Blackfin tuna, also known as albacore or yellowtail in other parts of the world, is one of the leanest fish you can eat.
It’s high in protein and low on calories.
However, it’s not just a good source of nutrition – this versatile fish has been used by many cultures around the globe.
What Is Blackfin Tuna?
The tuna that most people think of when they hear “blackfin tuna” are the ones we see on menus and in supermarkets.
These are usually smaller than 20 pounds (9 kg) and have dark flesh and a strong flavor.
You may know them better as albacore or yellowtail.
They’re often sold whole, but can be cut into steaks or fillets.
They’re caught all over the world, mostly off the coast of Japan, Hawaii, and California.
Alaskan blackfin tuna comes from Southeast Alaska where it’s considered to be the best-tasting variety.
It’s larger than Japanese blackfin tuna, sometimes reaching up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
This makes it perfect for sushi bars because it’s easier to handle.
The meat ranges in color from pinkish white through orangey red to deep purple depending on its age.
There are two varieties of Alaskan blackfin tuna: Pacific and Atlantic.
Both are very similar and both offer excellent eating qualities.
The difference between the two is primarily in their size.
Atlantic blackfin tuna are slightly larger, while Pacific blackfin tuna tend to weigh more.
They’re usually eaten raw, grilled, broiled, baked, pan fried, or poached.
Blackfin tuna is particularly well suited for cooking methods like sous vide, which allows food to cook slowly at precise temperatures without any added fat.
If you want to learn how to prepare fresh blackfin tuna, check out our guide here.
Where Does Blackfin Tuna Come From?
The name “albacore” comes from the Latin word “albus,” which means white.
Albacore are usually found around the North Atlantic Ocean, but they migrate to warmer waters during winter months when food sources become scarce.
They are most common off the coast of Japan, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Greenland and New Zealand.
Albacore were once considered trash fish because their meat was tough and dry.
But today, chefs worldwide have learned how to cook them so that they taste better than ever before.
Blackfin tuna is best eaten raw after being lightly cooked over medium heat.
If you want to add some flavor to your meal, try marinating the fish with citrus juice, olive oil, soy sauce and sesame seed oil.
How Is Blackfin Tuna Prepared?
There are several different ways that people prepare blackfin tuna depending on their region.
In Japan, where it originated, the most popular preparation method involves grilling the fish over charcoal briquettes.
Here at EatWild, we recommend using your grill to cook blackfin tuna because they tend to be quite delicate and will break apart if cooked too much.
The following recipes will help guide you through how to make various blackfin tuna dishes.
- Grilled Blackfin Tuna Recipe (Japanese)
- Skewered Blackfin Tuna Recipe (Filipino)
- Steamed Blackfin Tuna Recipe (Chinese)
- Spicy Blackfin Tuna Salad Recipe (Korean)
- Poached Blackfin Tuna Ceviche Recipe (Peruvian)
- Tuna Casserole Recipe (Italian)
- Baked Blackfin Tuna Recipe (Spanish)
- Blackfin Tuna Tacos Recipe (Mexican)
- Salmon Poke Recipe (Hawaiian)
- Blackfin Tuna Sushi Roll Recipe (Japanese)
- Pan-Roasted Blackfin Tuna Recipe (French)
- Crispy Roast Blackfin Tuna Recipe (Indian)
- Blackfin Tuna Fried Rice Recipe (Vietnamese)
- Fish Soup Recipe (Thai)
- Ginger Garlic Blackfin Tuna Soup Recipe (Indonesian)
- Blackfin Tuna Prawn Curry Recipe (Malaysia)
What Are The Benefits Of Blackfin Tuna?
There are several health benefits to eating blackfin tuna.
For starters, this type of fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce blood pressure.
Blackfin tuna is also rich in vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium more efficiently.
Vitamin D aids proper bone mineralization and prevents osteoporosis, among other things.
The most important benefit of consuming blackfin tuna, however, is its ability to boost your immune system.
Tuna is an excellent source of B12, which improves brain function and supports healthy red blood cells.
It doesn’t hurt that this fish is very affordable.
In fact, it’s often found at grocery stores for less than $4 per pound! If you want to learn how to cook blackfin tuna recipes, check out our guide here.
What Are Some Of The Drawbacks Of Blackfin Tuna?
While there are plenty of benefits that come from eating fresh, wild-caught fish like blackfin tuna, there are still some drawbacks.
For example, this fish isn’t exactly cheap.
