How to Make Blackened Ahi Tuna

a white bowl with slices of seared ahi tuna, limes, pickled red onions and edamame over brown rice

5 from 1 vote

Flavorful ahi tuna with simple blackened seasoning. This easy fish recipe takes only 10-minutes to pull together! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal! Naturally Gluten-Free, Paleo & Whole30 compliant!

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Total Time10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 30-minute meals, ahi tuna, blackened seasoning, seafood, weeknight meals

Servings: people

Calories: 360kcal

Author: Elise Shivamber

Ingredients

12 OZ Ahi Tuna Steaks (2 filets; typically 4-8 oz is a small serving for one person)
2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter

Blackened Seasoning

2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
½ teaspoon Chili Powder
¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (OPTIONAL SPICY ONLY)
1 tablespoon Oregano
½ teaspoon Garlic Salt

Instructions

Combine blackened seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl.
Place ahi tuna steaks on a cutting board or plate. Dry all sides with a paper towel.
Sprinkle half of the seasoning on the top side of the ahi tuna steaks and rub it in.
Turn steaks over and sprinkle the remaining blackened seasoning on the other side of the steaks. Rub in completely on all sides (edges as well!).
Heat a cast iron or metal pan on the stove. Let heat for 2-minutes and then add butter.
Let butter melt and make sure the pan is hot (should be 4-5 minutes since first turned on).
Place seasoned ahi tuna steaks flat side down (either side is fine, but the larger flat side).
Let sear for 60-seconds (don’t move until 60-seconds are up).
Flip over (using tongs) and sear the other side for an additional 60-seconds.
After fully seared, remove from the heat and onto a cutting board. Turn off the stove.
Let the blackened ahi tuna steaks cool for 3-5 minutes.
Slice in thin pieces (about ¼-½” thick slices).
If making extra, make sure to place in fridge in an airtight container immediately. Should be in fridge no more than 2-3 days.

Notes

Typically, seared tuna is served at Medium-Rare temperature.

Rare: 30 seconds per side
Medium rare: 1 minute per side
Well done: 2 minutes per side

TIP! If you’re not sure your pan is hot enough, drop a small amount of water (think a teaspoon). If it sizzles right away it’s good to go!

Where to purchase:

In-Person: Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or try your favorite grocery store. (I will personally say I do not like the quality of ahi tuna from Trader Joe's.)

Thrive Market sells frozen ahi tuna steaks (that is where I prefer to purchase).

Catalina Offshore Products, based in San Diego, CA, is one of SoCal’s premier fresh and frozen seafood. They deliver to almost anywhere in the United States.

Nutrition