How long to bake tuna steak at 375

Updated December 4, 2019 Reviewed by Claudia Thompson, PhD, RD

A tuna steak is a thick cut of fish suitable for grilling or baking to an ideal tuna temperature.

Image Credit: Tatyana Berkovich/iStock/GettyImages

A tuna steak is a thick cut of fish suitable for grilling or baking to an ideal tuna temperature. Tuna's naturally oily texture makes it an ideal choice for cooking over an outdoor barbecue, because the fish retains its texture and juiciness when grilled.

Bake tuna in the oven on its own, or brush it with a marinade. Cooking times vary depending on the thickness of steak, but as a guide, allow 10 minutes for each inch of thickness. Test the internal temperature of tuna steaks with a meat thermometer before serving.

According to Washington State University, tuna steaks can be high in mercury and should not be consumed by pregnant people or children under 6 years of age.

Grilling Tuna Steak

Step 1: Prep the Tuna

Remove the tuna steak from the refrigerator and pat it dry with a paper towel to absorb surface moisture.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Preheat the grill to a medium heat and lightly brush the grates with olive oil.

Step 3: Brush the Fish

Brush both sides of the tuna steak with oil and place it directly on the grill grates. Alternatively, place a piece of aluminum foil on the grill between the fish and heat source to reduce the smoky flavor of the steak.

Step 4: Grill Your Tuna

Calculate the grilling time using the 10-minute rule, and turn the fish half way through cooking. Grill the tuna steak on only one side if it is less than a quarter-inch thick.

Step 5: Check Tuna Steak Temp

Insert a meat thermometer into the tuna teak to check its internal temperature. According to the FDA, tuna cooking temp should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit before your tuna steak is ready to season and serve.

Baked Ahi Tuna

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat the oven to between 350 and 450 degrees F.

You can bake your fish at any tuna temperature within this range, but cooking times will vary according to temperature, size and thickness of the tuna steak.

Step 2: Pat It Dry

Remove the tuna from the refrigerator, and absorb excess moisture from the fish with a paper towel.

Step 3: Place Rack in Pan

Place a rack inside a baking pan to allow excess oil and fat to drain away from the tuna during baking.

Step 4: Brush the Tuna

Brush the tuna steak with olive oil or melted butter and place it on the rack.

Step 5: Season Your Fish

Add seasoning or brush the tuna with a marinade. You may also coat the steak with a sauce at this stage.

Step 6: Cover With Foil

Cover the pan with aluminum foil, or wrap the foil loosely around the steak, and place the pan on the middle shelf of the oven.

Step 7: Bake the Tuna

Bake for approximately 25 to 45 minutes at 350 degrees F. Cooking time depends on the oven temperature, quantity and size of steaks.

Step 8: Baste If Desired

Baste with oil or butter during cooking if necessary. But, as Mayo Clinic points out, baking does not generally require this addition, so you can skip the extra fat.

Tuna is naturally oily, and if you cook the fish with a sauce or marinade you may not need to baste it.

Step 9: Check Tuna Steak Temp

Ensure the internal temperature of the tuna is 145 degrees F by testing it with a meat thermometer. Press a fork into the steak to check that the flesh is flaky and opaque.

Aluminum foil, optional
Melted butter or olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Baking pan
Marinade, optional
Fork

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If you're looking for an easy seafood meal that's rich in flavor, pick up a few tuna steaks. These firm steaks are usually cut thinly so they cook quickly and keep their flaky texture. Since they're buttery and mild, you can season your steaks any way you like. Try a garlic-herb marinade, blackening seasoning, or teriyaki, for instance. Then, toss the steaks on the grill, into a hot skillet, or in the oven for a meal that's ready in minutes!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lemon juice
1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons (1.5 g) of minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of dried thyme
4 tuna steaks that are around 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick
1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) of salt
1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground pepper

Makes 4 servings

4 tuna steaks that are around 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) thick
4 tablespoons (56 g) of melted butter
1 teaspoon (2 g) of paprika
1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of oregano
1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of fennel seeds
1/8 teaspoon (0.25 g) of ground cloves

Makes 4 servings

4 tuna steaks that are around 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) thick
4 tablespoons (59 ml) of teriyaki sauce
1 teaspoon (2 g) of grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt

