Tuna steak is often served with complementary side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. In this article, let’s discover what to serve with tuna steak to provide a balanced and satisfying meal.
The best side dishes to serve with Tuna steak are: Asparagus, Steamed Broccoli, Sautéed Green Beans, Sautéed Spinach, Grilled Corn On The Cob, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes, Wild Rice, Cilantro Lime Rice, Lemon And Potato Salad, Quinoa, Brown Rice, Short-grained Rice, Teriyaki Marinade, Lemon Sauce, Soy Sauce, White Wine Sauce, Mustard Sauce, Mixed Green Salad, Caesar Salad, etc.
What To Serve With Tuna Steak? Vegetable Sides
Asparagus
Asparagus is a spring vegetable known for its tender stalks and delicate flavor. When serving it with tuna steak, you can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed. Whatever preparation method you use, it brings natural sweetness and earthy tones to this combination.
I typically spend about just 10-15 minutes preparing and cooking the asparagus to accompany my tuna steak
Asparagus tops my list of favorite vegetables due to its incredible versatility as a side dish. It complements a wide array of meals, not only enhancing the flavor of tuna steak but also harmonizing beautifully with classics like Biscuits and Gravy and Beef Wellington.
Steamed Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Steamed broccoli retains its bright green color and crisp texture, making it a healthy and flavorful side dish.
When served with tuna steak, steamed broccoli provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty and savory flavors of the fish. Its mild taste and tender-crisp texture complement the robust flavor and meaty texture of the tuna steak.
From washing to serving, steamed broccoli takes me about 10-15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and nutritious side dish to complement the tuna steak.
Sautéed Green Beans
Green beans are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be quickly sautéed to perfection. Sautéed green beans have a tender-crisp texture and a subtle, sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
I usually serve sautéed green beans with tuna steak as part of a hearty and satisfying dinner. This combination makes for a delightful main course that’s perfect for any evening meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner with family or a special occasion dinner with friends.
Sautéed Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sautéed spinach is cooked quickly with olive oil and garlic until wilted and tender.
I usually plate them together, placing the tuna steak atop a bed of the flavorful spinach. This presentation not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also allows the juices from the tuna steak to mingle with the sautéed spinach, infusing it with additional flavor.
Grilled Corn On The Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer dish where fresh corn is grilled until it’s tender and slightly charred, often brushed with butter or seasoned with spices like chili powder or paprika.
I may also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to the corn for an extra burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the tuna.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are a nutritious and flavorful side dish made by roasting sweet potato chunks or wedges until they’re caramelized and tender.
When paired with tuna steak, roasted sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness and a creamy texture that complements the bold flavors of the fish. Their natural sweetness enhances the overall taste of the meal, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
To add a finishing touch, I might drizzle the sweet potatoes with a balsamic glaze or sprinkle them with crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish made by roasting potatoes until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They can be seasoned with herbs, garlic, or spices to add extra flavor.
Arrange the roasted potatoes on one side of the plate and place the tuna steak next to them. This presentation allows each component to shine while also creating an aesthetically pleasing dish.
I garnish the roasted potatoes with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, and serve the tuna steak with a wedge of lemon or a dollop of homemade aioli on the side.
Grain Sides To Serve With Tuna Steak
Wild Rice
Wild rice is a type of aquatic grass seed native to North America, known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. When cooked, it retains its individual grains and offers a satisfying bite.
Paired with tuna steak, wild rice adds a hearty and wholesome component to the meal. Its distinct flavor and texture complement the richness of the tuna steak, creating a well-balanced dish.
I typically serve wild rice with tuna steak for dinner, especially when I’m looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This pairing is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner with family or a special dinner party with friends.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish made by cooking white or brown rice with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and zest. It offers a zesty and refreshing flavor profile that brightens up any meal.
The fresh and zesty flavors of the cilantro lime rice complement the rich and savory qualities of the tuna steak, creating a well-balanced and satisfying dish. Plus, the presentation of the colorful rice alongside the beautifully seared tuna makes for an impressive and inviting meal that’s sure to please any palate.
Lemon And Potato Salad
Lemon and potato salad is a classic side dish made with boiled potatoes tossed in a creamy dressing flavored with fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and herbs. It offers a refreshing and tangy flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
The tangy lemon flavor in the potatoes mixes perfectly with the delicious tuna. Each bite is a burst of yummy freshness and cozy warmth. The creamy salad contrasts nicely with the juicy tuna, making every mouthful a happy treat.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a nutritious grain-like seed that is gluten-free and packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It has a light and fluffy texture with a slightly nutty flavor.
To add extra flavor and texture to the dish, consider serving the quinoa with a side of roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. You can also drizzle the tuna steak with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of homemade sauce, such as a chimichurri or avocado salsa.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole grain rice that is minimally processed, retaining its outer bran layer and germ, making it more nutritious than white rice. It has a chewy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Serve the brown rice and tuna steak immediately while still hot. The tender texture of the tuna steak and the nutty flavor of the brown rice create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Short-grained Rice
Short-grained rice, such as sushi rice or arborio rice, has a sticky texture and tender bite when cooked. It is commonly used in dishes like sushi, risotto, and rice pudding.
Short-grain rice tends to be stickier and more moist than long-grain rice varieties, making it an excellent complement to the flaky texture of tuna steak. The creamy consistency of short-grain rice enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dish.
