A Sicilian-Inspired Tuna Steak Recipe Full of Flavor and Flair

In this Italian seared tuna recipe, you’ll taste the sun-drenched flavors of Sicily—where citrus groves meet the Mediterranean sea.
Fresh tuna steak is marinated in freshly squeezed orange juice, mint, and capers, then seared to perfection with a crunchy sesame crust. It’s a light, elegant dish that speaks to the heart of Italian coastal cuisine.

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Italian seared tuna steak in a bowl with orange marinade

Why You’ll Love This Italian Tuna Steak Recipe

  • Quick & healthy: Ready in under 20 minutes

  • Authentic Sicilian flavor: A unique blend of citrus, herbs, and sea-salty capers

  • Elegant yet easy: Perfect for dinner parties or a simple Mediterranean lunch

This is not just any seared tuna—it’s a bite of the Sicilian coast, plated.

Italian seared tuna ingredients: tuna steak, orange, mint, and capers

sesame seared tuna steak

Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian cuisine recipes
Servings 2
Author Claudia Rinaldi | Gourmet Project

Ingredients

  • 2 filets of fresh tuna
  • 1 bunch of basil
  • 1 sprig of fresh mint
  • 3-4 capers
  • 1 orange
  • 1 handful of sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade: Juice the orange and blend it with basil, mint, and capers.

  2. Marinate the tuna: Soak the tuna filets in the sauce for 15 minutes.

  3. Crust the filets: Remove the tuna and press sesame seeds onto both sides.

  4. Sear quickly: Heat the olive oil in a pan. Sear the tuna for about 45 seconds per side, spooning over any remaining marinade.

  5. Serve hot: Plate immediately and enjoy with a crisp glass of white wine.

Sicilian cuisine is bold, fresh, and colorful—just like this dish.

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Enjoy your tuna steak!

Claudia