Makes 4 servings

1
Mix the juice, oil, garlic, and thyme in a sealable bag. Open a large bag and pour in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lemon juice along with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil. Then, add 2 minced cloves of garlic and 2 teaspoons (1.5 g) of minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of dried thyme. Press out the air and seal the bag tightly.[1]
- You can shake the marinade around to combine the ingredients.
- If you prefer, use your favorite marinade or just season the tuna with oil, salt, and pepper.
2
Add the tuna steaks and refrigerate them for up to 30 minutes. Get out 4 tuna steaks that are around 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick and put them in the bag with the garlic herb marinade. Seal the bag and then turn the bag over a few times so the tuna steaks are coated.[2]
- Avoid marinating the tuna steaks for more than 30 minutes or the acidic lemon juice could make them become mushy.
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3
Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. If you're using a gas grill, turn the burners to medium-high. If you're using a charcoal grill, fill a chimney with briquettes and light them. Dump the briquettes onto 1 side of the grill once they're hot and lightly covered with ash.[3]
- If you're using a broiler, preheat it for at least 5 minutes before cooking the tuna steaks.
Variation: If you'd rather broil the tuna, turn the broiler to "High" and place the tuna about 4 inches (10 cm) below the heating element. Then, broil the tuna for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
4
Take the steaks out of the bag and season them with salt and pepper. Remove the marinated tuna steaks from the refrigerator and transfer them from the marinade to a plate. Then, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) of salt and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground pepper over the steaks.[4]
- Discard the marinade once you remove the tuna steaks from the bag.
5
Oil the grill grate and lay the tuna steaks on it. Dip a paper towel in a little vegetable oil and gather it into a ball. Grip the balled up paper towel with tongs and brush the towel over the grill grates so they're lightly greased. Lay the 4 tuna steaks onto the grill grate so the steaks aren't touching and close the lid.
- If you're using a charcoal grill, you can put the tuna steaks directly over the coals.
6
Grill the tuna for 3 to 4 minutes. Set a timer so you don't accidentally overcook 1 side of the tuna steaks. They should become browned on the bottom side that's exposed to the heat.[5]
7
Flip the tuna steaks and grill them for another 3 to 4 minutes. Once the tuna steaks are halfway cooked, carefully lift the lid and use tongs to flip each steak over. Put the lid back on and finish cooking the tuna steaks for another 3 to 4 minutes. The tuna should be a little flaky near the edges, but slightly pink in the center.[6]
- Plan on grilling the tuna steaks for around 8 minutes total if you'd like medium-rare fish. If you want them cooked medium, add an extra 1 to 2 minutes to the grilling time.
- Avoid cooking the tuna steaks beyond medium since the steaks will become dry and crumbly if they're overcooked.
8
Remove the tuna steaks and rest them for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Use tongs to carefully transfer the tuna steaks from the grill to a serving platter. Let the steaks rest while you get side dishes ready. Consider serving grilled tuna steaks with grilled vegetables, couscous, or a garden salad.[7]
- Refrigerate leftover tuna steaks in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

1
Combine all of the spices to make a blackening seasoning. You can use about 2 1/2 teaspoons (5 g) of storebought blackening seasoning or mix your own. Get out a small bowl and mix together:[8]
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of fennel seeds
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.25 g) of ground cloves
2
Heat a skillet or grill pan to medium-high heat. Set a heavy skillet, such as a cast-iron skillet, or grill pan on the stove and turn the burner to medium-high. Heat the pan for at least 5 minutes before you sear the tuna steaks.[9]
- The skillet or grill pan should begin to smoke. Open a window or turn on your oven vent to prevent your kitchen from getting too smoky as you cook.
3
Brush 4 tuna steaks with melted butter and coat them with the spice rub. Dip a pastry brush into 4 tablespoons (56 g) of melted butter and brush it over 4 tuna steaks. Turn them over and brush the other side as well. Then, sprinkle the blackening seasoning over both sides of the steaks.[10]
- To help the blackening seasoning stick, gently press the spices into the steaks.
Variation: If you don't want to use a blackening seasoning, you can use your favorite spice rub or just drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper over the steaks.
4
Lay the steaks in the hot skillet and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. Place the tuna steaks in the skillet so they're not touching each other. The steaks should sizzle immediately as they touch the hot pan. Leave them for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes and then carefully flip them over. Cook the steaks for another 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.[11]
- If the pan doesn't sizzle, turn the heat up to high.
5
Remove the tuna steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Once the tuna steaks are a rich golden color and they start to flake around the edges, turn off the burner. Transfer the tuna steaks to a serving plate and leave them to rest for 5 minutes so they finish cooking. Then, serve the pan-seared tuna with your favorite sides.[12]
- Consider serving the tuna steaks with red beans and rice or baked potatoes.[13]
- Store leftover tuna steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Tip: The tuna steaks should still be slightly pink in the middle. If you prefer your steaks firmer, add an extra 1 to 2 minutes to the cooking time.

