Buona Beef Tuna Genovese Copycat Recipe

The Buona Beef Tuna Genovese is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines tender, seared tuna steaks with a savory, rich sauce made from onions, herbs, and a touch of tomato paste. Often served with mashed potatoes or a light salad, the dish is a perfect balance of flavors, making it a comforting yet elegant choice for any occasion.

About the Dish:

Flavor Profile: The tuna steaks are pan-seared to a golden-brown perfection, then simmered in a sauce with a blend of white wine, vegetable broth, garlic, onions, thyme, basil, and tomato paste. This results in a hearty and flavorful dish with the depth of the wine and broth balancing the freshness of the herbs and the sweetness of the onions.
Origin: The Tuna Genovese is a variation of classic Italian Genovese sauce, which is usually made with beef, but here it's adapted with tuna, providing a lighter but equally rich flavor. This dish is an Italian-American favorite, commonly found at places like Buona Beef, where it's known for its comfort-food appeal with a gourmet twist.
Best Paired With:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A simple side salad or steamed vegetables for freshness.

Why It’s So Special:

The tuna remains moist and flavorful, thanks to the searing process, while the sauce enhances the dish with aromatic herbs and a slight tang from the tomato paste.
The recipe is relatively simple but offers a sophisticated and comforting meal for family dinners or special occasions.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Rest Time 5 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Cooking Method: Simmering

Cuisine: American, Italian

Courses: Dinner Recipes

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 175 C

Servings: 4

Estimated Cost: 20

Calories: 350

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb

Description

If you’ve ever been to Buona Beef and tasted their Tuna Genovese, you know the combination of tender tuna in a rich, herb-infused onion sauce is irresistible. This recipe gives you the opportunity to recreate that same mouth-watering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

For the Tuna For the Genovese Sauce

4 Tuna steaks (or tuna fillets)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white wine
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Season the tuna steaks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the tuna steaks and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2
In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they become soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
3
Add the white wine and let it reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the vegetable broth, thyme, basil, and tomato paste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4
Return the tuna steaks to the pan, spooning some sauce over them. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat the tuna through.
5
Serve the tuna steaks with a generous amount of sauce on top. Enjoy with a side of mashed potatoes or a light salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Protein 35g70%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Buona Beef, Tuna Genovese, Italian-American, homemade tuna recipe, hearty dinner, easy tuna dish.