There are some recipes that impress because they require hours in the kitchen. This isn’t one of them.
Maple Soy Grilled Tuna is proof that a handful of ingredients and a hot grill can produce a restaurant-worthy grilled tuna dinner in almost no time at all.
Fresh tuna has a naturally rich, meaty texture that doesn’t need much fussing. Instead of masking its flavor with heavy sauces or complicated spice blends, this fresh tuna recipe lets the fish shine. A quick marinade of soy sauce, pure maple syrup and prepared horseradish adds just enough sweet, savory and subtle heat to enhance the tuna without overpowering it.
One of my favorite things about this easy tuna recipe is how quickly it comes together. After an hour-long soak in the tuna steak marinade, the tuna only needs a couple of minutes per side on a hot grill. That’s it. Dinner is on the table before you’ve even had time to think about ordering takeout.
If you’ve been intimidated by cooking fresh tuna at home, consider this your invitation to learn how to grill tuna.
Ingredient Notes
- Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce provides rich umami flavor. Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup provides balanced sweetness and helps create a gorgeous finish on the grill.
- Prepared Horseradish: Adds gentle heat and complexity without making the tuna spicy.
- Fresh Tuna Steaks: Look for sushi-grade or high-quality tuna steaks that are firm, moist and deep pink in color.
Recipe Tips
- Marinate the tuna for the full hour, turning occasionally for even flavor.
- Preheat the grill thoroughly before cooking.
- Tuna is best when cooked quickly over high heat.
- For medium-rare tuna, grill just 2 minutes per side.
- Use a fish spatula to help flip the steaks without breaking them apart.
- Allow the tuna to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Soy Grilled Tuna
- Naturally dairy-free and easy to adapt for gluten-free diets.
- Ready in just minutes once marinated.
- Sweet, savory and slightly spicy flavor.
- Naturally high in protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it a healthy grilled seafood recipe.
- Simple ingredients with big flavor.
- Perfect for summer grilling season.
- Elegant enough for dinner guests but easy enough for weeknights.
What Makes This Tuna Recipe Special?
Many grilled tuna recipes rely heavily on sesame oil, ginger or Asian-inspired spice blends. While those flavors are delicious, this recipe takes a simpler approach.
The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce, while prepared horseradish contributes just enough warmth to keep things interesting. The result is a beautifully caramelized exterior and tender, flavorful tuna that tastes like something you’d order at a coastal seafood restaurant.
It’s unexpected in the very best way.
FAQ
- How do I know when tuna is done? Fresh tuna is often served rare to medium-rare. For a seared exterior and tender pink center, grill for about 2 minutes per side. If you prefer your tuna more well done, continue cooking until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Can I cook tuna indoors? Yes. A grill pan or cast iron skillet works beautifully if outdoor grilling isn’t an option.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely. Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and verify that your prepared horseradish and maple syrup are certified gluten-free.
- What should I serve with Maple Soy Grilled Tuna? This tuna pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, cucumber salad, 3-pea stir fry or a simple green salad.
Here are a few more tuna recipes you might like to try:
Fresh tuna has a way of making an ordinary meal feel a little more memorable. Maybe it’s the quick cooking time, maybe it’s the steak-like texture, or maybe it’s the sweet-savory glaze that develops on the grill. Whatever the reason, this Maple Soy Grilled Tuna is one of those recipes you’ll come back to whenever you want something easy, impressive and undeniably delicious.
Maple Soy Grilled Tuna
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- Four ¾-inch-thick tuna steaks (about 1½ pounds)
Instructions
- Combine the soy sauce, maple syrup and horseradish in a large heavy-duty zip bag; add the tuna to the bag. Turn to cover the tuna in the marinade. Seal and chill for 1 hour, turning occasionally. Remove the tuna from the bag; discard the marinade.
- Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the tuna, covered, over high heat for 2 minutes on each side or to desired degree of doneness.
Notes
- For the best results, use high-quality fresh tuna steaks that are similar in thickness for even cooking.
- Tuna cooks very quickly and is best served rare to medium-rare, but adjust the cooking time to your preferred doneness.
- If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are very hot before cooking.
- Tamari may be substituted for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Do not reuse the marinade after the raw fish has been removed.
- Leftover grilled tuna is delicious sliced over salads, rice bowls or tucked into wraps the next day.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
