Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is light, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. The tuna steaks cook in minutes, and the avocado salsa comes together in one bowl. The combination of buttery tuna and zesty, fresh avocado makes every bite refreshing and delicious. It’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with healthy fats and lean protein.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
fresh tuna steaks
olive oil
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
lime juice
avocado
red onion
cherry tomatoes
cilantro
jalapeño (optional)
lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Prepare the Salsa: In a bowl, combine diced avocado, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and jalapeño if using. Gently toss and set aside.
- Season the Tuna: Pat tuna steaks dry and rub with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Sear the Tuna: Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add a bit of oil if needed. Sear tuna steaks for about 1–2 minutes per side for rare, or longer for desired doneness.
- Rest and Slice: Let the tuna rest for a few minutes, then slice against the grain if serving that way.
- Serve: Top each tuna steak with a generous spoonful of avocado salsa. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Tuna: Rub the tuna with chili powder or cayenne for added heat.
- Grilled Version: Grill the tuna steaks over high heat for a smoky flavor.
- Mango Salsa: Add diced mango or pineapple to the salsa for a tropical twist.
- Garlic-Lime Marinade: Marinate the tuna in olive oil, lime juice, and garlic for 15–20 minutes before cooking.
- Sesame Crust: Press sesame seeds onto the tuna before searing for added texture and flavor.
- Avocado-Cucumber Salsa: Swap tomatoes for diced cucumber for a cooler, crunchier topping.
- Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions to the salsa for an umami twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover tuna and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Tuna will last up to 2 days; salsa is best within 1 day.
Reheating: Tuna is best served fresh or at room temperature. If needed, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Do not reheat the avocado salsa.
FAQs
What kind of tuna is best for searing?
Use high-quality, sushi-grade tuna such as ahi or yellowfin for the best flavor and texture when seared.
How can I tell when the tuna is done?
Tuna is best served rare or medium-rare. The outside should be seared, while the center remains pink or slightly red.
Can I cook the tuna all the way through?
Yes, but be careful not to overcook it, as tuna can become dry. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side for well done.
Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but combine them just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats.
What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with a simple green salad, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a balanced meal.
Can I use frozen tuna?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.
How ripe should the avocado be?
Use ripe but firm avocados for the best texture in the salsa.
Can I grill the tuna instead of searing?
Absolutely. Grill over high heat for 1–2 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the components separately and assemble before serving.
Conclusion
Tuna steak with avocado salsa is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s sure to impress with minimal effort. The combination of seared tuna and creamy, citrusy salsa is a refreshing take on healthy dining that never sacrifices flavor. Whether for a casual dinner or an elegant meal, this dish is a fresh favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
PrintTuna Steak with Avocado Salsa
Tuna steak with avocado salsa is a fresh, high-protein meal featuring perfectly seared tuna topped with a zesty, creamy avocado salsa. It’s quick to prepare, light, and packed with bold, clean flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 fresh tuna steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine diced avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and jalapeño if using. Toss gently and set aside.
- Pat tuna steaks dry. Rub with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add a little oil if needed. Sear tuna steaks for 1–2 minutes per side for rare, or longer for desired doneness.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Slice against the grain if desired.
- Top each tuna steak with a generous spoonful of avocado salsa and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade tuna for best results when searing rare.
- Make salsa just before serving to prevent avocado browning.
- Customize salsa with mango or cucumber for variation.
- Tuna is best served fresh or at room temperature.
- Don’t overcook tuna—it becomes dry quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak with salsa
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
