Preparation
Before cooking the tuna, you must prepare it correctly. Begin by checking the fish for any bones and removing them using pliers or tweezers. Then, cut the tuna into the desired size for your recipe. You can also marinate the tuna in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for some added flavor.
Grilling
Grilling is a quick and easy way to cook fresh tuna. Begin by preheating the grill to high. Brush the fish with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper. Place the tuna on the grill and cook it for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. The tuna should have a pink interior once cooked. Serve immediately with some additional seasoning.
Frying
Frying is another popular way to cook fresh tuna. Begin by heating some oil in a pan until it’s hot but not smoking. Dredge the tuna in flour, shaking off any excess. Place the tuna in the pan and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the tuna to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Baking
Baking is perhaps the easiest way to cook fresh tuna. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Brush the tuna with olive oil and season it with some salt and pepper. Place the tuna in the dish and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until it’s pink in the middle. Serve the tuna immediately.
Sushi
Sushi is a popular Japanese dish that uses raw tuna. To make sushi, begin by preparing sushi rice according to its packaging instructions. Slice the tuna into small, thin pieces. Place a piece of nori seaweed onto a sushi mat and top it with a thin layer of sushi rice. Add a piece of tuna on top of the rice, roll the nori into a sushi roll, and slice the roll into small pieces. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.
Conclusion
Fresh tuna is a delicious and healthy fish that can be cooked in numerous ways. Whether you grill it, fry it, bake it, or eat it raw in sushi, its rich, meaty flavor and nutritional profile make it an excellent choice for any dish. Next time you purchase fresh tuna, use this guide to help you cook it to perfection.