Blackened Ahi Tuna

This pan seared blackened ahi tuna is the perfect meal for busy weeknights. These blackened tuna steaks are seared in minutes and can be served with almost anything. I like enjoying my ahi tuna with rice and broccoli. You can also serve them with a salad or in a bowl with avocado and other veggies. The best part about this blackened tuna recipe is that it’s whole30 approved! So if you’re looking for a healthy dish to enjoy that’s easy to make, then you’ve got to try this blackened tuna recipe. If you enjoyed this recipe, then definitely give this Healthy Sheet Pan Tilapia with Vegetables and Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas a try!

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What’s The Best Way To Cook Tuna?

I believe how you choose to cook tuna steaks comes down to personal preference. You can fire up the grill and throw some blackened tuna steaks on there to cook. Or simply pan sear them like I did in this recipe. Many people love cooking tuna in a cast iron skillet. These are definitely all great ways to cook tuna. However, on a busy weeknight, I prefer to simply pan sear my blackened ahi tuna on the stove top. They’re ready in just minutes and I can serve them with almost anything I have on hand.

What Is Blackened Seasoning?

Blackened seasoning is a combination of spices consisting of chili peppers, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt and sometimes a few more spices. You can certainly make your own homemade blackened seasoning for this blackened ahi tuna recipe. I chose to use store bought because it’s easier and tastes just as good. I recommend using this Old Bay blackened seasoning if choosing a store bought option.

How To Make Blackened Ahi Tuna

1. First, start by squeezing lime or lemon juice over your tuna steaks. I like the flavor the lemon or lime juice adds to the tuna, but this step is optional.
2. Pat dry the tuna steaks with a paper towel.
3. Season the ahi tuna steaks with the blackened seasoning on both sides. You can cover them and refrigerate for 30 minutes if you’d like to give the tuna some time to absorb the spices but that’s optional.
4. In a pan over medium high heat, add olive oil. Once the olive oil is hot, place the tuna steaks in the pan and sear them for 1 minute on each side or until you’ve reached your desired doneness.
5. Finally, remove the tuna from the pan and cut the steaks into 1/4 inch slices. Serve with salad, rice, veggies or anything you’d like.

Storing Suggestions

Store the cooked blackened ahi tuna steaks in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best results. You may freeze cooked tuna for up to 2 months in an air tight container. It’s best to thaw cooked tuna in the refrigerator, as it is not safe to eat tuna that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. I do not recommend reheating tuna in the microwave. It’s best to serve cold over salad or heat up some honey soy sauce or other sauce of choice and serve over the tuna to gently warm it.

Tips & Variations

• If you’re not a big fan of blackened seasoning, try your own blend of whatever spices you like and cook according to the instructions in this recipe.
• Tuna steaks are usually served pink and rare in the middle. Cook the tuna for 2-3 minutes on each side or until completely cooked through if you prefer well done tuna steaks.
• Make sure the tuna is completely defrosted, otherwise you’ll have to cook the steaks longer than the recommended time in this recipe.