Honey Lime-Glazed Grilled Ahi Tuna

Written by
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich is a food writer, recipe video producer, and culinary school instructor with more than 20 years of experience in the food industry.
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John Mitzewich
Updated 01/11/20
Ahi tuna on the grill

James and James / Getty Images 
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
513 Calories
22g Fat
33g Carbs
48g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 513
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 77mg 26%
Sodium 371mg 16%
Total Carbohydrate 33g 12%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Protein 48g
Calcium 96mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This very simple glaze recipe is great paired with meaty ahi tuna fillets for a light summertime meal al fresco. The tangy limes and the sweet honey beautifully complement the subtle smokiness from the grill. This grilled ahi tuna recipe is best if the fish is cooked medium-rare.

Ingredients

  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons​ rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated​ fresh ginger
  • 4 6-ounce Ahi tuna fillets
  • Optional: Salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup honey

Steps to Make It

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.

  2. Lay the tuna fillets on a plate, season with salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste, and spoon over half of the glaze, turning to coat evenly.

  3. Let the tuna fillets marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

  4. Add the honey to the remaining half of the glaze and mix well.

  5. Heat an outdoor grill on high or make a hot fire in a charcoal grill.

  6. When the grates are hot, lightly oil them and place tuna fillets on the grill. Cook for about 2 minutes and turn them over, brushing the glaze over the cooked side. Grill 2 minutes more for medium-rare to medium.

  7. When the fish is cooked, transfer it to a plate and using a clean brush, spread the honey lime glaze over the other side of the fillet.

  8. Serve immediately with any remaining glaze.

About Ahi Tuna

Ahi tuna includes two similar species, yellowfin and bigeye tuna.

A larger yellowfin tuna is better for grilling since it has a higher fat content than a smaller fish. Yellowfins can weigh as much as 200 pounds and are generally found in deep ocean water in the tropics. Hawaii is a major source for Ahi tuna, where it is line-caught, unlike tuna for canneries, which is caught in nets.

The Ahi tuna season runs from May through September, which provides the best chance of top freshness. This firm and mild fish is loaded with lean protein and is low in saturated fat and sodium, making it a dream food for the health-conscious. Ahi tuna is also an excellent source of omega-3s, a bonus for your well-being.

Side Dishes

A green salad is a tasty accompaniment to grilled ahi tuna fillets. Choose a dressing that harmonizes with the glaze, like one that incorporates lime for this glaze recipe. Serve with:

  • Fresh asparagus in season.

  • A cold Asian noodle salad or white basmati rice makes a full-on Asian presentation.

  • Boiled new potatoes seasoned with butter, salt, pepper, and parsley.

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