Tuna Tartare Recipe (Ready In 10 Minutes!) - The Big Man's World ® (2024)

Learn to make the best tuna tartare recipe at home and NEVER buy it at a restaurant again! Deceptively easy to make and with a simple ginger soy dressing, it’s an elegant appetizer that is sure to impress!

Tuna Tartare Recipe (Ready In 10 Minutes!) - The Big Man's World ® (1)

I love some seafood appetizers. I have a few favorites on hand, including a kani salad, seared ahi tuna, and fried octopus, but I love a good tuna tartare when I want to be extra fancy.

Table of Contents
  1. What is tuna tartare?
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make tuna tartare
  4. Recipe tips and variations
  5. How to store leftovers
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. More recipes using tuna to try
  8. Tuna Tartare Recipe (Recipe Card)

What is tuna tartare?

Inspired by beef tartare, the tuna version is made up of raw tuna cubed and seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. It’s an elegant appetizer in restaurants and bars and tastes incredible.

Thanks to the growing popularity of poke bowls (hello tuna poke bowl and salmon poke bowl) and tuna sushi, raw ahi tuna is becoming readily available, meaning you can make tartare at home!

Here is why I LOVE this recipe:

  • No fishy flavor. Like tuna carpaccio, you don’t get the flavor of the raw fish. Light-colored belly albacore color tuna is very mild in flavor, even more so when the sauce and seasonings are added.
  • Ready in 5 minutes. With no marination time required, this is the appetizer you can whip up immediately.
  • Healthy and protein-packed. Tuna is super low in calories and packed with protein.
  • Cheaper than restaurants.Because tuna tartare is super trendy, it typically has quite a hefty price tag attached to it. This homemade version comes at a fraction of the price but with a much more generous serving!
Tuna Tartare Recipe (Ready In 10 Minutes!) - The Big Man's World ® (2)

Ingredients needed

Besides the tuna and some seasonings, there isn’t much else that goes into this recipe. Here is what you’ll need:

  • Sushi grade tuna/Ahi tuna steak- You can ONLY use sushi grade or ahi tuna. While regular raw tuna may look appropriate, it has not been farmed the correct way to enjoy it in an un-cooked state. Most fishmongers sell it and I’ve even had success at local Japanese grocery stores.
  • Sesame seeds and green onions– Add some crunch and color.
  • Fresh ginger- A must when working with any kind of seafood.
  • Soy sauce– Tamari or gluten-free soy sauce also works.
  • Lime juice– Adding citrus reacts with the sesame oil and soy to ‘cook’ the tuna while also balancing out the salty and rich flavors.
  • Sesame oil– Just a drizzle to add a layer of richness and delicious sesame flavor.
  • Salt and pepper– To taste. Only add this AFTER you’ve tasted the dish because remember, we are using salty and flavorful elements already.

How to make tuna tartare

I’ve includedstep-by-step photosbelow to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to therecipe cardat the bottom of this post.

Step 1- cube the tuna. Cut ¼ inch cubes of your tuna and put them in a mixing bowl.I recommend using a very sharp knife and cutting against the grain of the fish, making the slicing so much easier.

Step 2- make the marinade. Add sesame oil, lime juice, ginger, and soy sauce in a small bowl, and mix well.

Tuna Tartare Recipe (Ready In 10 Minutes!) - The Big Man's World ® (3)

Step 3- Combine. Add this prepared sauce to the tuna bowl, and whisk until absorbed.

Tuna Tartare Recipe (Ready In 10 Minutes!) - The Big Man's World ® (4)

Step 4- Serve. Transfer the tuna mixture to the serving bowls and garnish with chopped chives and toasted sesame seeds.

Tuna Tartare Recipe (Ready In 10 Minutes!) - The Big Man's World ® (5)

Serving suggestions

Tuna tartare is best served as an appetizer with freshly sliced avocado, over crackers, or as part of a charcuterie board. Keep the carbs down by scooping them up using keto crackers and keto chips.

If you are craving sushi, replace the crab and shrimp in our Alaska rolls and dragon rolls with some of this tuna.