In certain culinary traditions, such as Japanese cuisine, short-grain rice is a staple accompaniment to seafood dishes, including tuna. So it’s easy to see why I opted for this dish to accompany my tuna steak.
What Sauces And Flavorings To Serve With Tuna Steak?
Pineapple Salsa
Pineapple salsa is a vibrant and refreshing condiment made with diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. It offers a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of heat from the jalapeño.
When paired with tuna steak, pineapple salsa adds a tropical twist to the dish. Its fruity sweetness balances the savory flavor of the fish, while the acidity from the lime juice enhances its freshness.
Mango Salsa
Mango salsa is a colorful and flavorful topping made with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice. It offers a sweet and tangy flavor profile with a subtle kick of heat from the jalapeño.
When I serve the tuna steak, I like to place it alongside a generous serving of the mango salsa. You have the option to either place the salsa directly on top of the tuna steak or serve it alongside as a vibrant accompaniment.
Just like Pineapple Salsa, Mango Salsa also brings a burst of tropical freshness to the dish. Its fruity sweetness perfectly complements the rich and savory flavor of the fish, while the acidity from the lime juice enhances its brightness.
Teriyaki Marinade
Teriyaki marinade is a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sake or rice vinegar, often flavored with garlic and ginger. It offers a rich and flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully when grilled or pan-seared.
When used as a marinade for tuna steak, teriyaki sauce adds a depth of umami-rich flavor and a glossy finish to the fish. Its sweet and savory profile complements the natural richness of the tuna steak, creating a harmonious and delicious combination.
I often garnish the tuna steak with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of extra Teriyaki Marinade for added flavor and presentation.
Lemon Sauce
Lemon sauce is a bright and tangy condiment made with fresh lemon juice, butter, and herbs such as parsley or thyme. It offers a zesty and refreshing flavor profile that enhances a variety of dishes.
When I enjoy Lemon Sauce with tuna steak, I put the tuna on a plate and pour the warm Lemon Sauce on top. It mixes with the fish’s tender flesh, giving it a tangy flavor. Then, I add some chopped parsley or lemon zest for freshness. With each bite, the Lemon Sauce makes the tuna taste even better, making the meal delicious and satisfying.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a savory and salty condiment made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. It offers a rich and complex flavor profile with hints of umami and sweetness.
When used as a marinade or dipping sauce for tuna steak, soy sauce adds depth and umami richness to the tuna.
White Wine Sauce
White wine sauce can indeed be a delicious complement to tuna steak, offering a light and flavorful addition to the dish.
Typically, white wine sauce is made by reducing white wine with butter, shallots, and perhaps some herbs or lemon juice.
When serving tuna steak with white wine sauce, consider searing the tuna to your preferred level of doneness and then drizzling the sauce over the top just before serving. The bright acidity and subtle sweetness of the white wine sauce can enhance the delicate flavors of the tuna, creating a delightful culinary experience.
Mustard Sauce
If you haven’t tried serving mustard sauce with tuna steak yet, you’re missing out on a culinary sensation that will elevate your taste buds to new heights.
Mustard sauce brings a delightful balance of tanginess, creaminess, and subtle heat that pairs impeccably with the rich, meaty texture of tuna steak. The bold flavor of mustard cuts through the natural richness of the fish, creating a harmonious fusion of tastes that will leave you craving more.
To create this culinary masterpiece, simply sear your tuna steak to your desired level of doneness and then generously coat it with a velvety mustard sauce. Whether you prefer a classic Dijon mustard sauce or something with a bit of a kick, the options are endless and the results are always sensational.
Salads To Serve With Tuna Steak
Mixed Green Salad with a Light Vinaigrette
A mixed green salad typically consists of a variety of fresh salad greens such as lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale, tossed together with a light vinaigrette dressing. The vinaigrette is made from a mixture of vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and seasonings, providing a tangy and refreshing flavor.
The tender, flaky texture of the tuna steak contrasts beautifully with the crispness of the greens, while the light vinaigrette ties everything together with its subtle acidity and herbaceous notes.
Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad is a classic dish made with crisp romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. The dressing typically consists of mayonnaise, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce.
Serving Caesar Salad with a Light Vinaigrette with tuna steak creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory tuna complements the tangy dressing and crisp romaine lettuce, while the light vinaigrette adds freshness without overpowering the dish. It’s a delicious and nutritious meal suitable for any occasion, satisfying both your taste buds and appetite.
FAQs
What wine to serve with tuna steak?
When serving tuna steak, consider pairing it with a light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or unoaked Chardonnay. These wines complement the delicate flavor and texture of the fish, while their crisp acidity and citrusy notes provide a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Gamay can also be a good choice, particularly if the tuna is served with a richer sauce or marinade.
What to serve with tuna loin?
Pair tuna loin with grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers for savory depth. Alternatively, try a citrusy quinoa salad or refreshing mango avocado salsa for brightness. Light herbed couscous or sautéed spinach offer flavorful, nutritious options, while crispy roasted potatoes provide comfort.
How do you cook tuna steaks without drying them out?
To cook tuna steaks without drying them out, sear them over high heat for a short time, aiming for rare to medium-rare doneness.
References:
![What To Pair With Quiche? 25+ Best Dishes [With Pictures]](https://www.edithsbistro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/what-to-pair-with-quiche-160x90.jpg)