1
Preheat the oven to 450 °F (232 °C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Move an oven rack so it's in the center of the oven and then turn the oven on to 450 °F (232 °C). Get out a rimmed baking sheet and lay a piece of aluminum foil on it.[14]
2
Whisk the teriyaki sauce, ginger, and salt. Pour 4 tablespoons (59 ml) of teriyaki sauce into a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon (2 g) of grated fresh ginger along with 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt. Whisk until the ginger and salt are combined.[15]
- If you don't have fresh ginger, use 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of ground ginger.
3
Put 4 tuna steaks on the sheet and brush them with the sauce. Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel and set them on the lined baking sheet. Then, dip a pastry brush into the sauce and brush it over each side of the steaks.[16]
4
Bake the tuna steaks for 6 to 8 minutes. Put the sheet into the preheated oven and roast the steaks until they become a little flaky near the edges. Keep in mind that the center of the steaks should still be a bit pink.[17]
- There's no need to flip the tuna steaks as they roast.
Tip: Plan on cooking the tuna steaks for 4 to 6 minutes for every 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) thickness. For example, if the tuna steaks are just 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) thick, they may only need to cook for 5 minutes.
5
Rest the tuna steaks for 5 minutes and serve them with sides. The roasted tuna steaks are great with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, and pineapple chunks.[18]
- Put leftover tuna steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use them within 3 to 4 days.

Add New Question

Question
Whenever I make fresh tuna -- broiled, baked or pan-grilled -- it comes out too dry. What should I do?

Virago Phoenix
Community Answer
Make sure that you don't cook it for too long. That way, you'll get the type of fish you're looking for.
Question
Would this be a good entree for a garden party? And if so what would be the best preparation?

It may be a little heavy for a garden party. If you decide to make it, serve a small lightly grilled filet over or next to a salad. I usually serve salads for guests in the summer. You can't go wrong with healthy food.
Question

How much pink should you see?

It depends on how you like it. Chefs say to cook it so only the outermost layer is brown and the inside is pink.

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If you've bought your tuna in a single large piece, you can cut it into individual steaks or ask the person working at the seafood counter to do it for you.
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Things You'll Need

Measuring cups and spoons
Sealable bag
Grill
Tongs
Paper towel
Plate
Serving platter

Small bowls
Pastry brush
Measuring spoons
Skillet or cast-iron skillet
Tongs or fish spatula
Serving platter

Measuring cups and spoons
Rimmed baking sheet
Aluminum foil

References

About This Article

Article SummaryX

Tuna steaks are easy to make in a skillet, oven, or grill. To make tuna steaks in a skillet, brush both sides of the steaks with melted butter, then sprinkle them on both sides with a store-bought or homemade blackening seasoning. Heat a skillet to medium-high heat until it starts to smoke. Use tongs to place the steaks in the hot skillet in a single layer so that they aren’t touching. Cook the steaks for about 1 ½ to 2 minutes on each side, for a total cooking time of 3-4 minutes. The steaks are done when they start to turn golden-brown and flake easily around the edges. Let them rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving them. If you’d rather cook the steaks in the oven, brush them with a mixture of 4 tablespoons (59 mL) of teriyaki sauce, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of grated fresh ginger, and ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt. Bake them in a foil-lined baking sheet for 6-8 minutes at 450° F (232° C), then let them sit for 5 minutes before serving them. Craving grilled tuna? Refrigerate your steaks in your favorite seafood marinade for 30 minutes while you preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush a light coating of vegetable oil on the grill grate. Season the steaks to taste and grill them for 3-4 minutes on each side, then let them rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature before enjoying them with your favorite sides. Keep reading to learn how to broil or grill a tuna steak!

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What temp do you cook tuna steak?

Temperature Ranges for Grilled Tuna Steak.

Rare: 120 – 130 degrees F..

Medium Rare: 130 – 140 degrees F..

Medium: 140 – 150 degrees F (145 is the USDA recommended temperature).

Well: over 150 and we don't typically cook our tuna that high..

How long do you cook tuna steaks?

Cook tuna – Once the skillet is very hot, place tuna in the skillet. – How long to cook tuna: A 2.5cm / 1″ thick, 200g / 7oz tuna steak should be cooked for 90 seconds on the first side then 60 seconds on the other side to get a nice sear on the outside while keeping it rare on the inside.

How long does it take to cook a 1 inch tuna steak?

One-inch thick tuna steaks can be perfectly cooked in just 10 minutes. And as long as it's very fresh, tuna can be served a little rare in the middle, which is ideal since the fish has a tendency to dry out if cooked for too long.

How long does it take for tuna to cook?

Brush the tuna steaks lightly with oil, and season. Put the tuna steaks into a heated frying pan over a high heat and allow to cook for 1-2 mins, depending on how thick the tuna steaks are. Turn the tuna over and cook for 1-2 mins on the other side.