Ahi Tuna Tartare Recipe - A Spicy Perspective | (2024)

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Perfectly chilled rawAhi Tuna Tartareis a delightful appetizer to serve in the summertime. This nearly effortless recipe features sushi-gradeahi tunasteaks plus a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients for an elegant no-cook dish that’s ready in just10 minutes.

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What is Tuna Tartare?

Classictuna tartare is an elegant appetizer thattakes very little effort to make. This traditional tartare recipe is made with high-quality raw tuna and a few other select ingredients that really let theahi shine. There isno cookingrequired, it’s prepared cold in about 10 minutes, and goes wonderfully with any number of tasty dippers.

Not only is this raw ahi tuna steak recipe totally safe to eat and incredibly delicious, but it’s also a rather light andhealthy dishthat’s packed with protein.

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Why This is the Best Tuna Tartare Recipe

We’ve used the least amount of ingredients with the greatest impact to offer abold, mildly spicyflavor. Although the ahi tuna is a specialty item, the other components in our Tuna Tartare are staples you likely already have in your kitchen.

When purchasing the tuna, be sure to shop from a trustworthy source, since you will be eating it raw. Look for good qualitysushi-grade or sashimi-gradeahi or yellowfin tuna.

In case you’re wondering:What’s the difference between ahi and yellowfin tuna?Not a thing! Yellowfin and ahi tuna are the same fish, just with different names.

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Ingredients You Need

Here are the 5wholesome and simpleingredients you need to make the best ahi tuna steak tartare recipe:

  • Sushi-grade Tuna / sashimi-grade tuna steaksahi or yellowfin
  • Scallionschopped (or green onions could work as well)
  • Soy saucebe sure to choose a GF version to make this a gluten-free recipe
  • Spicy whole grain mustardagain, be sure to check the ingredients list if making a gluten-free Tuna Tartare
  • Sesame oiloptional, but terrific for an extra luscious consistency and flavor

You can also add Frenchfried onionsorsesame seedsto garnish. Either will add a nice bit of texture!

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How to Make Ahi Tuna Tartare

This refreshing raw yellowfin tuna recipe is ready inonly 10 minutes. It’s best when enjoyed shortly after being prepared, or chilled for just a bit, so we recommend that you make it right before you plan to serve.

To make the best, most delicious tuna tartare, first cut the fresh and cold tuna steaks into¼ – ½ inchcubes. Small, evenly-sized pieces will give you the best texture.

Place the cubes in a small mixing bowl.

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Add the chopped scallions, soy sauce, mustard, and sesame oil if using.

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Gently mix, taking care to not mush the tuna. Serve right away or chill in the refrigerator (for up to one day) until ready to enjoy.

Get the Complete (Printable) Ahi Tuna Tartare Recipe + VIDEO Below. Enjoy!

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To plate the Ahi Tuna Tartare, scoop a roughly 1/2 cup portion of this raw meat tuna mixture onto small appetizer dishes.

Pro Tip:If you would like to form the tartare intopretty diskslike in the photos shown here, press the tuna into ramekins and then flip it over onto plates.

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Sprinkle the tops with crushed French fried onions or other garnishes.

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What to Serve with Homemade Tuna Tartare

Serve fresh ahi tuna steak tartare with shrimp chips,bananaor plantain chips, or crostini/crackers.

It makes a wonderful summer appetizer to enjoy with otherluxuriousmain dishes. Try it as a starter before enjoying refreshing aGarlic Lime Roasted Shrimp Salad,Seared Scallops with Wilted Greens, or pair with a light green salad withJapanese Ginger Salad Dressing.

You could also make this more of a main dish recipe with a side of rice, drizzled with some sriracha.

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Tartare Storage Tips

This Ahi Tuna Tartare recipe can be madea bitahead of time,up to one daybefore serving. Keep in an airtight container before refrigerating.

However, do note that the taste and texture of the tuna isabsolutely bestwhen enjoyed shortly after preparation.

When the dish is made you are working with recently refrigerated and therefore cold tuna. I recommend that youenjoy it right awaywhile the tartare is still cold, or cover it tightly and place in the fridge for20-30 minutesto chill before serving.

You just want to be sure that the tunadoes notsit out and become room temperature. This won’t taste very good and the raw fish will no longer be considered safe to eat.

Look for whole grain mustard with a kick and a slightly creamy consistency, like the one shown in the photos. If you can’t find spicy creamy whole grain mustard, use whatever whole grain mustard you can find and mix in a little Dijon mustard.

This Ahi Tuna Tartare recipe can be made a bit ahead of time, up to one day before serving. Keep in an airtight container before refrigerating.

Looking for More Nearly Effortless No-Cook/Seafood Recipes?

  • Kitfo (Ethiopian Steak Tartare Recipe)
  • Salmon Tartare (Salmon Poke)
  • Raw Beet and Sweet Potato Salad
  • Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles) with Tomatoes and Capers
  • Hawaiian Ahi Poke Recipe
  • Watermelon Gazpacho
  • Grilled Salmon Marinade

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Print Recipe

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Best Tuna Tartare (Ahi Tuna Recipe) + VIDEO

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

This nearly effortless recipe features sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks plus a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients for an elegant raw appetizer that's ready in just 10 minutes.

Servings: 6 small portions

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

  • 1 pound sushi-grade tuna steaks ahi or yellowfin
  • 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon spicy whole grain mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Optional Garnish: 2 tablespoons crushed French fried onions

Instructions

  • Cut the tuna steaks into ¼ – ½ inch cubes. Place in a small mixing bowl.