Alternatively, enjoy it as the main protein in a meal. Pair it with some healthy carbs like an air fryer baked potato or air fryer baked sweet potato. Add some greens in the form of some air fryer broccoli or air fryer asparagus, and you have a well-rounded and healthy meal.

Recipe tips and variations

  • Don’t marinate the fish for too long, or else the fish will absorb too much flavor and detract from the natural flavors.10 minutes is ample time.
  • When serving this recipe, lightly grease a shallow boil so that the marinated tuna doesn’t stick to the sides.
  • I recommend serving this dish cold so you can chill everything for 15-20 minutes beforehand.
  • Feel free to switch up the marinade with a light Asian-style sauce, like potsticker sauce or eel sauce.
  • For a spicy tuna tartare, add some Togarashi, which is a Japanese chili mixture that isn’t super spicy but packs in a pleasant amount of heat.
  • Add leftovers to a homemade sushi bake, and don’t forget a drizzle of spicy mayo.

How to store leftovers

To Store- Keep leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to two days. Do not consume raw fish if kept longer than three days.

To Freeze- If you don’t want to use all the tuna for this recipe, you can wrap the fish up tightly (no air pockets whatsoever) and store it in the freezer for up to two months. You cannot freeze the prepared tuna tartare.

Tuna Tartare Recipe (Ready In 10 Minutes!) - The Big Man's World ® (6)

Frequently asked questions

Is tuna tartare healthy?

Yes, tuna tartare is healthy. Raw fish has many health benefits, including iron, iodine, and omega-3 healthy fats. To make it even healthier, you can add other healthy ingredients to the dish, like avocado and cucumber.

How can you tell if tuna is sushi grade?

If the tuna is sushi-grade, it will be translucent, shiny, and bright red. You should look for this color at the core and tail. The bloodline should also be a darker red than that of other fish. If it is black or brown, it is not suitable for tartare.

What is the difference between tartar and tartare?

Tartar refers to a sauce that is often served with seafood. Tartare is a food term describing raw meat or seafood, most often tuna, salmon, and beef, that is finely minced/chopped, seasoned, and served as an appetizer.

More recipes using tuna to try

  • Tuna casserole– Cheesy, hearty, and low in carbs.
  • Tuna croquettes– My family’s favorite quick and easy dinner.
  • Crispy tuna patties– Flavored with curry spices and perfect for meal prep.
  • Smoked tuna dip– Elegant and super simple to make.

Tuna Tartare Recipe (Ready In 10 Minutes!) - The Big Man's World ® (7)

Tuna Tartare Recipe

Learn how to make tuna tartare at home and NEVER buy it at a restaurant again! Deceptively easy to make and with a simple ginger soy dressing, it's an elegant appetizer that is sure to impress!

Servings: 8 servings

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 1 minute min

Total: 6 minutes mins

Rate This Recipe

Print

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh tuna sushi grade
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds to serve
  • 1 large green onion finely sliced, to serve

Instructions

  • Slice your tuna into ¼-inch cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ginger, soy sauce, lime juice and sesame oil until combined.

  • Pour the sauce over the tuna and gently mix until incorporated.

  • Transfer into serving bowls and sprinkle with the chopped chives and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

TO STORE- Keep leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to two days. Do not consume raw fish if kept longer than three days.

TO FREEZE- If you don’t want to use all the tuna for this recipe, you can wrap the fish up tightly (no air pockets whatsoever) and store it in the freezer for up to two months. You cannot freeze the prepared tuna tartare.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 14gFat: 6gSodium: 211mgPotassium: 169mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 1271IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Author: Arman Liew

Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsem*nt, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

Tuna Tartare Recipe (Ready In 10 Minutes!) - The Big Man's World ® (2024)

FAQs

Can you use frozen tuna for tartare? ›

Quality wise, you're looking for #1 sushi-grade tuna for tuna tartare. “That means it must be super fresh, preferably with a good amount of fat,” says Digregorio. “Fresh is great, but fresh super frozen is actually preferable because the quality is locked in.

