25 Yummy Fresh Tuna Recipes You Need To Try

Fresh tuna is one of the easiest fish to cook and incorporate into different meals, and this versatility and ease of preparation often make it a favorite among many people. Fresh tuna recipes have a variety of flavors and options to opt for.

However, it can sometimes be nerve-wracking trying to figure out what to do with your fresh cut of tuna after you’ve purchased it. The great news is that you can make a wide range of dishes with fresh tuna.

So whether you’re a seafood fanatic looking to try something new or you simply want an upgrade from the artificial taste of canned tuna, in this post, you’ll find some of the best fresh tuna recipes to elevate your tuna game.

Quick Table: Fresh Tuna Recipes

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Sesame Ginger Grilled Tuna Steaks	395	Not Available
Teriyaki Tuna With Volcano Sauce	722	20 Minutes
Blackened Tuna Bites	1010	20 Minutes
Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl	492	25 Minutes
Spicy Tuna Avocado Tower	617	8 Minutes
Ahi Tuna Cakes	345	20 Minutes
Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche Tacos	Not Available	38 Minutes
Spicy Tuna And Mango Spring Rolls	Not Available	45 Minutes
Grilled Tuna Steak Salad	235.5	25 Minutes
Tuna Tartare	393	10 Minutes
Tuna Steak With Spicy Tomato Sauce	186	25 Minutes
Spicy Sesame Crusted Pan-Seared Tuna	225	17 Minutes
Sesame Balsamic Tuna	615	1 Hour  38 Minutes
Fresh Tuna Burgers	160	35 Minutes
Air Fryer Ahi Tuna	313	15 Minutes
Grilled Tuna Kabobs	376	1 Hour  35 Minutes
Tuna Crudo With Mangoes	223	4 Hours 30 Minutes
Ahi Tuna Ceviche	137	40 Minutes
Seared Tuna Salad Nicoise	500	20 Minutes
Pepperfin Tuna Sashimi	Not Available	Not Available
Tuna Tartare In Crispy Wonton Cups	95	38 Minutes
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice	170	3 Hours 40 Minutes
Pan-Seared Tuna Steaks	590	25 Minutes
Fresh Tuna Pasta	238	43 Minutes
Marmitako (Tuna Fish Stew)	273	1 Hour

1. Sesame Ginger Grilled Tuna Steaks  

These grilled tuna steaks are the perfect dinner to make on days when you need a seafood dish that is loaded with rich umami flavors.

They feature tuna steaks marinated in a mix of sesame oil, sesame seeds, ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder before being grilled to smoky perfection.

Serve these mouthwatering steaks over rice, roasted veggies, or even potatoes for a filling meal.

Calories Per Serving: 395

Preparation Time: Not Available

2. Teriyaki Tuna With Volcano Sauce

If you’re a fan of tuna steaks and are looking for a unique way to make them, teriyaki tuna is a great way to incorporate a sweet and tangy flavor into your tuna.

This delicious pan-seared tuna consists of ahi tuna steaks coated in white and black sesame seeds and teriyaki glaze.

It is further elevated by the addition of a sweet volcano sauce made from a mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sugar, and condensed milk.

Calories Per Serving: 722

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

 3. Blackened Tuna Bites

Blackened tuna bites are delicious seared cubes of tuna that can be served as an appetizer or paired with a filling salad for dinner.

They are really easy to make and feature tuna coated in a flavor-filled blackening seasoning. Once seared, these crisp bites of tuna can be paired with a cajun mustard sauce for maximum enjoyment.

Calories Per Serving: 1010

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

4. Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl

A poke bowl is a modern take on a traditional Hawaiian raw fish salad, and this ahi tuna variation is loaded with refreshing and flavor-filled ingredients that are perfect if you’re looking for a quick and easy healthy meal.

This hearty bowl is loaded with fresh slices of ahi tuna, rice, mango, onions, cucumbers, edamame, avocados, macadamia nuts, and jalapenos. It also contains a creamy sriracha drizzle and a citrus ponzu sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 492

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

5. Spicy Tuna Avocado Tower

Spicy Tuna avocado tower is an impressive dish that combines both crispy and tender textures into a stack of deliciousness that is perfect as an appetizer or light dinner on special occasions.

It is surprisingly easy to make and consists of fried wonton wrappers assembled into a tower, along with avocados and diced tuna coated in a spicy mayo sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 617

Preparation Time: 8 Minutes

RELATED: What Does Tuna Taste Like? Healthier Meals

 6. Ahi Tuna Cakes

If you’re a fan of crab cakes, ahi tuna cakes are a great alternative to try when you want something with a similar taste.

