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    Home » Fish and Seafood Recipes

    Published: May 3, 2019 · Modified: Feb 5, 2024 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 30 Comments

    Pan-Seared Coconut Crusted Tuna Steaks

    Jump to Recipe
    A vertical closeup image of a coconut crusted tuna steak on a bed of broccoli with a title text overlay graphic in orange and black

    This recipe for Pan-Seared Seared Coconut Crusted Tuna Steaks was inspired by coconut shrimp dish I'd had recently while out to dinner.

    A vertical closeup image of a coconut crusted tuna steak on a bed of broccoli with a title text overlay graphic

    I've paired this coconut crusted tuna with a dipping sauce of orange juice and hoisin, which is the perfect complement to the mild sweetness of the crunchy toasted coconut crust.

    It's quite delicious, and I hope you love it as much as I think you will!

    Table of Contents Found Here
    • How this recipe came to be:
    • The ingredient list:
    • Why this recipe works:
    • The flavorful marinade and sauce:
    • What to serve with coconut tuna steaks:
    • Is tuna steak healthy?
    • What is the proper doneness for tuna steak?
    • How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?
    • The step by step instructions:
    • Printable Recipe Card
    • Please comment if you've made this recipe.

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    How this recipe came to be:

    I thought about making coconut shrimp, but after taking inventory of what seafood I already hand in the freezer, I decided that Coconut Crusted Tuna Steak had a nice ring to it.

    Title text image of coconut tuna steak with a sweet potato in the background and broccoli underneath,.

    The ingredient list:

    • Tuna Steaks (I used fresh, wild Ahi tuna)
    • Prepared Ponzu Sauce
    • Fresh Orange Juice
    • Fresh Orange Zest
    • Unsweetened Flaked Coconut
    • Whole Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs
    • Ground Ginger
    • Salt and Pepper
    • Hoisin Sauce
    • Coconut Oil (or other light colored oil, not olive oil)

    Why this recipe works:

    I'm not really a tuna fish in-the-can girl, but I do enjoy a big fat tuna steak from time to time.

    What I like about tuna steaks is how meaty they are, and that a little bit goes a long way.

    And, just like the name implies, they have a steak-like texture. They hold up very well to pan sauteing, and also to bold flavors.

    Closeup picture of a coconut crusted tuna steak with dipping sauce on a white plate

    The flavorful marinade and sauce:

    I've used some Asian flavors in the marinade for the tuna steaks, along with the dipping sauce.

    For the dipping sauce, I've combined fresh orange juice and orange zest along with ponzu sauce (an Asian citrus-based sauce) and ginger.

    The flavors of the tuna, coconut, and citrus complement each other very nicely.

    Vertical photo of browned coconut crusted tuna steak with an orange slice, dipping sauce, and broccoli on a white plate.

     

    What to serve with coconut tuna steaks:

    • Braised Crispy New Potatoes with Lemon and Dill (pictured below)

    This easy braising technique of cooking red potatoes will ensure their crisp and flavorful outside and their wonderfully soft and creamy inside. Braised Crispy Red Potatoes with Lemon Dill Sauce.

    Crispy Red Potatoes with Lemon and Dill in a large cast iron skillet

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    • Oven Roasted Carrots, Broccoli, Shallots, and Cashews (pictured below)

    It’s easy to turn vegetable haters into vegetable lovers with this dish of Oven Roasted Carrots, Broccoli, Shallots, and Cashews.

    Oven Roasted Carrots, Broccoli, Shallots and Cashews in a white oval bowl with a white oval platter underneath

    Is tuna steak healthy?

    • Tuna steak is a very high-quality protein with almost no fat.
    • Tuna contains amino-acids which helps the body grow and maintain healthy, lean muscle tissue.
    • Tuna also has omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and aid and increase the body's natural immune system.
    • For additional information on why tuna is a healthy eating option for you, please visit Natural Food Series and also The Spruce Eats.

    What is the proper doneness for tuna steak?

    For me, the doneness of a tuna steak tends to be a personal matter.

    From my own point of view, I like mine cooked through the center, but some people enjoy tuna steak seared on the outside and nice and pink in the middle.

    I guess you could call my tuna steak preference well done, as opposed to medium, or medium rare. But however you like yours, is the way you should prepare it.

