Five Ways to Cook Fresh Albacore

It’s almost that time of year again, when fresh albacore is plentifully available at your local seafood market and you can enjoy the succulent, juicy flavor that you’ll never get from frozen albacore tuna from your grocer’s freezer. Albacore tuna is generally regarded as the steak of tuna – the highest quality and most flavorful of all varieties. While yellowfin tuna is more available, many people prefer the milder tuna flavor and firm, meaty texture of albacore above all others.

Buying Fresh Albacore

There are a few signs to look for when buying fresh albacore on the dock or in a seafood market. If you’re looking at whole tuna, the eyes should be clear and the skin should not be slimy. The color should be silvery. Reject fish with a dull gray color. If the fish has already been cut into steaks or fillets, look for clean, white meat without bruises, discolorations or dents. Expect a mild fishy odor that is not so strong as to be unpleasant.

If you buy albacore tuna online, you’ll have to trust the seafood market from which you are buying. Look for a market that offers a variety of fresh seafood, including fresh swordfish, live Dungeness crab and fresh king salmon, as well as other Pacific fish and seafood. Always check the site’s shipping policies and research its reputation online before placing your order.

Five Ways to Enjoy Fresh Albacore

Albacore tuna is a versatile fish that can be prepared in many different ways. Try these five to get you started.

Sauté: Seared Tuna with Salsa

Rinse tuna steaks with clear water. Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper, then rub with minced garlic. Lightly baste both sides with olive oil. Sear on both sides in a sauté pan, cooking for about one minute on each side. Mix 1/4 cup of sake with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Add to the pan and remove it from the heat. Turn fish frequently as it cools. Top with salsa made with tomatoes, green onion, cilantro, lemon juice and soy sauce.

Grill: Charbroiled Albacore Tuna with Red Pepper Sauce

Combine roasted red bell pepper, garlic, chipotle pepper, cumin seed, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar in a food processor and process till smooth. Add a cup of extra virgin olive oil slowly to emulsify. Mix in rosemary and parsley. Coat fresh albacore steaks with half the mixture and marinate for 30 minutes. Grill the marinated tuna steaks over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, basting with reserved sauce, and serve with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Poach: Citrus Basted Albacore Tuna Fillets

Heat 1 cup of olive oil over low heat. Add the rind of one grapefruit and continue heating for about 3 minutes to allow the grapefruit essence to infuse the oil. Immerse the tuna fillets in the oil, cooking them to the desired doneness.

Bake: Lemon-Dill Tuna Steaks

Pat albacore tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place steaks in a baking dish. Place a sprig of dill and several lemon slices on top of each steak. Cover and bake at 400 F. for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Ceviche: Fresh Albacore Apple Ceviche

Cut sashimi grade fresh albacore tuna into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss with the juice of three limes and a tablespoon of chopped, seeded jalapeno pepper (you can substitute habanero or another hot pepper variety if you like). Add 1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Peel an apple and shave the flesh into the ceviche immediately before serving. Serve with cilantro, tortilla and cold beer.