How to Grill Tuna in Big Green Egg

Are you ready to take your grilling skills to the next level? In this article, we’ll show you how to grill tuna in a Big Green Egg.

With its unique flavor and tender texture, grilled tuna is a delicious and healthy option for any meal.

We’ll guide you through choosing the right tuna, preparing and seasoning the steaks, setting up your Big Green Egg, grilling the tuna to perfection, and finally, serving and enjoying your mouthwatering creation.

Let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Tuna for Grilling

When grilling tuna, it’s important to choose the right type of fish for optimal flavor. Selecting fresh tuna is key to achieving delicious results on the grill. Look for tuna that is firm, with a shiny and moist appearance. Fresh tuna should have a mild, oceanic smell, without any strong or fishy odors. Avoid any tuna that looks dull or has brown spots, as this indicates it is not fresh.

Once you have selected the perfect tuna, it’s time to consider the marinade options. There are many different marinades that work well with grilled tuna. A simple and classic marinade can be made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey for sweetness. This combination adds depth of flavor to the tuna without overpowering its natural taste.

Another option is a citrus-based marinade, using ingredients like lemon or lime juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil. This marinade adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the grilled tuna.

Preparing and Seasoning the Tuna Steaks

First, you’ll want to make sure you’ve properly seasoned your steaks before placing them on the grill. The right seasoning can elevate the flavor of your tuna and make it truly delicious. Here are some marinating techniques and different seasoning options to consider:

• Marinating Techniques:

• Soy Sauce Marinade: Mix soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey for a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.

• Citrus Marinade: Combine lemon or lime juice with olive oil, garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary for a refreshing and zesty taste.

• Teriyaki Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and minced garlic for a sweet and savory Japanese-inspired marinade.

• Different Seasoning Options:

• Cajun Seasoning: Sprinkle a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper for a spicy kick.

• Mediterranean Seasoning: Use a mix of dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and lemon zest for a herbaceous and tangy flavor.

• Sesame Ginger Seasoning: Combine toasted sesame seeds, ground ginger, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an Asian-inspired twist.

Remember to let the tuna steaks marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish. Once marinated, you’re ready to grill your tuna to perfection!

Setting up the Big Green Egg for Grilling Tuna

To get started, you’ll want to ensure that your grilling surface is preheated to the desired temperature. Preheating the Big Green Egg is essential for achieving that perfect sear on your tuna steaks. Follow these steps to properly preheat your Big Green Egg:

1. Open the draft door at the bottom of the Big Green Egg to allow air to flow in and fuel the fire.
2. Remove the cooking grid and place a plate setter or a convEGGtor in the firebox to create an indirect cooking setup.
3. Place charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal in the firebox, filling it up to the desired level. Use a charcoal chimney starter to light the charcoal.
4. Once the charcoal is lit and covered with a thin layer of ash, carefully pour it into the firebox, on top of the plate setter or convEGGtor.
5. Close the lid of the Big Green Egg and adjust the top and bottom vents to control the airflow and temperature. Open the vents wider to increase the temperature and close them slightly to lower the temperature.
6. Allow the Big Green Egg to preheat for about 15-20 minutes, until it reaches the desired temperature.

Once your Big Green Egg is preheated and at the right temperature, you can start grilling your tuna steaks. The Big Green Egg is not only perfect for grilling tuna but also for other seafood like shrimp, salmon, and scallops. Here are some grilling techniques for other seafood:

Remember to keep a close eye on your seafood while grilling to prevent overcooking. Enjoy your grilled tuna and other delicious seafood dishes cooked on the Big Green Egg!

Grilling the Tuna to Perfection

Once your Big Green Egg reaches the desired temperature, you can start grilling your tuna steaks to perfection. Here are some tips to help you achieve that mouthwatering sear and delicious flavor:

• Searing techniques: Searing is essential to create a crispy crust while keeping the inside of the tuna moist and tender. To achieve this, follow these steps:

• Preheat your Big Green Egg to high heat, around 500°F.

• Brush the tuna steaks with a high smoke-point oil, like grapeseed or avocado oil.

• Place the steaks directly on the grill grates and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steaks.

• Avoid overcooking the tuna as it can quickly become dry and tough.

• Marinating options: Marinating the tuna steaks can add depth of flavor and help tenderize the meat. Consider these marinating options:

• Soy-ginger marinade: Mix soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of honey or brown sugar for a tangy and savory marinade.

• Citrus marinade: Combine orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro for a refreshing and zesty flavor profile.

• Teriyaki marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for a sweet and savory Japanese-inspired marinade.

Serving and Enjoying Grilled Tuna

When it comes to serving and enjoying your grilled tuna, don’t forget to pair it with a fresh salad or a side of steamed vegetables. These serving suggestions will complement the delicious flavors of the grilled tuna and provide a well-rounded meal.

To enhance the taste of your grilled tuna, consider using marinades and sauces. Marinating the tuna before grilling can add an extra layer of flavor and help tenderize the fish. Some popular marinade options for tuna include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and lemon juice. Let the tuna marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.

Once the tuna is grilled to perfection, you can serve it as a main dish or as part of a salad. For a refreshing salad, combine the grilled tuna with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The combination of the smoky grilled tuna and the fresh, crisp vegetables will create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

If you prefer a heartier meal, serve the grilled tuna alongside steamed vegetables. This simple side dish will provide a healthy and nutritious accompaniment to the tuna. You can steam vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus until they are tender yet still retain their vibrant colors.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to grill tuna on your Big Green Egg, you’re ready to impress your friends and family with delicious and perfectly cooked tuna steaks.

Remember to choose fresh and high-quality tuna, season it with your favorite flavors, and properly set up your grill for optimum cooking.

With these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a mouthwatering grilled tuna meal in no time.

So, fire up your Big Green Egg and get ready for a culinary delight!