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Enjoy Grilled Tuna Steaks with Preserved Lemon Gremolata, a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal in just twenty minutes! This dish highlights Italian gremolata – a zesty green condiment of fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. And wait, there’s more! We’ve added a touch of Moroccan flair with preserved lemon rind to add extra flavors and visual appeal.

Is tuna fish good for grilling?

Tuna is a great fish for grilling as it is firm and meaty, making it less likely to fall apart on the grill. When grilling tuna, it’s important not to overcook it, as this can make it dry and tough. Instead, aim to grill it for just a few minutes on each side, until it is cooked through but still moist and tender. 

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How long to grill tuna steaks well done?

It’s generally not recommended to cook tuna steaks well done as they can become dry and tougher in texture. Tuna is best served medium-rare to medium, meaning you should grill it until it is cooked through but still slightly pink in the center.

When grilling tuna steaks, aim to cook them for about 1-2 minutes per side over high heat to achieve a nice sear while keeping the center rare. If you prefer your tuna well done, you can cook it for a bit longer on each side, but remember that this will greatly reduce its moisture content and tenderness.

What does grilled tuna steak taste like?

Grilled tuna steak has a meaty and rich flavor that is often described as almost steak-like. The texture is firm and dense, and the taste can vary from sweet to savory depending on the seasoning used. A perfectly grilled tuna steak will have a crisp, smoky exterior and a slightly pink, moist and tender center. 

What are the ingredients to make Grilled Tuna Steaks with Preserved Lemon Gremolata?

This recipe has a prep time of 10 minutes and approximately 4 to 6 minutes of cooking time. Here are the ingredients you’re going to need, which serves 4.

  • Sushi-grade tuna steaks – higher quality fish that results in fresher and tastier flavors when cooking.
  • Extra virgin olive oil – contributes to the overall texture of the dish.
  • Mediterranean-spiced sea salt – the combination of spices in the salt brings a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
  • Black pepper – add both heat and depth of flavor.
  • Lemons – helps to tenderize the tuna and gives it a bright, vibrant color.

For the Gremolata:

  • Fresh parsley leaves – add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish
  • Organic lemon zest – add a bright, citrusy flavor and aroma to the dish. 
  • Preserved lemon rind – add a slightly sour flavor that compliments the other ingredients.
  • Garlic – for a nutty and mild taste.
  • Sea salt and black pepper – seasonings that most recipes call for.

How to Make Grilled Tuna Steaks with Preserved Lemon Gremolata?

It’s time to put this recipe together now that you’ve gathered all of your ingredients.


  • Start by cleaning and spraying the grates of a gas grill with non-stick cooking spray and set the heat to high, then close the lid until the grill comes to temperature. 
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, prepare the gremolata by combining the parsley, lemon zest, preserved lemon rind, and garlic. Season with salt and black pepper for flavor, and set aside.
  • Brush the tuna steaks with olive oil and sprinkle with Mediterranean-spiced sea salt and black pepper.
  • After that, open the grill and place the tuna steaks and lemon halves over direct heat. Cook the tuna for 2 minutes per side for rare. Increase time slightly for medium, but do not overcook. Do not close the grill lid while grilling tuna steaks for the best results.
  • Finally, remove the tuna and grilled lemon halves from the heat and serve immediately with some topped gremolata. Also, serve with our grilled marinated asparagus or other side of your choice. Enjoy! 

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Yield: 4

Grilled Tuna Steaks with Preserved Lemon Gremolata

Grilled Tuna Steaks with Preserved Lemon Gremolata

This flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish is ready in less than twenty minutes. It features Italian gremolata - a simple green condiment made from a combination of fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. This version also incorporates a nod to Moroccan cuisine with the addition of preserved lemon rind for a bit of extra flavor and visual interest.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 6-oz. sushi-grade tuna steaks, approximately 3/4” thick
  • 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
  • Mediterranean-spiced sea salt, to taste*
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large lemons, cut in half
  • Gremolata:
  • ¼ c. fresh parsley leaves, washed, dried thoroughly, and finely chopped
  • 1 t. organic lemon zest
  • 2 t. preserved lemon rind, rinsed and finely chopped
  • 1 large clove garlic, grated
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

    1. Clean and spray grates of a gas grill with non-stick cooking spray and set heat to high. Close lid until grill comes to temperature.
    2. Meanwhile, prepare the gremolata by combining the parsley, lemon zest, preserved lemon rind, and garlic a small bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and set aside.
    3. Brush tuna steaks with olive oil and sprinkle with Mediterranean-spiced sea salt and black pepper, to taste.
    4. Open grill and place tuna steaks and lemon halves over direct heat. Cook tuna for 2 minutes per side for rare. Increase time slightly for medium, but do not overcook.
    5. Remove tuna and grilled lemon halves from heat and serve immediately topped with some gremolata. Serve with our grilled marinated asparagus or other side of your choice. Enjoy!

Notes

Tip: For best results, do not close grill lid while grilling tuna steaks. 

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 404Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 702mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 17g

These nutritional calculations might not be accurate. Please speak with a licensed nutritionist to assist you.

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