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Quick Soy Ginger Marinade for Pan-Seared Tuna Steaks

Four thick slices of seared tuna steak, rare in the center, resting in a pool of marinade on a white plate.

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This recipe provides a simple, flavorful soy ginger marinade perfect for quickly preparing tuna steaks before searing. It is designed for busy cooks who want delicious seafood.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tuna steaks (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (for searing)

Instructions

  1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the soy sauce, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and brown sugar to create the marinade.
  2. Place the tuna steaks into the marinade, turning to coat both sides evenly.
  3. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes, as the acid can begin to break down the texture of the fish.
  4. Remove the tuna from the marinade and pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Discard the remaining marinade.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  6. Sear the tuna steaks for 1.5 to 3 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare, depending on thickness.
  7. Remove the tuna from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Notes

  • Patting the tuna dry before searing helps you achieve a better crust.
  • For an Asian style tuna marinade variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
  • This quick tuna steak marinade works well for grilling too; just ensure your grill grates are clean and oiled.

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