25 Sauces for Tuna Steaks That Will Elevate Your Dinner Game

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

If you’re looking to elevate your tuna steak with more flavor, you’ve come to the right place. Tuna steak is a simple, delicious dish, but pairing it with the right sauce can make it extraordinary. From zesty lemon butter to rich garlic herb, these sauces will take your tuna steak to the next level.

Whether you prefer something creamy like a garlic-lime aioli or a bold punch from a spicy ponzu, there’s a sauce here to suit your taste. These sauces not only enhance the natural flavors of the tuna but also add a delightful twist that will impress your family and friends.

Ready to discover the perfect sauce for your next tuna steak? Dive into these simple, tasty recipes that are easy to make and sure to delight your taste buds.

Sauce Vierge

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1 small shallot
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Anchovy fillets for extra umami

Instructions:

1. Dice the tomatoes into small cubes.
2. Finely chop the shallot and garlic.
3. In a bowl, mix the tomatoes, shallot, and garlic.
4. Add the olive oil and lemon juice, stirring well to combine.
5. Chop the basil and parsley, and fold them into the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. If using, finely chop the anchovy fillets and mix them in. Optional.
8. Let the sauce sit for 20 minutes to develop flavors.
9. Serve over your seared or grilled tuna steak. Enjoy!

Mexican Salsa

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 small red onion
• 1 medium tomato
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Dice the avocados and place them in a medium bowl.
2. Finely chop the red onion, tomato, and jalapeño pepper, and add them to the bowl.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture.
4. Chop the cilantro leaves and add them in.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Gently mix everything together.
7. Serve the salsa fresh over your tuna steaks.

Salsa Verde

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound tomatillos, husked and chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the tomatillos, onion, and jalapeño to the pan. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Transfer the mixture to a blender. Add the cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Blend until smooth but still a bit chunky.
6. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over tuna steaks.

Pesto

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 
   

   Toast the pine nuts: Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool.

   
   
2. 
   

   Blend ingredients: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Pulse a few times to mix.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add olive oil: With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream. Continue processing until the pesto is smooth. You can add more olive oil if needed for a thinner consistency.

   
   
4. 
   

   Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

   
   
5. 
   

   Serve: Spoon the pesto over your cooked tuna steaks or use it as a dipping sauce. Enjoy!

   
   

Chimichurri Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
2. Mix well until everything is combined.
3. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
4. Serve spooned over your grilled or seared tuna steaks.

Japanese Ginger Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 green onion, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and mirin.
2. Add freshly grated ginger, honey, and minced garlic to the bowl.
3. Mix in sesame oil until all ingredients are well blended.
4. Stir in the finely chopped green onion.
5. Let the sauce sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve the ginger sauce over your seared or grilled tuna steaks.

Enjoy this flavorful and refreshing sauce with your tuna steaks for a delightful meal!

Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic.

   
   
2. 
   

   Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuing to whisk, creating a smooth blend.

   
   
3. 
   

   Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   
   
4. 
   

   Drizzle over your cooked tuna steak and enjoy!

   
   

Mango Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, green onions, and jalapeño pepper.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add the lime juice and olive oil to the bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in the chopped cilantro.

   
   
4. 
   

   Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.

   
   
5. 
   

   Season with salt to taste.

   
   
6. 
   

   Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

   
   

Wasabi Mayonnaise

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon wasabi paste (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Take 2/3 cup of the mixture and stir in the wasabi paste until smooth.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

This sauce pairs perfectly with seared or grilled tuna steaks, adding a tangy and spicy kick to your meal.

Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, honey, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Whisk well until all ingredients are combined.
3. Place your tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour the mixture over them.
4. Let the tuna marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
5. Remove the tuna from the fridge 20 minutes before cooking.
6. You can use the leftover marinade as a dipping sauce after cooking.

Feel free to sprinkle some sesame seeds on the tuna before cooking for extra flavor.

Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, mix balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir the mixture constantly until it starts to boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 minute.
5. Remove from heat and add olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Stir well until smooth.
7. Use the glaze to brush over your cooked tuna steaks before serving.

Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before pouring over your cooked tuna steaks.

Horseradish Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, horseradish, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add the white wine vinegar and sugar.
3. Mix until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to use.

