Tuna Poached in Marinara
How to prepare tuna poached in marinara sauce so it doesn't taste fishy.
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 small tuna pieces
- 1½ cups marinara sauce store bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove sliced
- pinch red pepper flakes
- fresh basil or parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
- Kalamata olives optional
Instructions
Prepare the Tuna
- Make sure the tuna is completely thawed.
- Trim off the dark red bloodline if your pieces have one.
- Pat both pieces dry with paper towels, pressing until the towel comes away nearly dry.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Sear Briefly
- Heat a thin film of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Sear the tuna for 30–45 seconds per side, just long enough for the outside to turn opaque.
You're not cooking it through. Move it to a plate and pour off or wipe out any liquid left in the pan.
Warm the Marinara
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, until the garlic smells fragrant but hasn't browned.
- Pour in the marinara, plus the capers or olives if you're using them. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes. You want a few lazy bubbles, not a rolling boil.
Add the Tuna
- Nestle both pieces into the sauce and spoon a little over the tops. The sauce should come about halfway up the sides of the fish.
Cover and Finish Gently
- Turn the heat to low and cover the pan. Since the tuna is already seared, it needs less time than a raw poach.
- Tuna thickness Original poach time After searing (approx.)½ inch 3–5 minutes 1–2 minutes¾ inch 5–7 minutes 2–4 minutes1 inch 7–10 minutes 4–6 minutes
Check for Doneness
- For fully cooked tuna, the FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F. The tuna should be opaque and separate easily with a fork.
Check at the low end of the time range, because small pieces cook quickly.
Finish
- Take the pan off the heat, add fresh parsley or basil, and drizzle with a little good olive oil.