Blackened Tuna Steaks with Mango Salsa
Blackened Tuna Steaks with Mango Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful seafood dish that combines perfectly seared, spice-coated tuna steaks with a fresh, sweet, and tangy mango salsa. This recipe offers bold yet balanced flavors, quick preparation, and a healthy, colorful presentation, ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Tuna Steaks
- 4 fresh sashimi-grade tuna steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Blackened Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for dressing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: Dice the mango, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, even pieces. Finely chop the cilantro and combine all ingredients in a bowl. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and drizzle olive oil. Gently mix and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Season the Tuna: Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the blackened seasoning ingredients thoroughly. Press the seasoning evenly onto all sides of the tuna steaks, ensuring a thick, even coating.
- Cook the Tuna Steaks: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, place the seasoned tuna steaks in the pan. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes, depending on thickness, to develop a flavorful blackened crust while keeping the center tender and slightly rare.
- Plate and Serve: Remove the tuna from the skillet and allow it to rest briefly. Slice the steaks and serve topped with a generous scoop of mango salsa. Enjoy immediately for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality sashimi-grade tuna for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the tuna; aim for medium-rare to keep it tender and moist.
- Adjust cayenne and paprika amounts to customize the spice level in the blackened seasoning.
- Allow mango salsa to rest before serving to enhance flavor melding.
- Preheat the pan fully to ensure a perfect blackened crust without sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna steak with salsa
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: blackened tuna, mango salsa, seafood recipe, quick dinner, healthy seafood, summer recipe, spicy tuna steaks, fresh salsa