Tuna Steak BBQ Cook Time
230°C (450°F) High Heat
2–3 min per side • Internal: 52°C (125°F) for rare centre
Doneness Guide
| Level | Internal Temp | Cook Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare (recommended) | 49°C (120°F) | 1–2 min per side | Cool red centre, warm edges. Best for sashimi-grade tuna. |
| Medium-Rare | 52°C (125°F) | 2–3 min per side | Warm pink centre. Still tender and flavourful. |
| Medium | 60°C (140°F) | 3–4 min per side | Firmer texture, light pink centre. Risk of drying out. |
How to BBQ Tuna Steak
1
Bring tuna steaks to room temperature for 15 minutes. Pat dry with paper towel.
2
Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
3
Preheat your BBQ to high heat — 230°C (450°F). You want it screaming hot.
4
Sear for 2–3 minutes per side for rare, or 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
5
Remove when the centre is still deep pink. Rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips
- Tuna is best served rare to medium-rare — overcooking makes it dry and tough.
- Use sashimi-grade tuna for the best results on the BBQ.
- A sesame seed crust adds fantastic texture — press seeds into both sides before grilling.
- Slice against the grain for serving. A sharp knife makes all the difference.
- Wasabi mayo or a soy-ginger glaze pairs beautifully with grilled tuna.
Resting Time
Rest for 2–3 minutes after removing from the BBQ. This allows juices to redistribute for a juicier result.
External Resources
- Meat & Livestock Australia — Australian meat cooking guides and cut information
- Weber Australia Blog — BBQ tips and techniques from Weber Australia
- AmazingRibs.com — Science-based BBQ and grilling techniques
- Best Recipes Australia — Australian BBQ recipes and meal ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to BBQ tuna steak?
2–3 minutes per side over high heat (230°C/450°F) for a perfect medium-rare. Tuna cooks fast — don’t walk away.
Should tuna steak be pink in the middle?
Yes. Tuna is best served rare to medium-rare with a pink or red centre. Overcooking makes it dry and mealy.
What temperature should tuna steak be cooked to?
49–52°C (120–125°F) for rare to medium-rare. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
Do you flip tuna steak on the BBQ?
Yes, flip once. Sear one side, then flip and sear the other. Avoid moving it around — let the crust form.