Crisp and brown on the exterior and moist on the inside; these cakes are made from pan-fried tuna patties consisting of fresh ahi tuna, eggs, cracker crumbs, cilantro, and Old Bay Seasoning.

Calories Per Serving: 345

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

7. Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche Tacos

If you love fish tacos but often get bored of the dry, flaky taste of the fried fish filling, yellowfin tuna ceviche tacos are a most tender alternative with that same seafood taste. 

These easy tacos have a hard shell made from baked tortillas and are filled with guacamole, jalapenos, onions, and a ceviche tuna coated in an oil citrus sauce.

Calories Per Serving: Not Available

Preparation Time: 38 Minutes

8. Spicy Tuna And Mango Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a super versatile dish you can make on any occasion. These elegant spicy tuna and mango rolls are the perfect way to turn fresh tuna into a tasty treat you can have for lunch on the go or serve at a dinner party.

They consist of mangoes, avocados, cucumbers, and ahi tuna tossed in a sriracha-soy sauce, all neatly rolled into pieces of rice paper.

Calories Per Serving: Not Available

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

9. Grilled Tuna Steak Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing summer salad that’s bursting with a mix of flavors, then you need to try grilled tuna steak salad.

This tasty salad is loaded with grilled tuna steaks, avocados, jalapenos, cilantro, onions, and grilled peaches, all tossed in a soy-ginger dressing that even the pickiest eaters will love.

Calories Per Serving: 235.5

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

10. Tuna Tartare

For fans of sushi who are comfortable with eating raw fish, tuna tartare is one of the most amazing ways to enjoy the rich, decadent flavors of tuna in a unique way.

With a bottom avocado layer and a top layer consisting of fresh tuna tossed in a spicy sesame-ginger marinade, this molded dome of fresh tuna will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make all the time.

Calories Per Serving: 393

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

RELATED: 14 Savory Sides To Serve With Tuna Steak

11. Tuna Steaks With Spicy Tomato Sauce

This delicious Spanish classic features pan-seared tuna cooked in a rich tomato sauce consisting of smoked paprika, parsley, and white wine. 

It’s super easy to whip up and can be served along with potatoes or paired with a salad for those on a low-carb diet.

Calories Per Serving: 186

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

12. Spicy Sesame Crusted Pan Seared Tuna

For those on a keto diet, a spicy dish like sesame-crusted pan-seared tuna loaded with Asian flavors is a great way to enjoy your carb-free meals.

This incredible combo consists of seared sesame-coated tuna served over a hearty zucchini noodle salad. The taste is further elevated with the addition of a generous drizzle of freshly made sesame-soy dressing.

Calories Per Serving: 225

Preparation Time: 17 Minutes

13. Sesame Balsamic Tuna

This sesame balsamic tuna is one of those elegant and delicious recipes that will just make you feel like an accomplished restaurant chef after serving.

It features tuna steaks marinated in a sesame and balsamic vinegar mix and then grilled to perfection before being topped with perfectly sauteed mushrooms. It is a great dinner to make on Friday nights when you’re feeling fancy.

Calories Per Serving: 615

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 38 Minutes 

14. Fresh Tuna Burgers

If you’re a Pescatarian looking for an alternative to regular beef burgers, fresh tuna burgers are a great option to try because the meaty texture of tuna makes it a great fish for making patties.

These burgers are filled with pan-fried tuna patties made from grounded tuna steaks, onions, pepper, onions, and parsley. They are also topped with a freshly made tartar sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 160

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

15. Air Fryer Ahi Tuna

An air fryer is a key piece of equipment that helps you churn out delicious low-fat meals regularly and if you are a fan of crispy fried tuna, this air fryer ahi tuna will make you love your air fryer even more.

It is super simple to make and consists of ahi tuna cubes coated in seasoned panko bread crumbs and air fried until crisp and golden brown.

Serve with a freshly made garlic aioli sauce, and you’ll be floored by the taste of these little bites.

Calories Per Serving: 313

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

RELATED: Can You Eat Tuna Steak Raw?

16. Grilled Tuna Kabobs

Grilled tuna kabobs are a great appetizer or side dish to serve at a summer BBQ party. 

They consist of marinated tuna steaks, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms assembled on skewer sticks and grilled to perfection.

If you intend to use bamboo skewer sticks, be sure to soak them in water for thirty minutes to prevent them from burning.

