Main Course · Mediterranean · Dinner ·

Sicilian Pistachio-Encrusted Tuna with Herb Salsa

Name: Sicilian Pistachio-Encrusted Tuna with Herb Salsa
Prep time: 23 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 93 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted pistachios, finely chopped; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 tuna steaks, approximately 6 ounces each; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped; ½ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Experience the vibrant flavors of Sicily with this delectable tuna dish, where a nutty pistachio crust meets fresh herb salsa.

5(107 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·February 7, 2026

Sicilian Pistachio-Encrusted Tuna with Herb Salsa — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

23 min

Cook

1 h 10 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Pistachio Crust

For the Tuna

For the Herb Salsa

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 571 kcal
Protein: 49.25 g
Carbs: 18.75 g
Fat: 34 g
Fiber: 3.75 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2285 kcal
Protein: 197 g
Carbs: 75 g
Fat: 136 g
Fiber: 15 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 cup unsalted pistachios finely chopped	702	26	28	57	11
½ cup breadcrumbs	200	7	40	1	2
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese	42	4	1	3	0
1 tablespoon lemon zest	6	0	2	0	1
½ teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
¼ teaspoon black pepper	2	0	1	0	0
4 tuna steaks approximately 6 ounces each	720	160	0	8	0
2 tablespoons olive oil	238	0	0	27	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
½ cup fresh basil leaves finely chopped	4	0	1	0	0
½ cup fresh parsley leaves finely chopped	2	0	0	0	1
1 tablespoon capers rinsed and chopped	3	0	1	0	0
1 clove garlic minced	5	0	1	0	0
3 tablespoons olive oil	357	0	0	40	0
1 tablespoon lemon juice	4	0	1	0	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Tuna

1
Season the tuna
Season the tuna steaks with salt and pepper.
2
Drizzle with olive oil
Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated.
3
Marinate
Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Preparing the Pistachio Crust

1
Combine ingredients
Combine chopped pistachios, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Tip: Ensure the pistachio pieces are finely chopped to adhere well to the tuna.
2
Mix well
Mix until evenly combined.
Tip: Slightly toasting the pistachios enhances their flavor.

How to Make Sicilian Pistachio-Encrusted Tuna with Herb Salsa

Total time: 1 h 33 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Crusting
Press the marinated tuna steaks into the pistachio mixture, coating both sides evenly.
2
Searing
In a hot skillet, sear the tuna for 2–3 minutes on each side until the crust is golden.
3
Resting
Let the seared tuna rest for 5 minutes before slicing.