This grilled tuna with lemon anchovy butter recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to impress. Fresh tuna steaks are grilled to perfection and are complemented with a unique butter made from anchovy paste and fresh lemon juice. The result is a dish that is light yet flavorful, perfect for a summer cookout or a fancy dinner party.
Two ingredients in this recipe that may not be commonly found in every home are the tuna steaks and the anchovy paste. Tuna steaks are usually available in the seafood section of most supermarkets, but you might also find them at a local fishmonger. Anchovy paste, on the other hand, can be found in the canned fish aisle or in the international food section. It's packed with umami flavor, so a little goes a long way.
Ingredients for Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter
Butter: A dairy product that adds a rich, creamy flavor to the dish.
Anchovy paste: Adds a deep umami flavor to the butter.
Lemon juice: Brings a zesty tang to the butter, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbaceous note to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Ground black pepper: Adds a minor heat and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Tuna steaks: The star of the dish that will be grilled to perfection.
Cooking oil: Used to prevent the tuna from sticking to the grill.
One reader, Demetre Gates says:
The grilled tuna with lemon anchovy butter recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the butter adds a delightful zing to the tuna. It's a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for a special dinner. I highly recommend trying it out for a delightful culinary experience.
Techniques Required for Grilling Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter
How to prepare lemon anchovy butter: In a small bowl, combine the butter, anchovy paste, lemon juice, parsley, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
How to coat the tuna with oil: Drizzle the tuna steaks with cooking oil and use your hands or a brush to evenly coat the surface of the tuna with the oil.
How to cook tuna on a grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the tuna steaks on the grill and cook for 4 minutes on one side. Flip the tuna steaks and continue cooking until done to your desired level of doneness, about 3 to 4 minutes longer for medium-rare.
How to make sun-dried-tomato basil butter: In a small bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of room-temperature butter, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, and 3 chopped oil-packed or reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes. Add a pinch each of salt and pepper and mix until well combined. Use this mixture in place of the lemon anchovy butter for a different flavor variation.
How to pair wine with grilled tuna: Look for a sauvignon blanc from New Zealand or California with enough body to complement the tuna and enough acidity to stand up to the flavorful lemon anchovy butter.
How To Make Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter
Grilled tuna marinated in anchovy paste, parsley, butter, and lemon juice is an elegant fish dish with some unique pops of flavor.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4tbspbutter
- ½tspanchovy paste
- 1tsplemon juice
- 1tbspfresh parsley,chopped
- salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 4tuna steaks
- 1tbspcooking oil
Instructions
-
Light the grill or heat the broiler.
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In a small bowl, combine the butter, anchovy paste, lemon juice, parsley, and a pinch each of salt and pepper.
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Coat the tuna with the oil.
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Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
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Cook the tuna for 4 minutes.
-
Turn and cook until done to taste, such as 3 to 4 minutes longer for medium-rare.
-
Top the hot fish with flavored butter.
Nutrition
- Calories: 321.16kcal
- Fat: 15.93g
- Saturated Fat: 7.87g
- Trans Fat: 0.51g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.42g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.69g
- Carbohydrates: 0.52g
- Fiber: 0.18g
- Sugar: 0.05g
- Protein: 41.84g
- Cholesterol: 97.25mg
- Sodium: 444.15mg
- Calcium: 15.50mg
- Potassium: 770.06mg
- Iron: 1.45mg
- Vitamin A: 131.94µg
- Vitamin C: 1.76mg
Essential Technique for Perfecting Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter
When grilling tuna steaks, it's important to avoid overcooking as it can quickly become dry and tough. To ensure a juicy and tender result, aim for medium-rare to medium doneness. This is typically achieved by grilling each side for about 4 minutes. Also, remember to let the steaks rest for a few minutes after grilling before topping them with the lemon anchovy butter. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, enhancing its flavor and tenderness.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Grilled Tuna Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the lemon anchovy butter and store it in the refrigerator a day before. This will save you time on the day of cooking.
Grill in batches: If you have a large quantity of tuna steaks, grill them in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding on the grill.
Use a grill pan: If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, use a grill pan on the stovetop for a similar charred flavor.
Room temperature butter: Take the butter out of the refrigerator ahead of time to bring it to room temperature, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
Prep the fish: Have the tuna steaks cleaned and ready to go before starting the grilling process to streamline the cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter Recipe
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is a clarified butter that has a nutty flavor and is suitable for high-heat cooking, making it a great substitute for regular butter in this recipe.
anchovy paste - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste provides a similar umami-rich flavor and can be used as a substitute for anchovy paste in the lemon anchovy butter, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the acidity and tanginess similar to lemon juice, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can add a bright, herbaceous flavor similar to parsley, complementing the grilled tuna and lemon anchovy butter.
tuna steaks - Substitute with swordfish steaks: Swordfish steaks have a meaty texture and a mild flavor, making them a suitable substitute for tuna steaks in this recipe.
cooking oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a great substitute for cooking oil when grilling the tuna steaks.
Presenting Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter
Elevate the tuna steaks: Gently place the perfectly grilled tuna steaks on the plate, ensuring they are positioned in an appealing manner that showcases their succulent texture and charred grill marks.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with delicate, freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of vibrant green color and a hint of earthy freshness to the presentation.
Drizzle with lemon anchovy butter: Artfully drizzle the luscious lemon anchovy butter over the grilled tuna, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the steaks, creating an enticing visual and aromatic appeal.
Accompany with vibrant side dishes: Serve the grilled tuna alongside vibrant and visually appealing side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a colorful mixed salad, to enhance the overall presentation and provide a variety of flavors and textures.