Is tuna tartare completely raw? ›

If you're seeking a delicious appetizer featuring the freshest seafood available, tuna tartare is a worthy selection. The foundation of the recipe is raw tuna, which is typically combined with avocado and lemon juice, as well as aromatic ingredients, such as scallions, ginger, or onions.

Is tuna tartare healthy for weight loss? ›

No current research directly links tuna with weight loss, but tuna's nutritional properties make it a great addition to your diet. It offers protein which helps you feel full at meals. It has lower energy density (calories) which can align with weight management goals.

Which country invented tuna tartare? ›

Steak tartare can be traced back at least as far as the early twentieth century, but tuna tartare is very much a child of the eighties – allegedly the invention of Japanese-born, French-trained chef Shigefumi Tachibe, who rustled one up on the spot at his Beverly Hills brasserie when a table of six turned their noses ...

How long should tuna be frozen before eating raw? ›

You may obtain fish which has been frozen or you may freeze fish in the establishment. You may serve fish raw if you or your supplier: Freeze the fish and store it at or below -4°F for at least 168 hours (7 days). Freeze the fish at -31°F or below until solid AND store it at -31°F or below for at least 15 hours.

Is tuna tartare good for you? ›

Is tuna tartare healthy? Yes, tuna tartare is healthy. Raw fish has many health benefits, including iron, iodine, and omega-3 healthy fats. To make it even healthier, you can add other healthy ingredients to the dish, like avocado and cucumber.

Is tuna tartare high in mercury? ›

Some varieties of raw tuna, especially bigeye and bluefin, may be very high in mercury. Consuming too much mercury can damage your brain and heart and lead to serious health issues.

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.

Why is it OK to eat raw tuna? ›

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.

Is tuna good for belly fat loss? ›

In addition to being a good source of protein, tuna is also low in fat. This means that it can be a good choice for people who are looking to lose belly fat. When you consume fewer calories than your body needs, it will start to burn fat for energy, which can lead to a reduction in belly fat.

Can you eat leftover tuna tartare? ›

Fortunately for those who get full easily or plan to make the dish and eat it later, tuna tartare does keep for a short time. According to USDA, raw tuna will last one to two days if properly stored. So you have a day or two to eat any leftovers.

What is the 3 day tuna diet? ›

For 3 days, you eat 1 to 1.5 grams of protein (in the form of tuna) per pound of body weight, and you drink 2 to 4 liters of water. The diet is extremely restrictive and could cause all kinds of short- and long-term side effects as well as nutrient deficiencies.

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 tuna is made in the USA? ›

American Tuna was the first MSC-labeled canned tuna in the U.S. and has been recognized on multiple media platforms as the most trustworthy canned tuna available, anywhere. American Tuna utilizes 100% of the Albacore Tuna we process.

What is the difference between tuna 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 raw? ›

Yes. Generally it's safe to eat frozen tuna without cooking it if it has been properly handled, stored, and labeled for raw consumption, such as "sushi-grade" tuna. This type of tuna is frozen at very low temperatures to kill parasites and is intended for raw consumption in dishes like sushi and sashimi.

Can you use frozen fish for tartare? ›

Note: Often I find sushi-grade fish can only be found frozen, but this recipe works well with frozen salmon. If using frozen, do not thaw the fish completely before cutting it-- it will be easier to slice thinly.

Can I use previously frozen tuna for sushi? ›

The good news is though, providing it's of good quality, fish that's been frozen can still taste great. There's another benefit to using frozen fish when making your own sushi, and that is cost. Frozen fish is far more economical, plus it means you can keep it on hand for whenever you get a sushi or sashimi craving.

Can you use frozen meat for tartare? ›

The reason why this step is a must, is simple. Placing a filet somewhere cold like the freezer helps the meat become firmer, making it significantly easier to work with. Whether the filet is hand-minced or placed through a grinder, a colder and stiffer cut will maintain its shape better.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Trent Wehner

Last Updated:

Views: 5853

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Trent Wehner

Birthday: 1993-03-14

Address: 872 Kevin Squares, New Codyville, AK 01785-0416

Phone: +18698800304764

Job: Senior Farming Developer

Hobby: Paintball, Calligraphy, Hunting, Flying disc, Lapidary, Rafting, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.