How to Grill Ahi Tuna on A Gas Grill

When I came back from Bible study the other day, I noticed my husband was cleaning the gas grill.

He said it was just lying in the attic and thought it might be nice to have some grilled food after a long time. However, he decided to bring Ahi Tuna instead of meat from the market, which made me a little concerned.

Now don't get me wrong, I love myself some well-cooked tuna, but it's not easy to cook. As luck would have it, I ended up burning the precious slice of fish, and my husband was understandably disappointed. So, later, I went on the internet and learned how to do it right.

The next day I surprised him by cooking the most beautiful Ahi Tuna, and as we were enjoying our fish, it occurred to me. There may be others who don't know how to grill ahi tuna on a gas grill.

Hi! I'm Stacy Smith, and today I'm going to tell you everything you need to know about grilling tuna. There are several preparations you can try out, and you can enjoy the perfect weekend, eating grilled fish, and catching-up as a family.

So, without further ado, let’s get straight to the deets.

Grilling Ahi Tuna

It's no secret that tuna's quite costly, so you can't afford to waste it as I did. Also, you must keep in mind the delicate nature of the fish to ensure that it's cooked properly. Grilling involves using a lot of heat, meaning you'll be done quickly, and by following these simple steps, you can do it right as well.

Cooking Medium-Rare or Medium Tuna

Whatever the type of preparation, the necessary steps remain the same. On most occasions, the only difference between various cooking methods is the time it takes.

First and foremost, you have to preheat the gas grill to a high temperature and ensure that the grill rack is around four inches above the flame. Once you turn up the heat, brush the tuna steaks with melted butter, and olive or sesame oil. The choice of oil depends on how you're planning on serving it.

Olive oil works well with lemon or dill flavors, while sesame is suitable for serving with soy, ginger, or wasabi. Next, move on to the seasoning by rubbing the tuna with salt and pepper.

Then, brush a little bit of oil on to the grills, which will prevent the fish from sticking to the grates. Now comes the tricky part, and you have to be very careful here. As soon as you place the steaks on the grill, it won’t take more than 60-90 seconds to cook each side.

And if you want it medium cooked, then let each side grill for four to five minutes. Hold it down to get crisp and brown edges, and you can tell it's cooked properly when the outside of the fish changes color to something opaque. Proceed to remove the steaks from the grill carefully, and it's ready to be served.

Seared Tuna Steaks

With gas grills, you can sear the tuna, making it a highly versatile method of cooking. The preparation for searing is a little different, and people tend to use sesame seeds to get a delicious meal. Firstly, place the sesame seeds inside a bowl or plate.

You'll have to coat the tuna, after the usual seasoning is done, with the seeds by dipping it into the plate or bowl. You can press down on the fish to make sure it has received a nice coating. Ensure the seeds stick to the skin and also remember to coat the edges.

Place the tuna on the preheated grill and allow it to sear for two minutes on each side. Hold down on it to get the crispy, crunchy texture and use tongs to sear the sides. If you find it sticking to the grates while flipping, take a thin metal spade to lift it tenderly.

Keep a close eye to make sure neither the seeds nor the fish are burnt. Proceed to remove the steaks from the grill and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Slice them as you wish, and if it's cooked right, you'll see the steaks should've got a rare, bright red colored middle portion. Serve with sauce or salad and enjoy your meal.

Things to Consider When Picking the Perfect Piece of Fish

It would also be best if you knew how to pick out the perfect slice of fish. If the fish is already cut into steaks, see if the meat looks moist, translucent, and shiny, meaning it's fresh and has been sliced recently.

On the other hand, if it appears wet, weepy, or dull brown, it means the fish has gone bad. Tuna tends to oxidize quickly with the steaks turning brown in no time. In such a scenario, try not to be convinced of its freshness by the shopkeeper. My son learned this the hard way.

Another tell-tale sign is gapping, which hints at the meat separating from the muscles into little pieces. It means the fish has aged, and you can also know this by the smell. A fresh fish will smell like the sea, whereas those that have gone bad tend to have a nasty odor – a fishy smell if you will!

Final Words

With all that said and done, I’m confident that you have a much better idea about how to grill ahi tuna on a gas grill.

Follow these simple steps and make sure that you don't rush into anything. Take your time and, most importantly, have fun while cooking. Try to be gentle to prevent the fish from sticking and keep a close watch, ensuring that it isn't overcooked. If you're looking to buy a portable gas grill for tailgating, check out our reviews here.

That's all the time I've got for now. My son's coming over to watch rugby.

Stay safe and keep cooking!