Enjoy your flavorful horseradish cream with tuna steaks!

Olive Tapenade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted olives (Kalamata or green)
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine olives, capers, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes in a food processor.
2. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed.
3. Add lemon juice and olive oil, then pulse a few more times to blend.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve spooned over grilled or seared tuna steaks.

Avocado Crema

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
2. Add the sour cream, lime juice, and minced garlic to the bowl.
3. Use a fork or a blender to mash and mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the avocado crema over your tuna steak for a fresh, creamy topping.

Ponzu Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1/4 cup bonito flakes
• 1 small piece kombu (dried kelp)
• Optional: thinly sliced scallions

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, lemon juice, lime juice, rice vinegar, and mirin in a bowl.
2. Add bonito flakes and kombu to the mixture.
3. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Strain the mixture to remove the bonito flakes and kombu.
5. If desired, add thinly sliced scallions for garnish before serving.

Enjoy your ponzu sauce with your favorite tuna steak!

Sriracha Mayo

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic (crushed)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Mix the Base: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice.
2. Add Garlic: Mix in the crushed garlic and stir until the sauce is smooth.
3. Adjust Flavor: Taste your sauce. If you prefer it spicier, add more sriracha. If it needs more tang, add a bit more lime juice.
4. Season: Season with salt as needed.
5. Serve: Serve alongside your grilled or seared tuna steaks. Enjoy!

Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 small pineapple, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Grill the Pineapple: Grill pineapple slices over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they have nice grill marks.
2. Chill and Dice: Let the grilled pineapple cool, then dice it into small chunks.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice.
4. Season: Add salt to taste and stir everything together.
5. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the salsa for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Basil Pesto

Basil pesto is a classic sauce that pairs perfectly with tuna steaks. It’s fresh, garlicky, and adds a deliciously herby flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 3 garlic cloves
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. 
   

   Prepare the Ingredients: Wash the basil leaves thoroughly and let them dry. Peel the garlic cloves.

   
   
2. 
   

   Blend the Ingredients: Combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

   
   
4. 
   

   Season to Taste: Add salt to taste and give it one final blend.

   
   
5. 
   

   Serve: Spoon the basil pesto over your cooked tuna steaks and enjoy!

   
   

Honey Mustard Dressing

Ingredients

• Fresh tuna steaks (1 to 1 ½ pounds)
• Garlic herb seasoning (a dash)
• Honey (1 tbsp)
• Red wine vinegar (1/3 cup)
• Extra virgin olive oil (3 tbsp)
• Spicy brown mustard (1 tbsp)

Instructions

1. Take a covered container or a jar.
2. Put olive oil, honey, spicy brown mustard, wine vinegar, and garlic herb seasoning in the jar.
3. Mix the ingredients well.
4. Place the tuna steaks in the container, making sure they are evenly coated.
5. Marinate the tuna for about 20 minutes.
6. Preheat your grill and brush it with olive oil.
7. Remove the tuna from the marinade.
8. Grill the tuna steaks to your preferred level of doneness.

Ginger Scallion Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions (scallions)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the green onions and mince the ginger and garlic.
2. Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar.
3. Optional Step: Stir in toasted sesame seeds, if using.
4. Taste: Adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a bit more soy sauce or ginger.
5. Serve: Drizzle over cooked tuna steaks. Enjoy!

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 3/4 cup white wine
• 2 roasted red peppers
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a hot skillet.
2. Sear the tuna steaks on both sides until cooked to your liking.
3. In a separate pan, melt 1/4 cup of butter and stir in 1 tablespoon of flour.
4. Add 3/4 cup of white wine to the flour and butter mixture.
5. Purée the roasted red peppers, garlic clove, and tomato paste in a blender.
6. Mix the purée into the wine mixture.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
8. Cook the sauce over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Pour the sauce over the seared tuna steaks.
10. Garnish with parsley sprigs before serving.

Olive Oil and Lemon

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
4. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley, if using.
6. Pour over cooked tuna steaks and serve immediately.

Balsamic Reduction

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 medium lemon, juiced
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and halved

Instructions

1. Place the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Simmer the mixture until it reduces by half.
3. Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool—it will thicken as it cools.
4. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over your seared tuna steaks before serving. Enjoy!