While it’s possible to find frozen versions at your local grocery store, they aren’t always affordable.
If you want to make sure you don’t overspend, be sure to check out these top 10 foods under $1 per pound.
It can have an off flavor
When buying canned tuna, especially if it hasn’t been sitting on the shelf too long, keep in mind that sometimes it doesn’t taste quite right.
That’s because tuna tends to get spoiled quickly due to its delicate nature.
If you buy canned tuna, try to use it within four days after opening.
It requires refrigeration
Fresh seafood should never go past room temperature.
When cooking, avoid letting raw food sit out longer than two hours before serving.
Also, when storing leftovers, put them into containers designed specifically for keeping cold items cool.
You may want to consider freezing leftover meals so you can enjoy them later without having to thaw anything first.
It takes time to prepare
Tuna takes only minutes to prepare but it does require patience.
To properly cook this fish, you need to allow it to marinate while it cooks.
Depending on how much time you plan to spend preparing dinner, you will either need to start early or stick to a tight schedule.
What Is The Best Way To Cook Blackfin Tuna?
The best way to prepare blackfin tuna depends on your taste preferences.
If you like milder flavors then you may want to try cooking it at lower temperatures, while those who prefer bolder tastes will enjoy dishes that are cooked higher.
Blackfin tuna does well with both heat methods.
Low-heat cooking
- Roast: You can roast whole pieces of blackfin tuna with olive oil, salt, and pepper. To do so, remove any bones from the fillet before placing it in an oven pan (or baking sheet) covered in foil. Bake until the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
- Sauté: Sautéing works great if you have a cast iron skillet. Place the fillets in the skillet over medium heat and let them cook without moving until they get nice and crispy on the outside and rare inside. When done, place the fillets on top of warm pasta noodles or rice.
Medium-to-high-heat cooking
- Pan fry: Pan frying is another option if you don’t mind getting messy. Use a large nonstick skillet and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom. Heat up the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the fillets to the hot oil and sear each side about 2 minutes per side. Once you flip the fillets, set aside to cool slightly. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
- Grill: Grill seasonings such as rosemary, garlic powder, and crushed red peppers give grilled tuna a kick. Make sure to marinate the tuna first. For two servings, cut three 6 ounce fillets into 1/4 inch thick slices. Season them with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Next, rub each slice with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Let sit for 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium heat and brush all sides of the tuna with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Cook on both sides until the desired level of doneness is reached. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with crusty bread.
- Broil: Broiling takes longer than grilling but gives you more control over how long you grill the meat. In order to broil properly, use a rack placed above the heating element. Cut the fillets into four equal portions. Rub each portion with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Then spread 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter onto each piece of tuna. Lay the tuna directly on the rack and close the lid. After 5 minutes, check the internal temperature of the flesh of the center of the fillet. If it reaches 145 degrees F, continue broiling until the desired degree of doneness is achieved.
What Are Some Of The Most Popular Blackfin Tuna Recipes?
Here at My Fish Store we have plenty of great ideas for cooking up your fresh catch!
Here are just a few of our favorites that you might enjoy:
- Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe
- Crispy Blackfin Tuna
- Grilled Blackfin Tuna
- Paleo-friendly Blackfin Tuna Casserole
- Baked Blackfin Tuna Bites
- Blackfin Tuna Tacos
- Oven Fried Blackfin Tuna Fingers
- Blackfin Tuna Poke Bowl
- Blackfin Tuna Nachos
If you want to learn more about how to prepare these tasty treats, check out our guide to preparing the perfect seafood dinner.
What Are Some Of The Healthiest Blackfin Tuna Recipes?
The benefits of eating blackfin tuna go beyond its nutritional value.
Many people use this food to treat various conditions like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and more.
Blackfin tuna contains omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to improve blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and even lower cholesterol levels.
This means that if you want to enjoy the benefits of eating blackfin tuna but don’t want to sacrifice your diet, then there are several healthy ways to prepare this tasty fish.
Here are some of the best blackfin tuna recipes we could find online.
What Are Some Of The Tastiest Blackfin Tuna Recipes?
The Japanese love their sushi, so they have perfected ways to prepare the fish that make it very tasty.
One of these methods involves pan-frying the tuna and then dipping it into an aromatic soy marinade before serving it up.
Another popular method calls for deep frying the fish in a batter made from corn flour and eggs, which gives it a crispy texture.
Finally, there are those who like to cook the fish whole but debone it after cooking.