Calories Per Serving: 376

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 35 Minutes

17. Tuna Crudo With Mangoes

Ever have those days where you’re simply not in the mood to cook but still want a homemade meal? Well, tuna crudos and mangoes are the perfect no-cook meal you can whip up without much hassle.

They feature tuna slices layered with mangoes and jalapenos and then topped with refreshing citrus-chili ice flakes.

Calories Per Serving: 223

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 30 Minutes

18. Ahi Tuna Ceviche

Ceviche is a classic appetizer that often gets a lot of love, and this ahi tuna version is loaded with just the right mix of flavors to wow any crowd.

It consists of ahi tuna cubes, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, and onions marinated in lemon juice and combined with avocados.

Calories Per Serving: 137

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

19. Seared Tuna Salad Nicoise

A Nicoise salad is a tasty french salad often made with fish, and this seared tuna version is filled with flavors that delight the palate with every bite.

It is a fairly warm salad consisting of potatoes, boiled eggs, olives, cherry tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, and pan-seared tuna, all tossed in a dijon mustard dressing.

Calories Per Serving: 500

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

20. Pepperfin Tuna Sashimi

Pepperfin tuna sashimi is a decadent and tender dish that is both pretty to look at and delicious.

With a combination of ahi tuna covered in a citrus-soy sauce, this elegant rose-shaped dish will be a favorite with fans of sushi.

Calories Per Serving: Not Available

Preparation Time: Not Available

RELATED: How Long Does Tuna Salad Last? How To Tell If Tuna Salad Is Bad?

21. Tuna Tartare In Crispy Wonton Cups

Crispy fried wontons are tasty treats people never seem to be able to get enough of, and when paired with tuna tartare in bite-sized cups, you’ve got a delicious appetizer that will be a hit with any crowd.

These crispy wonton cups are filled with a mix of tuna, wasabi, cucumbers, chives, sesame oil, soy sauce, jalapenos, and ginger.

Calories Per Serving: 95

Preparation Time: 38 Minutes

22. Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Tuna crispy rice is another delicious appetizer with a combination of crispiness and tender fish textures.

These little bites consist of pan-fried rice squares topped with a spicy mixture of tuna, sriracha, soy sauce, mayonnaise, and sesame oil.

Calories Per Serving: 170

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 40 Minutes 

23. Pan-Seared Tuna Steaks

If you’re a fan of medium rare steak, you’ll love the incredible flavors and tender interior of pan-seared tuna steaks.

It features seared tuna steaks covered in a soy glaze made from a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, orange juice, and rice wine vinegar.

Calories Per Serving: 590

Preparation Time: 43 Minutes

24. Fresh Tuna Pasta

Pasta and tuna always make a great pairing when combined, and there’s no way we could finish off this list without including something to satisfy the pasta-loving crowd.

This Mediterranean pasta dish features tagliatelle pasta tossed into a rich tomato sauce consisting of capers, tuna olives, parsley, and peperoncino.

Calories Per Serving: 238

Preparation Time: 43 Minutes

RELATED: Ways To Cook Yellowfin Tuna Recipes In Delicious Ways

25. Marmitako (Tuna Fish Stew)

During the cold winter months, having a warm stew or soup to cozy up with always fills the body with comfort. Marmitako is a Spanish fish stew that is perfect for those cold days.

It consists of a slow-cooked mix of cubed tuna, white wine, fish broth, black pepper, Yukon potatoes, garlic, and sauteed vegetables.

Calories Per Serving: 273

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tuna Good For You?

Tuna is very good for the body as it is an excellent source of proteins. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and brain function.

It is also loaded with vitamins like niacin and vitamin D, which are essential for many cellular activities in the body.

How Long Does Fresh Tuna Take To Cook?

The time required to cook tuna often depends on the cooking method used and your preference. For example, if you are searing the tuna, you’ll only need to cook it in the pan for about 2-3 Minutes on both sides.

This will ensure the exterior is flaky and cooked while still keeping the middle of the fish light pink and tender. Likewise, grilling tuna also only requires cooking for about 2-3 minutes on both sides.

However, if you prefer to bake your tuna, you’ll need to cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on what the recipe you’re making calls for.

What Goes Good With Fresh Tuna?

Fresh Tuna pairs really well with a host of different vegetables and carbs. It goes really well with potatoes, rice, stir-fried or roasted vegetables like green beans, peppers, asparagus, zucchini, and even Brussel sprouts.