Lemon Pepper Tuna Recipe

Get ready for a tasty adventure with this Lemon Pepper Tuna recipe! This is a simple yet tasty dish that will make your taste buds dance with the combination of the freshness of lemon and the zing of black pepper.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys seafood or simply wants a sophisticated yet simple supper.

Here, the star is the tuna, a filling and robust fish full of protein. We’ve added robust black pepper and tangy lemon zest to keep things flavorful and straightforward.

The pepper adds a hint of heat without overpowering the natural taste of the tuna, and the lemon gives it a crisp, airy feel.

This recipe’s versatility is what’s so great about it. You can cook this Lemon Pepper Tuna whichever you like—crispy sear or softer poach. All you need is a few ingredients and a little preparation time to enjoy a delicious meal without all the work.

Prepare to savor the flavor of Lemon Pepper Tuna—a simple and quick snack suitable for any occasion and if you truly love this recipe and its flavor then Delicious Baked Stuffed Shrimp is a must-try for you.

Understanding Tuna!

One kind of saltwater fish that is part of the Thunnini tribe is the tuna. These fish are distinguished by their unique dark blue to silver coloring, tremendous swimming prowess, and sleek bodies.

Tuna can be found in warm waters all around the world and are very migratory. Because of their excellent flavor and high nutritional content, they are frequently sought after for both commercial and recreational fishing.

There are various species of tuna, such as skipjack, albacore, bluefin, and yellowfin. Sushi and sashimi, in particular, as well as canned tuna, which is frequently used in salads, sandwiches, and other recipes, are common uses for tuna.

Read our Tuna Steak recipe to learn about another delicious tuna delicacy.

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Tuna flesh is a nutrient-dense food since it is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a balanced diet.

Best Lemon Pepper Tuna Recipe

Grilled yellowfin tuna, marinated in a zesty blend of lemon zest and black pepper, delivers a burst of fresh flavors—a quick and delicious main course option.

4.20 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Mediterranean

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Marinating and Resting Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Calories: 250kcal

Author: Anne Carter

Servings: 2

Equipment

• ▢
  Grill or Stovetop Pan
• ▢
  Shallow Dish
• ▢
  Citrus Zester
• ▢
  Citrus Juicer
• ▢
  Kitchen Tongs
• ▢
  Paper Towels
• ▢
  Knife
• ▢
  Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 yellowfin tuna steaks
• ▢ Zest of 1 lemon
• ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ▢ 1 teaspoon black pepper (coarsely ground)
• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ Salt to taste
• ▢ Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• ▢ Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Marinate the Tuna:

• In a bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a marinade.
• Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels and place them in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the tuna, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Preheat the Grill or Pan:

• Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat.

Cook the Tuna:

• Remove the tuna from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for a few minutes.
• Place the tuna on the hot grill or pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side for a medium-rare doneness, or adjust the time according to your preference.

Serve:

• Once cooked, remove the tuna from the grill or pan. Allow it to rest for a couple of minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the lemon pepper tuna steaks with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

1. Freshness Is Key: For optimal results, use yellowfin tuna that is firm to the texture and has a brilliant color.
2. Balanced Marinade: A well-balanced marinade can be achieved by adding olive oil, black pepper, lemon juice, and fresh lemon zest for flavor.
3. Preheat for Searing: To produce a tasty sear on the tuna, preheat the grill or pan sufficiently before cooking.
4. Quick Cooking: To preserve the succulence of the tuna, cook it for two to three minutes on each side for medium-rare.
5. Rest Before Serving: To preserve fluids and bring out tastes, let the cooked tuna sit for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal

Keyword how to make lemon pepper tuna, lemon pepper tuna, lemon pepper tuna recipe, lemon pepper tuna salad, lemon pepper tuna sandwich

Serving Suggestions

1. Cucumber Salad
2. Tri Tip Tacos
3. Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus
4. Red Bean and Bowl

Versatile Variations and Substitutions

Here are some variations and substitutions for the Lemon Pepper Tuna recipe:

1. Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange for a unique flavor twist in the marinade.
2. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as chopped cilantro, dill, or parsley to the marinade for an additional layer of freshness.
3. Spice Up: Enhance the marinade with a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicier kick.
4. Soy Sesame Glaze: Substitute part of the olive oil with soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
5. Grilled Veggie Medley: Serve the tuna alongside a medley of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
6. Cilantro-Lime Rice: Pair the tuna with cilantro-lime rice instead of a traditional side for a refreshing and complementary taste.
7. Avocado Salsa: Top the tuna with a zesty avocado salsa made with diced avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and lime juice.
8. Whole Grain Options: Instead of traditional rice, try serving the tuna with quinoa, or another whole grain for added nutritional benefits.

Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs!