmine rice: Fluffy coconut jasmine rice adds a hint of tropical flavor and a satisfying base for the tuna.
  • Quinoa salad with citrus vinaigrette: A bright quinoa salad with mixed vegetables, fresh herbs, and a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the ahi tuna.
  • Seaweed salad: A traditional Japanese seaweed salad with a soy-sesame dressing provides a unique and authentic side dish.
  • Wasabi mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a kick of wasabi add a surprising twist and complement the tuna's flavor.
  • Edamame succotash: A colorful edamame succotash with corn, red bell pepper, and fresh herbs brings texture and variety to your plate.
  • grilled vegetable skewers: Skewers of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms add color and smoky flavor to the meal.

Outdoor Kitchen Outlet
Outdoor Kitchen Outlet offers various high-quality grills and accessories that will help you create a delicious Grilled Ahi Tuna dish. Our products can help you achieve the perfect sear marks and lock in the flavors that will impress your guests. Visit our website or call us at (888) 667-4986 to check out our wide selection of outdoor kitchen essentials and make every meal an extraordinary experience.

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