Description
Blackened Tuna Steaks with Mango Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared tuna with a bold blackened spice crust, paired with a bright, refreshing mango salsa. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe balances spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings. Nutritious and versatile, it’s ideal served with rice, salad, or as a sandwich, showcasing fresh ingredients and striking presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Tuna Steaks
- 4 fresh sushi-grade tuna steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Blackening Seasoning
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe but firm mango, diced into small cubes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: Dice the mango into small, even cubes. Finely chop the red onion and cilantro. If using jalapeño, deseed and mince it finely. Combine these ingredients in a bowl, add fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt, then stir gently to combine. Chill the salsa in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld while you prepare the tuna.
- Season the Tuna Steaks: Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. Lightly coat each side with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere. Mix the blackening seasoning ingredients together, then generously rub the spice blend over both sides of each tuna steak until evenly coated.
- Heat Your Cooking Surface: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom frying pan over medium-high heat until very hot to achieve a perfect sear that locks in juices. Alternatively, preheat a grill for a smoky flavor.
- Cook the Tuna Steaks: Place the tuna steaks on the hot skillet or grill. Cook for about 1.5 to 2 minutes per side for rare doneness, or longer for firmer texture. The seasoning will form a dark, flavorful crust while the inside remains tender and slightly pink. Avoid overcooking to preserve moisture.
- Plate and Serve: Remove the tuna from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Slice against the grain for tenderness and serve topped or alongside the chilled mango salsa for a balance of spicy and sweet flavors.
Notes
- Use a very hot pan or grill to achieve the ideal blackened crust without overcooking.
- Pat tuna dry before applying seasoning for better crust adhesion.
- Serve tuna rare to medium-rare for best texture and flavor.
- Prepare the mango salsa ahead of time to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying cayenne pepper and jalapeño quantities to taste.
- Opt for fresh, sushi-grade tuna to enhance overall quality and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak with mango salsa
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg