Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad is a light yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for a nutritious lunch or quick weeknight dinner. With seared tuna steaks, a velvety garlic cream sauce, and a crisp fresh salad, this dish offers a balanced plate of protein, healthy fats, and greens—all in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Healthy and satisfying: Lean protein and fresh vegetables make it a guilt-free choice.
Elegant yet simple: Perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
Low-carb and keto-friendly: Great option for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
Customizable: Swap out salad veggies or seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Tuna Steaks:
2 tuna steaks, about 1 ½ inches thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad:
Mixed greens
¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup cucumber, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Season the Tuna: Rub the tuna steaks with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Grill the Tuna: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook tuna steaks for 2–3 minutes per side or until cooked to your liking. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
Make the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble: Divide the salad between two plates. Top each with sliced tuna steak and drizzle with creamy garlic sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a kick.
Different protein: Substitute tuna with salmon or swordfish steaks.
Change the greens: Use arugula, spinach, or romaine in place of mixed greens.
Add grains: Serve with a side of quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for extra satiety.
Herb swaps: Try basil, dill, or thyme instead of parsley and oregano.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover tuna and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat. Tuna can be eaten cold or lightly warmed in a skillet.
Note: Avoid reheating tuna in the microwave to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tuna steaks for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw them and pat them dry before seasoning and grilling.

How can I tell if the tuna is cooked properly?

Tuna is best served medium-rare to medium. It should be seared on the outside and slightly pink in the center.

Can I pan-sear the tuna instead of grilling?

Absolutely. A hot cast iron or nonstick skillet works well for searing tuna.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, though the flavor may vary slightly.

How do I keep the tuna steaks from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill is hot and well-oiled before placing the tuna steaks on it.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your seasonings and vinegar are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a few hours ahead. Reheat gently before serving.

What’s a good substitute for red wine vinegar in the salad?

You can use balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice.

What are some other toppings for the salad?

Add sliced avocado, olives, feta cheese, or toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just adjust cooking time if grilling more steaks at once.

Conclusion

Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Salad offers the perfect blend of simplicity, freshness, and flavor. Whether you’re planning a light weeknight dinner or a refreshing weekend lunch, this dish is sure to impress. With tender tuna, a velvety sauce, and crisp greens, it’s a nourishing, restaurant-quality meal you can make right at home.

Tuna Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce