Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that feels both luxurious and refreshingly light, you can’t go wrong with Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad. Perfectly seared tuna steaks are draped in a rich, tangy garlic sauce and partnered with a crisp, colorful salad — it’s the kind of dish that feels like fine dining, but is quick and easy enough for a busy weeknight. This recipe strikes an irresistible balance between bold Mediterranean flavors and nourishing ingredients, making it a favorite for both special occasions and speedy dinners at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines thanks to its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Every component has a role in bringing out vibrant flavors and beautiful textures that make Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad a true standout at the table.
- Tuna Steaks: Choose fresh or high-quality frozen steaks for the best flavor and perfect meaty texture.
- Olive Oil: This helps sear the tuna to a gorgeous golden crust and adds heart-healthy richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the steaks and enhancing every other flavor in the dish.
- Butter: Blended into the sauce, it gives a luscious, velvety finish.
- Garlic: The star of the sauce! Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic kick without overpowering the fish.
- Heavy Cream: Brings a dreamy, rich texture to the sauce — feel free to swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the sauce and balances out the richness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tangy complexity that pairs beautifully with the tuna.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh burst of green and a pretty finish.
- Mixed Greens: The perfect crisp base for your salad, adding freshness to every bite.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they offer pops of color and flavor.
- Cucumber: Cool and crunchy, cucumber keeps the salad refreshing.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness and vibrant color.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Lifts the greens with gentle acidity.
- More Olive Oil: For balancing the salad dressing and keeping things silky.
- More Salt and Pepper: Round out the seasoning for the salad and the entire meal.
How to Make Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Tuna
Start by patting your tuna steaks dry with a paper towel — this helps achieve that dreamy, caramelized sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the steaks rest at room temperature while you gather the rest of your ingredients, so the tuna cooks more evenly in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Tuna Steaks
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Gently lay the tuna steaks in the pan (they should sizzle!) and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. The outside should develop a light crust, while the center stays pink and silky. If you prefer your tuna more well-done, add another minute per side, but try not to overcook — tuna is at its best when it’s just blushing in the middle.
Step 3: Rest the Tuna
Transfer the seared steaks to a plate and let them rest while you make the sauce. This little pause keeps all those tasty juices locked inside, so your Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad stay unbelievably moist and succulent.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t clean it — the seared bits left behind add irresistible flavor), reduce the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Give it a taste and adjust with an extra pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon if you like.
Step 5: Finish the Tuna in the Sauce
You can quickly return the tuna steaks to the pan, spooning the luscious sauce over the top for a final warm-through and flavor bath. Or, if you prefer, simply serve the sauce ladled right on top — either way, you can’t lose. Scatter with fresh chopped parsley for a spark of color and added freshness.
Step 6: Toss the Salad
While your tuna rests, assemble the salad. Toss mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion in a large bowl. Drizzle generously with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Toss it all gently so every leaf and veggie shines.
Step 7: Plate and Serve
Arrange the salad on each plate, nestle a tuna steak alongside, and finish with a generous drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad deliver on every level: color, flavor, and excitement.
How to Serve Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad
Garnishes
To make your Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad feel extra special, scatter a handful of chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest over the top. A crack of fresh black pepper and a few capers can also give it a restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
Honestly, this dish feels complete, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to stretch the meal, try serving it with roasted baby potatoes, crusty bread to mop up extra sauce, or perhaps a scoop of quinoa for more texture. Each option makes Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad feel even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’d like to impress, try slicing the tuna steaks and fanning them out over the salad. Serve on a big platter for sharing, or load up a shallow bowl with salad on the bottom and the tuna and sauce on top for a modern, stacked effect — either way, Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad will look (and taste) stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the tuna and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The tuna will keep for up to two days; the salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours to keep it crisp and fresh.
Freezing
While the fresh salad won’t freeze well, the cooked tuna steaks (without the sauce or salad) can be wrapped and frozen for up to a month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. The creamy garlic sauce is best made fresh, but if needed, you can freeze it separately and rewarm gently.
Reheating
Reheat tuna steaks in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through, or microwave in short 20-second bursts to avoid drying out. Warm the creamy garlic sauce separately and give it a quick whisk — add a splash of cream if it seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Swordfish or salmon steaks both work beautifully in place of tuna. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to suit the thickness and your preferred doneness.
What’s the best way to tell if my tuna is done?
The simplest way is to check the sides; for medium-rare, you want a nice sear on the outside and a warm, rosy center. Tuna cooks quickly, so keep a close eye, and pull it off the heat as soon as it’s done to your liking.
Can I make the creamy garlic sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Try swapping in coconut cream or a non-dairy milk thickened with a little cornstarch. Use olive oil in place of butter for a totally dairy-free creamy garlic sauce that’s just as dreamy.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon, a whole-grain mustard or even a small splash of white wine vinegar can add the tangy complexity needed for the sauce.
How far ahead can I prepare Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad?
You can prep the salad veggies and make the garlic sauce a few hours ahead. The tuna is best seared just before serving, but it only takes minutes, so you can have everything else ready for a quick assembly at mealtime.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sitting down to Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad: it’s bright, bold, and unbelievably easy to love. If you’re in the mood for a dinner that feels like a celebration but comes together with minimal fuss, give this recipe a try. Trust me, it’s guaranteed to impress anyone at your table!
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Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful dish with this recipe for Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad. The tender tuna steaks are seared to perfection and served with a luscious creamy garlic sauce, alongside a refreshing mixed green salad.
Ingredients
Tuna Steaks:
- 2 tuna steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Tuna Steaks: Pat tuna steaks dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear tuna steaks in olive oil.
- Make Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then add cream, lemon juice, and mustard. Simmer until thickened.
- Assemble Salad: Toss mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Dress with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Plate tuna steaks with sauce and salad.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of cream in the sauce.
- Tuna is best served medium-rare to preserve flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak with salad
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