Use elegant dinnerware: Select elegant and sophisticated dinnerware that complements the vibrant colors of the dish, enhancing the overall visual appeal and creating a memorable dining experience for the esteemed guests.
Incorporate artistic plating techniques: Employ artistic plating techniques, such as using swooshes or drizzles of sauce, to add a touch of creativity and finesse to the presentation of the grilled tuna with lemon anchovy butter.
Highlight the grill marks: Showcase the beautiful grill marks on the tuna steaks by strategically placing them on the plate, allowing the charred lines to become a focal point of the presentation, highlighting the expert grilling technique.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the dish with precision, emphasizing symmetry and balance in the presentation to create a visually appealing and harmonious culinary masterpiece.
Add a touch of edible flowers: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by delicately placing edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, as a garnish, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Consider the use of unique serving vessels: Explore the use of unique and visually striking serving vessels, such as slate platters or artisanal ceramic plates, to elevate the presentation and create a memorable dining experience for the discerning guests.
Essential Tools for Making Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter
- Grill or broiler: You can use either a grill or a broiler to cook the tuna steaks. The grill will impart a smoky flavor, while the broiler will cook the tuna quickly under high heat.
- Small bowl: This is used to mix the butter, anchovy paste, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the flavored butter for the tuna.
- Cooking oil: The cooking oil is used to coat the tuna steaks before grilling or broiling to prevent sticking and to help achieve a nice sear.
- Tongs: Tongs are essential for flipping the tuna steaks on the grill or broiler to ensure even cooking.
- Knife: A knife is needed for chopping the fresh parsley and for slicing the lemon to extract the juice.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the fresh parsley and slicing the lemon.
- Grilling spatula: If using a grill, a grilling spatula is useful for transferring the tuna steaks to and from the grill grates.
- Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are necessary for accurately measuring the butter, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and salt for the flavored butter.
- Mixing spoon: A mixing spoon is used to combine the butter, anchovy paste, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in the small bowl to create the flavored butter for the tuna.
- Grill brush: If using a grill, a grill brush is essential for cleaning the grill grates and ensuring they are free from debris before cooking the tuna steaks.
Storing and Freezing Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter
To store leftover grilled tuna, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, place the tuna in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
If you have extra lemon anchovy butter, transfer it to a small container with a tight-fitting lid. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use it to add flavor to other grilled fish, vegetables, or even bread.
To freeze the tuna, wrap each steak individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped steaks in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat the frozen tuna, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, place the tuna on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated 275°F (135°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the tuna to dry out.
The lemon anchovy butter can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Scoop the butter onto a piece of plastic wrap, form it into a log, and wrap it tightly. Place the wrapped butter in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze. When ready to use, thaw the butter in the refrigerator overnight.
How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Tuna
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover grilled tuna on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the fish with a little olive oil or melted butter to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the tuna is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place the tuna steak on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help retain moisture and prevent the fish from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the tuna is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the fish to become tough and rubbery.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your leftover grilled tuna. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the tuna on a small baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Brush with a little olive oil or melted butter, and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
For a stovetop method, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the tuna steak and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can quickly become dry and tough.
When reheating the lemon anchovy butter, place it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the butter in a microwave-safe dish for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals, until it is melted and warm.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the tuna with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once heated, serve the tuna immediately with the warm lemon anchovy butter on top, and enjoy your delicious leftover meal!
Interesting Fact About Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter
The grilled tuna with lemon anchovy butter recipe is a delicious and healthy option for seafood lovers. Tuna is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice for a meal. Additionally, the anchovy paste adds a unique depth of flavor to the butter, complementing the tuna perfectly. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted for other types of fish such as halibut, swordfish, or salmon. It pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or California, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Is Making Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this grilled tuna with lemon anchovy butter recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients. Tuna steaks can be relatively expensive, but the flavor and nutritional benefits make it a worthwhile investment. The addition of anchovy paste and fresh parsley may require an initial investment, but these ingredients can be used in various other recipes. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, considering the flavor, nutritional value, and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $30-$40, factoring in the cost of tuna and other ingredients.
Is This Grilled Tuna Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The grilled tuna with lemon anchovy butter recipe is a relatively healthy dish, but there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function
- The recipe uses a moderate amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat
- Anchovy paste is high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure if consumed in excess
- The recipe includes fresh parsley, which is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants
- Grilling is a healthy cooking method that doesn't require added fat
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or avocado oil
- Use a low-sodium anchovy paste or replace it with a healthier umami-rich ingredient like miso paste or nutritional yeast
- Increase the amount of fresh herbs used, such as parsley, basil, or cilantro, to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the dish
- Serve the tuna with a side of colorful vegetables like grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or a fresh salad to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal
- Choose sustainably sourced tuna to support healthy oceans and fish populations
Editor's Opinion on Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter
The grilled tuna with lemon anchovy butter recipe is a delightful combination of flavors. The tangy and savory lemon anchovy butter adds a burst of umami to the perfectly grilled tuna steaks. The addition of fresh parsley and a hint of salt and pepper enhances the overall taste. The recipe's versatility with other fish options and the variation with sun-dried-tomato basil butter provides an exciting culinary exploration. The wine recommendation complements the dish, offering a well-rounded dining experience. This recipe is a culinary triumph, showcasing the harmony of flavors and the art of grilling seafood.
Enhance Your Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Grilled Tuna with Lemon Anchovy Butter Recipe:
This recipe offers a tantalizing combination of grilled tuna and lemon anchovy butter, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The use of fresh parsley and anchovy paste adds depth and complexity to the dish. The method of grilling ensures a delightful char and smoky essence, enhancing the overall dining experience. Trust in the quality of this recipe, as it promises a delectable and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.
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