blackened yellowfin tuna recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best blackened yellowfin tuna recipe

I’ve been a fan of blackened yellowfin tuna for years, and it’s become a staple in our household. The dish originated from the Louisiana bayou, where chefs would coat fish in a spicy blend of herbs and spices before searing it in a hot skillet.

The resulting flavor is both smoky and slightly charred, with a depth that’s hard to find elsewhere. I love serving this recipe at family gatherings, as it’s easy to scale up or down depending on the number of guests.

My kids adore helping me prepare the dish, as they get to learn about the different seasonings and techniques involved. When we sit down to eat, the aroma wafting from the kitchen transports us to the coast of Louisiana.

It’s an experience that never gets old, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you today. The combination of flavors is truly unique, and I think you’ll find that it’s just as delicious as we do.

With its bold flavors and tender texture, blackened yellowfin tuna is sure to become a favorite in your household too.

Blackened Yellowfin Tuna

4.8 from 665 votes

A quick and flavorful dish featuring yellowfin tuna coated in a bold spice blend and seared to perfection. The blackening technique creates a smoky crust while keeping the interior tender and moist.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time6 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time16 mins
Servings: 2Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Tuna

2 yellowfin tuna steaks (6 oz each, about 1 inch thick)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Blackening Spice Mix

1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels.
2In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well to create the blackening spice blend.
4Brush both sides of each tuna steak with melted butter, then generously coat with the spice mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke, about 3 to 4 minutes.
6Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat.
7Place the tuna steaks in the pan and cook for 2 minutes without moving them.
8The crust should become dark and charred.
9Flip the steaks using tongs and cook for another 2 minutes for medium-rare, or 3 minutes for medium, until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
10Remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for 2 minutes.
11The exterior will be blackened and crisp, while the center remains pink and moist.
12Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

🔧Equipment

Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
Small bowl
Tongs
Plate

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 46g

📝Notes

For best results, use fresh tuna steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control spiciness. Ensure the pan is very hot before adding the fish to achieve a proper blackened crust.

Watch Video Of How Blackened Yellowfin Tuna Works

This blackened yellowfin tuna recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a family dinner or an elegant gathering with friends.

It’s incredibly easy to scale up or down depending on your needs, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and large events.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its versatility – not only can you serve it as is, but you can also add various toppings or sides to suit your taste preferences.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Blackened Yellowfin Tuna

Q: What type of fish should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use any type of tuna that’s suitable for blackening. Yellowfin tuna is my personal favorite, but you can also use bluefin or bigeye if you prefer.

Q: Can I substitute the Cajun seasoning with another spice blend?

While you can experiment with other spice blends, I highly recommend using Cajun seasoning for its unique flavor profile. However, if you’re looking for a variation, try using Old Bay seasoning or your favorite dry rub.

Q: How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, make sure your pan is hot before adding the oil. You can also lightly dust the fish with flour or cornstarch before cooking.

Q: Can I cook this recipe on a grill instead of in a skillet?

You can cook this recipe on a grill, but keep in mind that it will have a slightly different flavor profile than cooking it in a skillet. To achieve the best results on the grill, make sure to oil your grates beforehand.

Q: How long does it take to cook this recipe?

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your tuna fillets. Generally speaking, you can expect it to take around 3-5 minutes per side to achieve a nice sear.

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