Some people enjoy eating the meat alone while others prefer to serve it atop rice with vegetables.
In Japan, the fish is often prepared simply grilled over charcoal.
Whatever your preference, be sure to try out one of these recipes below!
Pan-Fried Blackfin Tuna Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) vegetable oil
- 1 pound (454 g) of blackfin tuna fillet
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Soy sauce
- Lemon juice
- Directions:
- Heat the oil in a sauté pan until hot. Season the tuna filet with salt and pepper. Cook the fish over medium heat for 3 minutes per side. Remove the tuna and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic powder and let it sizzle for 30 seconds. Add lemon juice and stir well to combine. Let it sit for 2 minutes and pour over the tuna. Serve immediately.
Deep Fried Blackfin Tuna Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 mL) all purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup (60 mL) water
- 2 large egg whites
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper
- Tuna
- Directions:
- Mix together dry ingredients. Combine water and egg whites and whisk them together to form a thick paste. Mix together the wet ingredients and add to dry mixture. Continue mixing until dough forms.
- Add enough oil to coat bottom of wok. Heat over medium-high heat. Form patties using ¼ cup (60 mL) each of the tuna and the dough mixture. Fry the burgers for 5 minutes on each side.
- Remove and drain excess oil. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Place back into the hot wok and fry for another 1 minute.
- Place the cooked burger onto paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Top with desired condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, etc.
Grilled Blackfin Tuna Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (908 g) of fresh tuna, cut into 4 pieces
- Coarse sea salt
- Olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Basil leaves
- Thyme sprigs
- Mixed herbs
- Directions:
- Season the tuna with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Rub olive oil over the flesh of the tuna.
- Chop basil, thyme, mixed herbs and scatter them evenly over the surface of the tuna.
- Preheat grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 Celsius). Grill the tuna for about 10-15 minutes, basting frequently with olive oil.
- Take off the grill and place the tuna on a platter and garnish with more basil, thyme, mixed herbs and chopped parsley if desired.
What Are Some Of The Easiest Blackfin Tuna Recipes?
If you want to make use of your fresh catch but don’t know where to start, these easy recipes will get you started right away!
- Simple Blackfin Tuna Salad Recipe: This quick salad features fresh tuna that is quickly sauteed until perfectly cooked. You can serve this simple tuna salad over pasta, rice, or even crackers.
- Tuna Ceviche Recipe: If you prefer something more complex, try this ceviche recipe featuring fresh tuna fillets marinated overnight.
- Easy Blackfin Tuna Pasta with Lemon Aioli Sauce: This pasta dish includes fresh tuna steaks topped off with a tangy lemon aioli dressing.
- Fresh Blackfin Tuna Sushi Rolls: These sushi rolls feature thinly sliced white meat tuna mixed with wasabi mayonnaise.
- Sweet and Spicy Blackfin Tuna Hot Dog Roll: This fun hot dog roll is made using sweet chili ketchup and spicy sriracha sauce.
How to cook blackfin tuna
The best way to prepare this tasty fish is to sear it first before cooking.
Here are two methods you can follow if you choose to do so:
Method 1: Dry-Seared Blackfin Tuna
First, remove any bones from the raw tuna steak.
Then season both sides of the tuna with salt and pepper.
Next, add oil to a pan and heat up while turning the temperature down to medium-low.
Once the pan is heated, lay the tuna into the pan and leave undisturbed for about 2 minutes.
Flip the tuna and cook another 2 minutes, then flip again and continue to cook for an additional minute.
Remove the tuna from the pan and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Method 2: Pan Fried Blackfin Tuna
To cook this method, place all ingredients except the tuna inside a food processor.
Add oil to the pan and set the temperature to medium-high.
When the pan starts to smoke, pour the tuna mixture in and spread it out evenly across the surface.
Cook for 3 minutes without stirring.
Turn the temperature down to medium-low once you see the edges begin to brown slightly.
Let the tuna sit for 10 seconds and carefully lift the tuna out onto a plate.
Serve immediately.
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 Yellowtail Tuna Filets
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Instructions
- Cajun seasoning should be liberally applied to both sides of the tuna steaks.
- In a big skillet, heat the butter and oil over high heat until almost smoking.
- Place the tuna steaks in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until one side is browned. Cook for 3–4 additional minutes after flipping, or until desired doneness is reached. For medium-rare, a quick-read thermometer inserted in the center should register 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
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My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.