Tonno alla Genovese with Lemon and Capers

Recipe

Tonno alla Genovese with Lemon and Capers

Mediterranean Delight: Lemon-Caper Tuna Genovese

Tonno alla Genovese is a classic Italian dish hailing from the coastal region of Genoa. This recipe combines fresh tuna with the vibrant flavors of lemon and capers, creating a harmonious blend of Mediterranean ingredients.

Jan Dec

15 minutes

6-8 minutes

21-23 minutes

4 servings

Easy

Mediterranean diet, Pescatarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low-carb

Fish (tuna)

Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, Nut-free

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 1g, 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. 2.
    Season the tuna steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. 3.
    In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, capers, and olive oil.
  4. 4.
    Brush the tuna steaks with the lemon-caper sauce on both sides.
  5. 5.
    Place the tuna steaks on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to desired doneness.
  6. 6.
    Remove the tuna steaks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
  7. 7.
    Drizzle the remaining lemon-caper sauce over the tuna steaks and garnish with fresh parsley.
  8. 8.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Tuna steaks — Make sure to choose fresh, high-quality tuna steaks for the best flavor and texture. Avoid overcooking the tuna to maintain its tenderness.
  • Lemon juice — Squeeze fresh lemons for the most vibrant and tangy flavor. Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference.
  • Capers — Rinse the capers before using to remove excess saltiness. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak them in water for a few minutes.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoky flavor, you can grill the tuna steaks over charcoal instead of using a grill pan.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon-caper sauce.
  • Serve the Tonno alla Genovese with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • If you can't find fresh tuna, you can use frozen tuna steaks, just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
  • Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to add additional layers of flavor to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Tonno alla Genovese hot, accompanied by a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Pair it with a side of roasted potatoes or a light pasta salad to create a well-rounded meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled tuna steaks on a platter, drizzle the lemon-caper sauce over them, and garnish with fresh parsley. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing. Consider serving it on a bed of arugula or alongside a colorful medley of roasted vegetables for an elegant presentation.