  • Add the chopped scallions, soy sauce, mustard, and sesame oil if using. Gentle mix.

  • To serve: Place small portions on appetizer plates and sprinkle the tops with crushed French fried onions. If you would like to form the tartare into disks, press the tuna into ramekins, then flip over onto plates.

  • Serve with shrimp chips, plantain chips, or crostini.

Video

Notes

Look for a whole grain mustard with a kick and a slightly creamy consistency, like the one shown in the photos. If you can’t find spicy creamy whole grain mustard, use whatever whole grain mustard you can find and mix in a little Dijon mustard.

This Ahi Tuna Tartare recipe can be made a bit ahead of time, up to one day before serving. Keep in an airtight container before refrigerating.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.33cup, Calories: 121kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 393mg, Potassium: 212mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 1672IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 1mg

Course: Appetizer, Dip, Main, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American, Japanese

Author: Sommer Collier

Making this recipe?Follow us on Instagram and tag @ASpicyPerspective so we can share what you’re cooking!

This site contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission.

Ahi Tuna Tartare Recipe - A Spicy Perspective | (2024)

FAQs

Is tuna tartare completely raw? ›

Tartare can also come in the form of raw or nearly raw tuna. While many are apprehensive about sampling tartare because it comes raw, it is one of those foods that you simply have to try before you “get” why it is so popular.

Is ahi tuna OK raw? ›

Cooking tuna is the best way to get rid of parasites and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. However, it is still safe to eat raw tuna. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends freezing raw tuna in one of the following ways to remove parasites: Freeze at -20 °C or lower for 7 days Frozen at -35°C or below.

What does tuna tartare taste like? ›

Tuna tartare has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, with a kick of spice from the sriracha.

Should I rinse ahi tuna before cooking? ›

You remove them from the packaging and give them a good rinse in cold water before drying them with paper towels and, say, searing your tuna with olives and capers.

Is tuna tartare high in mercury? ›

While tuna meat doesn't contain as much mercury as that of sharks, tuna are large fish and therefore contain the toxin in noticeable proportions.

What's the difference between tuna carpaccio and tuna tartare? ›

Carpaccio vs.

Tartare meat is chopped or diced, while carpaccio meat is thinly sliced. Tartare has much stronger seasonings than carpaccio, such as raw egg yolk and Worcestershire sauce. Other than olive oil, capers and onions, carpaccio doesn't dive deep into the seasonings department.

Is raw Ahi tuna high in mercury? ›

Bigeye and yellowfin, also known as ahi, are common in sushi. Both types, along with bluefin, are high in mercury and should be eaten infrequently, if at all. Most tuna are caught by purse seines or longlines, which have moderate-to-high bycatch of seabirds, sea turtles and marine mammals.

Can I eat Ahi tuna rare? ›

Ahi tuna, also known as yellow-fin, is moist, supple and best served when lightly seared on the outside, leaving the inside tender and downright raw in the middle. Because the fish should be raw, not rare, you must start with the very best, sushi-grade ahi.

Can I eat supermarket tuna raw? ›

You should be okay. Fresh tuna is one of the many types of fish that can be eaten raw.

Is tuna tartare like ceviche? ›

Unlike ceviche, despite being dressed, tartare is still considered a raw preparation—although it is seasoned and dressed in sauce, it doesn't marinate long enough for the meat to cure or cook. Another way to define tartare is the way it is cut; it's generally minced or diced into small pieces.

What's the difference between tartare and poke? ›

Tuna tartar(e) is a generic term for diced, seasoned raw tuna, usually with oil, sesame seeds and something spicy like red pepper or wasabi. 230 Forest Avenue tops their terrific tartare with wasabi-infused caviar. Tuna poke is similar but is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil and green onions.

Can you use frozen tuna for tartare? ›

So yes, you can absolutely use frozen tuna for tuna tartare -- and certain recipes actually call for it to be par-frozen (meaning frozen part of the way) to instill a firmer texture.

Should ahi tuna be pink in the middle? ›

Just like a beef steak, tuna steak can be served from extremely rare to well done. Consider cooking times depending on how you prefer your tuna to be served. The centre of the steak should still be pink – be careful not to overcook it or the fish will be dry.

Can dogs eat ahi tuna? ›

Can Dogs Eat Tuna? Yes. Tuna is rich in lean protein and Omega 3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and improve cardiovascular and skin health. Tuna also contains healthy minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium) and vitamins (B3, B6, and B12).

How is ahi tuna best cooked? ›

The most reliable cooking methods for producing perfectly prepared ahi tuna are baking, grilling or sauteing a filet in a skillet. For the best results, you'll want to season or marinade your ahi tuna before cooking and sear it on the stovetop.

Is tuna in sushi always raw? ›

While traditional sushi features raw seafood, it's not a component necessary to consider a dish sushi. Modern takes can include cooked seafood, veggies, or even other meats. Bottom line: Sushi doesn't need to include raw fish (or fish at all) to be considered such—only vinegar rice.

Is canned tuna supposed to be eaten raw? ›

Canned tuna fish is an effortless meal option that can be especially handy on occasions when you don't feel like cooking, or perhaps are in a situation where you can't cook, like when you are camping. Being that it is already pre-cooked, it is safe to consume straight from the can with no other preparation.

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