    Since cooking a tuna steak is such a personal matter, you'll notice that the cooking time that I've written for this recipe is wide-ranged. Please feel free to adjust the cooking time to fit your personal preference for doneness.

    How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?

    Approximately 60 minutes, but this includes marination and refrigeration time.

    You'll also notice that the preparation time for these Coconut Crusted Tuna Steaks may seem a bit on the long side due to the marinating of the tuna steaks. The actual hands-on time is not very long at all.

    I recommend marinating the tuna steaks for approximately 20 minutes before coating with the coconut breading.

    After the steaks have been coated, I then recommend that they chill for at least 30 minutes which will keep the coconut breading from falling off the steaks during cooking.

    The step by step instructions:

    • In a shallow dish or pan, pour 3 tablespoons ponzu and 2 tablespoons orange juice over the tuna steaks.
    • Season the steaks to taste with salt and pepper.
    • Flip to coat both sides of the fish with the sauce.
    • Set aside and allow the steaks to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
    Photo tutorial for how to make Coconut Crusted Tuna Steaks.
    • In another shallow dish or bowl, combine the coconut flakes, panko, orange zest, ginger, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
    • Mix well to combine.
    • Press the marinated tuna steaks firmly into the coconut coating to coat all sides.
    • Place the coated steaks on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate the coated steaks for 30 minutes.
    Photo tutorial for how to make Coconut Crusted Tuna Steaks.
    • Meanwhile, mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and chill.
    • In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
    • Add the coated tuna steaks and cook on both sides until your preferred doneness (approximately 5 minutes per side, for medium doneness).
    • Serve hot along with the sauce for dipping.
    Photo tutorial for how to make Coconut Crusted Tuna Steaks.

    When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.

    Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!

    Printable Recipe Card

    A Coconut Crusted Tuna Steak on a plate with broccoli.

    Coconut Crusted Tuna Steak

    Renee Goerger
    Full of citrus and toasted coconut flavor, this coconut crusted tuna steak is as easy to make as it is delicious!
    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    chilling time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
    Course Fish and Seafood, main course seafood
    Cuisine Asian Inspired
    Servings 3 servings
    Calories 480 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the tuna steaks:

    • 3 4-5 ounce tuna steaks
    • 2 tablespoons prepared ponzu sauce
    • 2 tablespoons orange juice
    • 1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
    • 1 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 4 tablespoons coconut oil or other light colored oil. Not olive oil.

    For the Dipping sauce:

    • 3 tablespoons prepared hoisin sauce
    • 1 tablespoon prepared ponzu sauce
    • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • In a shallow dish or pan, pour 3 tablespoons ponzu and 2 tablespoons orange juice over the tuna steaks. 
    • Season the steaks to taste with salt and pepper. 
    • Flip to coat both sides of the fish with the sauce.
    • Set aside and allow the steaks to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
    • In another shallow dish or bowl, combine the coconut flakes, panko, orange zest, ginger, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Mix well to combine.
    • Press the marinated tuna steaks firmly into the coconut coating to coat all sides. 
    • Place the coated steaks on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate the coated steaks for 30 minutes.
    • Meanwhile, mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and chill.
    • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. 
    • Add the coated tuna steaks and cook on both sides until your preferred doneness (approximately 5 minutes per side, for medium doneness).
    • Serve hot along with the chilled sauce for dipping.

    Notes

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 32gSodium: 1531mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8g

    I hope you've enjoyed today's recipe for Pan-Seared Coconut Crusted Tuna Steak as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Colorful vertical image of a tuna steak crusted with coconut, a dipping sauce, sweet potato and broccoli.

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.64 from 11 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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    1. Amy Gambling says

      June 19, 2019 at 7:10 pm

      Awesome .....

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 20, 2019 at 7:11 am

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    2. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

      April 11, 2019 at 8:18 pm

      5 stars
      I really love the flavor combination!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        April 13, 2019 at 11:58 am

        Thanks, Toni!

        Reply
    3. Hadia says

      April 08, 2019 at 7:04 pm

      This is such a great idea! Definitely on my to do list!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        April 08, 2019 at 8:32 pm

        I know you’re going to love it, Hadia! Enjoy!,

        Reply
    4. Jennifer Banz says

      April 07, 2019 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      This looks delicious! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        April 08, 2019 at 9:36 am

        My pleasure. Thank YOU!

