Outback Ahi Tuna Recipe

As an aficionado of seafood, you probably acknowledge that nothing can match the taste of a freshly caught ahi tuna, expertly marinated and perfectly seared.

If you think it’s an irresistible dish that only restaurant chefs can prepare, you are wrong.

You’re about to discover how simple it is to whip it up in no time from your kitchen using a simple recipe.

This mouthwatering meal is one of the most effortless and satisfying meals you can use to make any day special.

It is easy to prepare, involves easy-to-find ingredients, and has rich flavors that will awaken your taste buds.

Every bite is so fresh and well-seasoned that it will leave you wanting more.

Below you’ll discover everything you need to know before walking into the store and getting a pack or two of outback ahi tuna.

We look at what ahi tuna is, its history, nutrition information, health benefits, preparation methods, storage tips and conclude with answering most frequently asked questions regarding this inviting meal.

What Is Ahi Tuna?

Ahi tuna is a widespread species of tuna found in tropical and subtropical oceans.

It’s white, and you’ll mostly find it in the frozen foods section at your local grocery store. Its popularity is due to its firm texture and mild to moderate flavors, not found in other kinds of tuna.

Ahi tuna is a combination of two species: bigeye and yellowfin. Bigeye tuna has a smooth texture and buttery taste, while yellowfin tuna has a firm and mild flavor. A combination of these characteristics makes ahi tuna perfect for serving as sushi, sashimi or cooking it to rare or medium-rare.

The History of Ahi Tuna

The popularity of ahi tuna began in Hawaii in the 1800s, where it was a popular dish. Ahi means “tuna” in Hawaiian, so ahi tuna gets its name from being the most commonly eaten kind of tuna in Hawaii. Today, Ahi tuna is a popular sushi dish thanks to its firm texture and delicate flavors.

Ahi Tuna Nutrition Information

Ahi tuna is famous for its macro and microelements, vitamins, and minerals that positively affect health.

With 40 grams of protein per serving, ahi tuna is one of the best sources of this macronutrient.

One serving of this tuna provides your total protein daily requirement.

Ahi tuna is also rich in other critical nutrients such as:

●Selenium

●Iodine

●Phosphorus

●Potassium

●Vitamin B12, B6, and D

●Omega-3 fatty acids.

While ahi tuna serves as a great source of several nutrients you need for good health, it’s also relatively high in mercury content compared to other kinds of tuna.

The Hawaii State Department of Health recommends taking two servings per month.

Health Benefits of Ahi Tuna

Many health benefits come with adding outback ahi tuna into your regular diet, such as:

Promote weight loss: Ahi tuna is lean meat, meaning, it’s high in protein and low in calories.

With this combination, ahi tuna keeps you full longer and prevents you from overeating, with time this leads to fast weight loss.

Boost your vitamin B12: Ahi tuna is a perfect source of vitamin B12, which is essential for DNA and red blood cells formation.

Minimize vision problems: Ahi Tuna’s omega-3 fatty acids help maintain eye health.

Reduced risk of heart disease: Ahi Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and omega-6 fatty acids that can build up inside the heart’s arteries, causing heart diseases.

Ahi Tuna Preparation Tips

●Use a good quality ahi tuna steak, preferably sushi grade.

●Before laying your tuna on cooking oil, ensure it is smoking hot.

The sizzling hot oil will give you a perfect sear.

●To avoid overcooking your ahi tuna, turn to the other side after 11/2 minutes for a 1-2 inch thick piece.

●Once the fish is on the pan, don’t keep moving it around to avoid disintegrating.

Instead, place it on the pan and let it rest until it’s time to turn it.

Outback Ahi Tuna Sample Recipe

There are many ways to prepare outback Ahi Tuna, but none beats this delicious appetizer with raw tuna chunks.

It is quick to sear on the outside, rare in the center, and you can serve it with tasty wasabi cream sauce to give it an extra kick.

Follow this easy-to-make recipe to leave your family and friends asking for more.

Recipe summary

Servings: 4 Servings

Preparation time: 10 Minutes

Cooking time: 10 Minutes

Total time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients

●1tsp. Maple syrup

●2tsp. Lemon juice

●½ cup Sesame seeds

●2 Pieces Ahi Tuna Steaks

●2 tsp. Mustard paste

●3 tsp. Coconut oil

●½ Tamari sauce

●1 tsp. Raw sesame oil

●½ tsp. Grated ginger

●½ tsp. Paprika or chili powder

Directions

Step 1: Apply mustard paste to both sides of a clean steak.

Step 2: On a plate, spread the sesame seeds and place the ahi tuna pieces in them.

Place the mixing bowl aside and allow the spices to penetrate the fish steak.

Step 3: Place a frying pan over medium heat and pour coconut oil.

Step 4: Add the marinated steak pieces to the oil while mixing chili powder to increase the heat level.

Cook each side of the steak for 11/2 before flipping it.

Step 5: To make a cream sauce, place tamari sauce onto a plate, add grated ginger then add sesame oil and mix.

Step 6: Serve your sauce along with the prepared tuna steaks or with a salad made with your preferred type of veggie.

Step 7: Squeeze lemon juice on top for a savory flavor.

How To Store Outback Ahi Tuna

Ahi tuna is a delicate and expensive delicacy; therefore, it is essential to store it properly to keep it fresh for a long time.

For fresh tuna, refrigeration is a must, but before that, rinse it under cold water, remove gills and guts and wipe it dry with paper towels.

This process helps to remove excessive moisture, which could make your outback ahi tuna spoil faster.

Cover it in an airtight plastic container, foil, or plastic wrap, then place it in the coldest part of your fridge (next to a wall on the upper shelf).

You can keep raw tuna in the refrigerator for a maximum of two days at 0 to +5°C.

Don’t eat raw tuna if it has been in the fridge for more than three days.

Frequently Asked Questions on Outback Ahi Tuna

Is it safe to eat seared outback ahi tuna?

Yes.

It’s safe to eat seared Ahi tuna as it preserves its delicious flavors and retains its soft texture.

It’s safest to use high-quality, sushi-grade ahi tuna from a reputable seller.

Ask the dealer any questions you may have regarding the quality of their tuna.

Can you fully cook ahi tuna?

Yes.

You can serve fully cooked ahi tuna, but it will have a different taste from a seared one.

It tastes like canned tuna, flaky and dry.

For how long should I sear my ahi tuna?

How long it takes to sear your ahi tuna depends on how you want it; rare, medium-rare, or fully cooked.

However, it is advisable not to overcook it, as overcooking gives it an unpleasant dry and chewy texture.

For ahi tuna steaks 1-2 inches thick, sear on high heat for 1 1/2 minutes per side.

For thinner tuna steaks, 1 minute per side is perfect.

What is a good side dish for tuna steaks?

Ahi tuna steaks lend themselves beautifully to several delicious sides such as vegetable salad, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, and stir-fried vegetables.

How can I season my ahi tuna dish?

There are many tasty options that you can use to add flavor to your ahi tuna, such as salt, pepper, soy sauce, wasabi paste, tamari, and teriyaki sauce.

Bottom-Line

With the guide above, you are set to prepare a drool-worthy outback ahi tuna meal.

Regardless of the cooking method you choose to use; baking, grilling or searing, be sure of a tasty and healthy meal that will leave your family asking for more.

So get your ingredients and start whipping up an outback ahi tuna masterpiece.

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