Name: Lemon Dijon Cream Sauce for Tuna Steaks Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds tuna steaks (6 servings); 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 cup broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable); 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 1/2 lemon juiced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice); Zest of 1/2 lemon

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 41 reviews

There is something truly spectacular about a rich yet tangy sauce draped over perfectly seared tuna steaks, and that is exactly what you get with this Lemon Dijon Cream Sauce for Tuna Steaks Recipe. This dish balances the bold savoriness of fresh tuna with a luscious cream sauce infused with zesty lemon and sharp Dijon mustard, creating layers of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. Quick to prepare and elegantly simple, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A triangular piece of raw tuna with a deep red color, smooth texture, and visible muscle lines is placed in the middle of a white plate with a subtle ridged rim design. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with faint grey veins and a slightly glossy finish. The tuna's thick sides show a wider variety of red shades, moving from darker to lighter toward the edges, giving it a fresh and dense look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for achieving that perfect harmony of creaminess, acidity, and seared seafood goodness. Each component plays a vital role, whether bringing richness, brightness, texture, or aroma, to make your Lemon Dijon Cream Sauce for Tuna Steaks Recipe truly shine.

2 pounds tuna steaks: Fresh tuna of good quality ensures a firm texture and meaty flavor that stands up beautifully to the sauce.
2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper: Adds a robust spice that forms a flavorful crust when searing the tuna.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the natural taste of the fish.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for a high-heat sear that locks in moisture without overpowering the tuna’s flavor.
1 tablespoon butter: Brings a silky richness to the cream sauce and helps meld all the flavors together.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Provides the luscious, velvety body that makes this sauce irresistible.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Imparts a gentle tang and slight heat that elevates the sauce’s complexity.
1/2 cup broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable): Adds savory depth and thins the cream sauce to the perfect consistency.
2 cloves garlic, crushed: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and a hint of pungency.
Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 1/2 tablespoons): Brings essential brightness and citrus zing to balance the creaminess.
Zest of 1/2 lemon: Offers concentrated lemon oils that subtly enhance the flavor and aroma.

How to Make Lemon Dijon Cream Sauce for Tuna Steaks Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Tuna

Start by rubbing the crushed black pepper all over both sides of the tuna steaks. This coarse pepper crust is key for building flavor and texture on the fish. Then sprinkle salt evenly on both sides. Let the tuna rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes; this not only takes the chill off but also helps the seasoning penetrate better for a perfectly balanced taste when cooked.

Step 2: Sear the Tuna Steaks

Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. Place the tuna steaks carefully in the pan and sear for 3 to 5 minutes on each side undisturbed. It’s important to watch the color change along the sides of the steaks as the heat cooks upward; once it reaches about a quarter of the way up on one side, flip the steaks. The goal is a rare center with a flavorful crust to preserve the tuna’s natural texture and moisture.

Step 3: Remove Tuna and Prepare Sauce Base

Once searing is completed, transfer the tuna steaks to a plate and set aside. The residual heat will gently carry the cooking further. Now, in a medium saucepan, add butter, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and your choice of broth. This combination is the essence of your luscious cream sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish the Sauce

Whisk everything together over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld. Be careful not to boil vigorously – you want a smooth, silky sauce with bright notes from the lemon and the mustard’s delicate tang. Remove from heat once ready.

Step 5: Serve the Sauce with Tuna Steaks

Serve this vibrant cream sauce as a luxurious blanket draped over your seared tuna, or for a more elegant presentation, have it on the side as a dipping sauce. Either way, the bold yet balanced flavors perfectly complement the meaty tuna steaks, creating a dish everyone will rave about.

How to Serve Lemon Dijon Cream Sauce for Tuna Steaks Recipe

A thick piece of cooked fish with brown, crispy skin sits in the center of a white plate with an intricate raised pattern. The fish is topped with a creamy white sauce that softly covers part of the crispy skin and pools slightly around the base. Nearby on a white marbled surface, there are three bright yellow lemons next to a metal grater with a black handle. To the right, a white dish holds extra creamy sauce with a spoon resting inside. The scene is clear and bright with textures of wood and stone visible in the background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of green color and a fresh, herbal note. Thin lemon slices or a light dusting of lemon zest can enhance the citrus aroma, making each bite delightful and bright.

Side Dishes

This sauce and tuna combination pairs wonderfully with simple yet flavorful sides like garlic roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a light arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. A creamy risotto or buttery mashed potatoes can also absorb the sauce, adding to the meal’s comforting indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider plating the tuna steaks on a bed of sautéed spinach with a drizzle of your lemon Dijon cream sauce artistically spread around the plate. For entertaining, serve the sauce in a small gravy boat allowing guests to add as much or as little as they like, making the meal interactive and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, place the cooked tuna steaks and sauce separately in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for seared tuna steaks as the texture changes upon thawing, becoming less firm and more crumbly. However, the Lemon Dijon Cream Sauce freezes well on its own—store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally to keep it smooth. Warm the tuna briefly in a skillet or microwave, but avoid overcooking to keep the fish tender and juicy. Combining leftovers carefully maintains the charm of your original dish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish with this sauce?

Absolutely! While this sauce perfectly complements tuna steaks, it also pairs beautifully with other firm fish like swordfish, salmon, or halibut. Adjust cooking times accordingly since each fish has its own ideal doneness.

Is it possible to make this sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream and use olive oil instead of butter. The sauce will have a slightly different flavor profile but remains rich and delicious.

What wine pairs well with this Lemon Dijon Cream Sauce for Tuna Steaks Recipe?

A crisp, citrusy white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the tangy lemon and creamy Dijon sauce while balancing the savory tuna.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove while whisking before serving to maintain its smooth texture and vibrant flavors.

How do I know when my tuna steaks are perfectly cooked?

Look for a seared crust on the outside while the center remains rare to medium-rare. The edges will start cooking first, so flipping once the color has moved up about a quarter of the way ensures a beautifully tender steak without overcooking.

Final Thoughts

There is something irresistibly satisfying about enjoying tender tuna steaks with a silky, zesty sauce that takes only minutes to prepare. I encourage you to dive into this Lemon Dijon Cream Sauce for Tuna Steaks Recipe and experience its marriage of boldness and elegance firsthand. It’s a simple way to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests with minimal fuss. Happy cooking!