        Reply
    5. Carrie says

      April 07, 2019 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      How can you go wrong with Coconut and Tuna....you can't. Love love love.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        April 07, 2019 at 5:17 pm

        Glad you agree!!! Thanks, Carrie!

        Reply
    6. Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says

      December 07, 2015 at 4:22 am

      What an amazing idea -- I love coconut shrimp but have never thought to give the same treatment to other seafood. Looks so good!

      Reply
    7. Cathy Trochelman says

      December 03, 2015 at 4:12 am

      Making more fish recipes is one of my New Years resolutions! Saving this recipe to try - it looks awesome!!

      Reply
    8. Dani Meyer says

      December 02, 2015 at 2:37 pm

      Ahh! What a great idea! I hated coconut until I tried it toasted and this...well it's on my menu for next week. Thanks girl!

      Reply
    9. Souffle Bombay says

      December 02, 2015 at 2:53 pm

      I dig using coconut as a crust on a number of foods...my brain never went to tuna. Smart thinking, they flavors sound delicious!

      Reply
    10. Kim Bee says

      December 02, 2015 at 4:16 am

      Oh my goodness, I love coconut on fish SO much. I've never thought to try it on tuna. Totally trying this. It looks amazing.

      Reply
    11. Aly ~ Cooking in Stilettos says

      December 01, 2015 at 11:44 pm

      Now this is a dish that says "ALOHA" - I am LOVING this recipe Renee - so inspired!

      Reply
    12. Nutmeg Nanny says

      December 01, 2015 at 11:26 pm

      I have never thought to bread tuna in coconut! I know I would love it since I love all things coconut 🙂

      Reply
    13. Ginny McMeans says

      December 01, 2015 at 7:34 pm

      That was very inventive! I think the sauce sounds wonderful too!

      Reply
    14. Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says

      December 01, 2015 at 7:33 pm

      I'm a huge fan of coconut shrimp and coconut chicken, so I think I need to try this - it looks so good! Great flavors in the marinade, as well.

      Reply
    15. Jenny Bullistron says

      December 01, 2015 at 2:13 pm

      Tuna and coconut sounds like a fantastic combination! Kind of makes me think of those coconut crusted shrimp. Mmm..

      Reply
    16. Kimberly Killebrew says

      December 01, 2015 at 1:26 am

      I love all the flavors in this! My husband adore tuna and would absolutely love this!

      Reply
    17. Lora says

      December 01, 2015 at 3:24 am

      I'm a huge fan of coconut so I am totally intrigued with this coconut crusted idea. And my kids are huge coconut shrimp fans. I'm thinking I need to try this out and get a new coconut recipe going for dinner. Great idea, Renee!

      Reply
    18. bgall says

      December 01, 2015 at 2:56 am

      MM! I've never made Tuna Steak. This sounds amazing!

      Reply
    19. Patricia Conte says

      December 01, 2015 at 2:55 am

      What a great recipe! I've never thought to prepare tuna like this -- what a fab idea! Love the crunchiness, flavors, and and how pretty it looks!

      Reply
    20. The Food Hunter says

      November 30, 2015 at 8:40 pm

      I love tuna and coconut so I am positive I would love this.

      Reply
    21. Kirsten from http://ComfortablyDomestic.com says

      November 30, 2015 at 11:40 pm

      That coconut crust looks mouthwateringly delicious!

      Reply
    22. lauren kelly says

      November 30, 2015 at 11:17 pm

      Ok, this looks fabulous and my husband would go crazy for this! Pinned for later 🙂

      Reply
    23. Amy Stafford says

      November 30, 2015 at 10:32 pm

      Never thought to crusted tuna with coconut, I always crust up shrimp. Great idea can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    24. Back for Seconds says

      November 30, 2015 at 9:10 pm

      My hubby loves tuna steaks and I love coconut, and we would both love this sauce. I think we need to try this recipe, thanks!

      Reply
    25. Beth Baumgartner says

      November 30, 2015 at 2:27 pm

      Oh how wonderful! I've never had coconut crusted anything before, but it looks amazing!

      Reply

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