Yellowfin Tuna Recipe
Yellowfin tuna is a delicious and versatile fish perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe is simple to follow and yields perfectly cooked tuna that is moist and flavorful. It takes only 5 minutes in a skillet. In addition, the simple marinade adds so much depth and flavor. This yellowfin tuna recipe is easy, healthy, and so delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This yellowfin tuna recipe is quick and easy.
- After marinating, this recipe takes only 5 minutes.
- Yellowfin tuna is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- It tastes like restaurant quality at home! So does this easy Halibut recipe!
- This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- The tuna is cooked to perfection. It is moist and flaky on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside.
- The simple seasonings of coconut aminos, honey, ginger, and garlic bring out the natural flavor of the tuna.
- This recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, noodles, salad, or vegetables.
- This recipe is Paleo, gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and naturally sweetened.
- Check out this Sockeye Salmon or this Cast Iron Salmon for another delicious fish recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this yellowfin tuna recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.
Choose 6 to 8 ounce yellowfin tuna steaks. Ahi tuna is very similar.
Coconut aminos is the gluten free and soy free version of soy sauce. Feel free to substitute with gluten free soy sauce if needed.
Honey adds a subtle sweetness. Feel free to substitute with maple syrup if needed. For a completely sugar free option, omit the honey.
Grated fresh ginger adds freshness and flavor.
Minced garlic pairs so well with seafood. If needed, use garlic powder.
Olive oil helps sear the tuna steaks. Use avocado oil if needed.
Garnish this yellowfin tuna recipe with sesame seeds and sliced green onions after searing.
What is Yellowfin Tuna?
Yellowfin tuna is a large, predatory fish that is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
It is known for its bright yellow fins, hence the name.
Yellowfin tuna are highly migratory and are found throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. They form schools with other tunas like skipjack and bigeye, and are also known to associate with dolphins. Yellowfin are able to breed year-round.
Yellowfin tuna are an important commercial tuna species, particularly the raw sashimi market. They are also canned, smoked, and grilled. Yellowfin tuna is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12. It is low in mercury and other contaminants.
Here are some interesting facts about yellowfin tuna:
- They can swim up to 60 miles per hour.
- They can dive to depths of over 3,000 feet.
- They can live for up to 10 years.
- They are one of the most popular types of tuna in the world.
- They are a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12.
If you are looking for a delicious and nutritious fish, this yellowfin tuna recipe is a great option. Yellowfin tuna is a popular choice for seafood lovers because it is both delicious and healthy.
Taste & Texture
This yellowfin tuna recipe has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
The flesh is firm and flaky. Overall, this tuna is juicy, flavorful, and savory.
Yellowfin tuna is a versatile fish. It can be cooked a variety of ways, including searing, grilling, and baking.
How to Make
Step 1
First, in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, mix together the coconut aminos, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
Step 2
Place the yellowfin tuna steaks in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Marinate for 20 to 30 minutes. For a quicker option, even a 5 minute marinade adds flavor.
Step 3
While the tuna is marinating, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
Step 4
Once the skillet is hot, remove the tuna steaks from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
Step 5
Next, place the yellowfin tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice crust. The center should be pink and slightly rare for the best taste and texture.
Step 6
While the tuna is searing, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil for 1 to 2 minutes to create a glaze.
Step 7
Once the tuna is seared, remove it from the skillet. Let it rest for 1 minute. Finally, pour over the glaze and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top! Serve this yellowfin tuna recipe.
Expert Tips & Tricks
To ensure that your yellowfin tuna recipe is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do not overcook the tuna. It should be juicy and moist.
If you are grilling your yellowfin tuna, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the tuna with a little olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Then, grill the tuna for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Yellowfin tuna is also delicious baked. To bake your yellowfin tuna, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the tuna in a baking dish and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cooked through.
How to Serve & Store
This yellowfin tuna recipe is delicious hot or cold. Serve with a variety of sides, such as rice, gluten free noodles, or roasted vegetables. Yellowfin tuna is great in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
I love it served with creamy mashed potatoes or crispy French fries.
To store yellowfin tuna, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze this yellowfin tuna recipe for up to 3 months.
Difference Between Yellowfin Tuna and Ahi Tuna
Yellowfin tuna and ahi tuna are two types of tuna that are similar.
They are both large, predatory fish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. However, there are some key differences between the two types of tuna.
Yellowfin tuna is larger than ahi tuna. It has a bright yellow color, while ahi tuna has a darker red color. Yellowfin tuna is also higher in omega-3 fatty acids than ahi tuna.
Yellowfin tuna is typically more expensive than ahi tuna.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between yellowfin tuna and ahi tuna:
| Characteristic | Yellowfin Tuna | Ahi Tuna |
| Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Color | Bright Yellow | Dark Red |
| Omega-3 Content | Higher | Lower |
| Price | More Expensive | Less Expensive |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, yellowfin tuna is good to eat. It is a high-quality fish that is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also low in mercury, making it a safe choice for pregnant women and children.
Yellowfin tuna has a mild flavor and firm texture. It is often used in sushi and sashimi. It can also be grilled, baked, or seared.
Yes, yellowfin tuna and ahi tuna are the same fish. The name “ahi” is the Hawaiian word for yellowfin tuna. It is often used in Hawaii and other parts of the Pacific to refer to yellowfin tuna, but it can also be used to refer to bigeye tuna. Yellowfin tuna is a large, predatory fish that is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It is a popular fish for sport fishing and commercial fishing. Yellowfin tuna is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also low in mercury, making it a safe choice for pregnant women and children.
It is generally safe to cook yellowfin tuna rare, but it is important to make sure that the fish is sushi grade. Sushi grade fish is flash frozen at a very low temperature to kill any parasites that may be present. If you are not sure if the yellowfin tuna you are buying is sushi grade, it is best to cook it to medium-rare or medium.
No, it is safe to eat rare yellowfin tuna.
Equipment Needed
Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large, easy to use, and great for pan searing.
Meat Thermometer: This meat thermometer is great for measuring meats and fish.
Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
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Get the Recipe: Yellowfin Tuna Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 yellowfin tuna steaks, about 6 to 8 ounces each
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- sesame seeds, optional garnish
- sliced green onions, optional garnish
Instructions
- First, in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, mix together the coconut aminos, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
- Place the yellowfin tuna steaks in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Marinate for 20 to 30 minutes. For a quicker option, even a 5 minute marinade adds flavor.
- While the tuna is marinating, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, remove the tuna steaks from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Place the yellowfin tuna steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice crust. The center should be pink and slightly rare for the best taste and texture.
- While the tuna is searing, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil for 1 to 2 minutes to create a glaze.
- Once the tuna is seared, remove it from the skillet. Let it rest for 1 minute. Then, pour over the glaze and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top!
Notes
- Coconut aminos is the gluten free and soy free version of soy sauce. Feel free to use gluten free soy sauce if desired.
- If you are in a time crunch, quickly marinate the tuna steaks. Even a quick 5 minute marinade is better than nothing!
- Avoid overcooking. The tune should be very juicy.
- Keep a close eye on the tuna as it cooks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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