Perfect Grilled Tuna Steaks on a Kamado: Seared BBQ Mastery

Perfect Grilled Tuna Steaks on a Kamado: Seared BBQ Mastery

Grilled Tuna Steaks on Kamado Grill: How to Master Seared Tuna BBQ Perfection with Vessils

If you’ve never tried grilled tuna steaks kamado-style, you’re in for a culinary awakening. There's something special about how a kamado grill locks in flavour and moisture—especially when grilling high-quality tuna. Vessils' kamado grills, like the 22-Inch Kamado Charcoal Grill, are designed for precision, giving you unmatched control over airflow and temperature. Whether you're an outdoor cooking enthusiast or just exploring how to grill tuna steaks at home, this guide offers the perfect tuna steak recipe for backyard seafood bliss.

Why Kamado Grills Work Wonders for Tuna Steaks

Unlike standard grills, the ceramic shell of a kamado provides even, high heat retention. This is ideal when searing tuna—you want a charred exterior and a rare, buttery centre. Vessils' kamado design lets you hit the right temp and maintain it, crucial for nailing the short tuna grill time needed for restaurant-quality results. Learn more about kamado searing in our Perfect Steak on a Kamado Grill post.

Ingredients and Tools for Perfect Tuna

Ingredients:

  • Sushi-grade yellowfin (ahi) or bluefin tuna steaks, at least 1" thick

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

  • 1 minced garlic clove

  • A few dashes of chili flakes

Let the tuna marinate for 30 minutes. Avoid over-marinating—tuna is delicate.

Tools & Gear:

Preparing the Tuna for the Grill

Choose thick, sushi-grade tuna steaks. Pat them dry and marinate them using the ingredients listed above. Let them rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.

Grilling the Tuna Steaks

Grill Setup:

Use direct heat. Fire up your kamado grill to 600–700°F using lump charcoal. Make sure the cooking grid is clean and oiled to prevent sticking. Need help mastering this step? Check out our Beginner's Guide to Char Grilling.

How to Cook Tuna Steak on Grill:

Place tuna steaks directly over the heat. Sear for 60–90 seconds per side for rare, or 2 minutes for medium-rare. Don’t press them down. Use a thermometer to check doneness (internal temp of ~115°F for rare). Let rest 2 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

  • Drizzle with wasabi mayo or sesame glaze

  • Serve over sesame soba noodles or citrus-dressed greens

  • Top with pickled onions, microgreens, or sesame seeds

  • For more ideas, visit our Recipe Blog

Tips for Grilled Tuna Perfection

  • Use thick, sushi-grade tuna

  • Always bring tuna to room temperature before grilling

  • Don’t overcook: timing is everything

  • Experiment with rubs or glazes

  • Protect your investment with a Vessils Grill Cover

  • Keep your grill clean using our Ash Tool and plan regular maintenance. Future blog: Deep Cleaning Your Kamado Grill: Step-by-Step

A Taste of Summer

Grilled tuna steaks on a kamado are fast, flavourful, and foolproof when done right. Try this grilled tuna steak recipe and turn your backyard into a 5-star seafood kitchen.

Want more? Explore our full Recipes Blog Hub, check out All Grills, and upgrade your toolkit with our Grill Parts & Accessories.