Description
This Lemon Dijon Cream Sauce pairs perfectly with seared tuna steaks, offering a tangy and creamy complement to the rich, flavorful fish. The sauce features a blend of lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and cream, simmered with broth and butter to create a luscious topping that elevates a simple pan-seared tuna steak into a sophisticated dish ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Tuna Steaks
- 2 pounds tuna steaks (6 servings)
- 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Season the tuna: Rub the crushed black pepper evenly on both sides of the tuna steaks, then sprinkle salt over both sides. Let the steaks sit out at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to take the chill off from the refrigerator.
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sear the tuna steaks: Place the tuna steaks in the hot skillet and sear undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes on the first side. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the steaks. Watch for the cooked portion to move about one-quarter up from the bottom before flipping.
- Flip and finish searing: Turn the steaks over to the other side and cook until that side is also cooked about one-quarter of the way up. For example, 1½-inch thick steaks usually take about 3 minutes per side. The tuna should remain very rare in the center. Remove the steaks from the pan and set aside, allowing carryover cooking.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and broth. Whisk the mixture together over medium heat.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes until well combined and slightly thickened. Remove from heat once ready.
- Serve: Spoon the lemon Dijon cream sauce over the tuna steaks or serve it alongside. Enjoy immediately while hot.
Notes
- For perfect tuna steaks, do not overcook; rare center retains flavor and moisture.
- You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth depending on dietary preferences.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer to reduce it to your desired consistency.
- Letting tuna rest before cooking helps achieve more even cooking.
- The crushed garlic adds a subtle aroma; adjust to taste for more pungency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
