Tuna steak is a tasty and healthy main dish. It’s full of protein and good fats. But what should you serve with it?

That’s where side dishes come in. The right sides can make your tuna steak meal even better.

Many options go well with tuna, from veggies to grains to salads. This article will show you some great choices to try. You’ll find ideas for any taste or diet.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes make a great side dish for tuna steaks. They add a creamy texture that goes well with the firm fish.

To make them, boil peeled potatoes until soft. Mash them with butter, milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

The garlic gives the potatoes a tasty flavor that matches the tuna. You can adjust how much garlic you use based on your taste.

This side dish is easy to make and can be ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a comforting food that many people enjoy with their tuna.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for tuna steak. They bring a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the fish.

To make them, heat your oven to 400°F. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet.

Roast for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The crispy outer layer and tender inside complement the tuna’s rich flavor.

This side dish is also packed with vitamins C and K, adding nutritional value to your meal.

3. Lemon Herb Quinoa

Lemon herb quinoa makes a tasty and nutritious side dish for tuna steaks. Cook quinoa until it’s light and fluffy, then let it cool slightly.

Mix in fresh herbs like parsley and thyme to add flavor. Squeeze in lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest to give it a bright, zesty taste.

This protein-packed side balances the richness of tuna. The lemon and herbs complement the fish well. It’s easy to make and adds color to your plate.

4. Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Balsamic glazed carrots make a tasty side dish for tuna steak. To make them, peel and slice carrots into sticks or rounds.

Cook the carrots in a pan with butter until they start to soften. Add balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey or brown sugar.

Let the carrots simmer until the liquid turns into a sticky glaze. The glaze will enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots.

This colorful side dish adds a pop of flavor to your meal. It creates a nice balance with the tuna steak.

5. Couscous with Apricots

Couscous with apricots makes a tasty side dish for tuna steaks. This light and fluffy grain soaks up flavors well.

Dried apricots add a sweet and tangy taste. They also give the dish a nice pop of color. You can chop them up and mix them in with the couscous.

To make it, cook the couscous according to the package directions. Then stir in some olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped apricots. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

This side dish brings a touch of sweetness that goes well with savory tuna. It’s quick to make and pairs nicely with the fish.

6. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach makes a tasty side dish for tuna steak. This classic German recipe combines cooked spinach with a creamy sauce.

To make it, boil fresh spinach briefly in salted water. Drain and chop the spinach. Then mix it with a sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cream.

The rich, velvety texture of creamed spinach pairs well with the meaty tuna. Its mild flavor won’t overpower the fish. Serve it warm alongside your tuna steak for a delicious combo.

You can add extra flavor with garlic, nutmeg, or Parmesan cheese if you like. Creamed spinach is easy to make and brings color to your plate.

7. Green Bean Almondine

Green bean almondine is a tasty side dish that goes well with tuna steak. It’s easy to make and adds nice texture to your meal.

To prepare it, cook fresh green beans until they’re crisp-tender. Then sauté sliced almonds in butter until golden brown.

Toss the cooked green beans with the toasted almonds. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and some salt and pepper to taste.

This side dish brings a nutty crunch that complements the tuna’s flavor. The bright green beans also look nice on the plate next to the tuna.

8. Mango Avocado Salad

Mango avocado salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with tuna steak. The sweet mango and creamy avocado create a tasty contrast to the savory fish.

To make this salad, dice ripe mangoes and avocados. Mix them in a bowl with some red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

This colorful salad adds a tropical touch to your meal. The bright flavors complement the tuna without overpowering it. It’s light, healthy, and easy to prepare.

You can adjust the ingredients to your taste. Add some diced jalapeño for heat or tomatoes for extra freshness. Serve it chilled for the best flavor.

9. Herbed Risotto

Herbed risotto makes a tasty side dish for tuna steaks. This creamy rice dish soaks up flavors well. You can add herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme to complement the tuna.

To make herbed risotto, cook Arborio rice slowly with broth. Stir often as it cooks. Add butter and cheese at the end for extra richness. Mix in your chosen fresh herbs just before serving.

The creamy texture of risotto pairs nicely with the firm tuna. Its mild flavor won’t overpower the fish. You can also add lemon zest for a bright touch that goes well with seafood.

10. Asparagus with Hollandaise

Asparagus with hollandaise sauce makes a great side for tuna steak. The crisp-tender spears pair nicely with the rich fish.

To make it, roast asparagus in the oven at 450°F for about 10 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt first.

For the hollandaise, whisk egg yolks with lemon juice over low heat. Slowly add melted butter while whisking. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.

Pour the hollandaise over your roasted asparagus just before serving. The lemony sauce complements both the vegetable and the tuna perfectly.

11. Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild rice pilaf is a tasty side dish that goes great with tuna steak. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture create a nice contrast to the fish.

You can make wild rice pilaf by cooking the rice in vegetable broth for extra flavor. Add some diced onions and carrots to the mix for more depth.

The earthy taste of wild rice complements the rich flavor of tuna well. This hearty side dish is also nutritious and filling.

Try sprinkling some toasted almonds or pecans on top of your wild rice pilaf for added crunch. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors too.

12. Parmesan Polenta

Parmesan polenta makes a tasty side dish for tuna steak. This creamy, cheesy corn-based dish complements the fish nicely.

To make it, cook cornmeal with water or broth until thick. Stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese.

The polenta’s smooth texture contrasts well with a seared tuna steak. Its rich flavor also balances the lean fish.

You can serve the polenta soft and creamy, or let it cool and slice it. Either way, it’s a filling and delicious pairing for your tuna.

13. Grilled Vegetable Medley

A grilled vegetable medley pairs perfectly with tuna steaks. You can use a variety of colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes.

Slice the vegetables and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them until they’re tender and have nice char marks.

The smoky flavor from the grill complements the tuna nicely. Plus, the veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.

You can customize the mix based on what’s in season or your preferences. Try adding some red onion or mushrooms for extra flavor.

14. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice adds a zesty kick to your tuna steak meal. This bright side dish combines fluffy rice with fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice.

To make it, cook white rice as usual. Then mix in chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Add a pinch of salt to taste.

The citrusy flavors complement the rich tuna perfectly. The light, refreshing rice balances out the meaty fish.

This side is quick and easy to prepare. It takes about 20 minutes total. You can make it while your tuna steaks are cooking.

15. Peach Arugula Salad

A peach arugula salad is a bright and refreshing side dish for tuna steak. The sweet juicy peaches balance the peppery arugula perfectly.

To make it, slice ripe peaches and toss them with arugula, red onion, and a light vinaigrette. Add some crumbled goat cheese or feta for extra flavor and creaminess.

This salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of tuna steak. The fruity and peppery notes complement the fish well. It’s an easy, no-cook option that’s ideal for summer meals.

16. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries make a tasty and colorful side dish for tuna steak. Their natural sweetness complements the savory fish perfectly.

Cut sweet potatoes into thin strips and toss with olive oil and salt. Bake until crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Try serving them with a creamy avocado dip for extra flavor. The rich dip pairs well with both the fries and tuna.

For added interest, sprinkle the fries with spices like paprika or cumin before baking. This gives them a flavor boost that works nicely with tuna’s mild taste.

Nutritional Benefits of Tuna Steak

Tuna steaks pack a powerful nutritional punch. They offer several key health benefits that make them a great choice for your meals.

High Protein Content

Tuna steaks are rich in protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 22 grams of protein. This is almost half of what most adults need each day.

Protein helps build and fix your muscles. It also keeps you full for longer. This can help if you’re trying to manage your weight.

Tuna protein has all the amino acids your body needs. These are the building blocks for many parts of your body.

Essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Tuna steaks are full of omega-3 fatty acids. These are good fats that your body can’t make on its own.

Omega-3s help keep your heart healthy. They can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

These fats also help your brain work well. They may boost your mood and memory.

Eating tuna can help you get enough omega-3s. Two servings of fatty fish like tuna each week is a good goal.

Best Cooking Methods for Tuna Steak

Tuna steak can be cooked quickly with high heat to keep the inside tender and juicy. Two popular methods are grilling and pan-searing. Both techniques create a nice crust while keeping the center rare or medium-rare.

Grilling Techniques

To grill tuna steak, start with a very hot grill. Brush the tuna with oil and season it with salt and pepper.

Place the steak on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side for rare, or 3-4 minutes for medium. Don’t overcook it or the fish will dry out.

Use tongs to flip the tuna once. Look for grill marks and a slightly charred exterior. The center should still be pink. Let the tuna rest for a few minutes before serving.

For extra flavor, try a quick marinade or rub before grilling. Lemon, garlic, and herbs work well. You can also add wood chips to your grill for a smoky taste.

Pan-Seared Perfection

Pan-searing gives tuna steak a crispy crust.

Heat a heavy skillet over high heat. Add a bit of oil with a high smoke point, like avocado or grapeseed oil.

Season the tuna and place it in the hot pan.

Sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side for rare. Press down gently with a spatula for even browning.

For a sesame crust, coat the tuna in sesame seeds before searing. This adds crunch and flavor.

After searing, you can finish the tuna in a 400°F oven for a minute or two if you prefer it more well-done.

Let the tuna rest briefly, then slice against the grain to serve. Pair it with a soy dipping sauce or wasabi mayo for added kick.