What Does Tuna Taste Like? Raw, Cooked, Canned Read On!
For as long as I can remember, tuna has been a hit-or-miss among my friends. But what does tuna taste like, let’s find out. Some people seem to like tuna easily and others have pallets that don’t seem to appreciate it right away.
But, I had heard people saying that the taste depends on the quality of the tuna you buy and also the way you cook it. Tuna is exceptionally healthy, but what does tuna steak taste like? What does canned tuna taste like compared to raw tuna? Is there a better type for certain situations and needs? Are there certain things that can impact the taste of tuna? That is what we are going to find out here, so get those cooking utensils ready!
The unique thing about tuna is that the taste changes with the way you cook it. So, a seared fillet of tuna will taste different from a raw sashimi slice of the same fish. This is very similar to escargot. The taste also varies depending on the fat content of the tuna. Answering the question of what ahi tuna taste like, or any other type of tuna for that matter can be difficult.
People’s tastes and preferences are so varied and unique. It can be a challenge at times to put these subtle flavors into words. But we are going to try and help make this easier and give you an idea of what to expect when you are trying to choose the best tuna for your big meal plans.
If you are going to try it for the first time, I’d suggest you look through this guide and decide for yourself how you want to consume it.
What is Tuna?
Tuna is a popular saltwater fish that is predominantly cooked and eaten across Asian countries. It is also available in several varieties, including the bluefin, albacore, yellowfin, and the skipjack variant.
It is quite a large fish, both by size and mass, as this fish generally grows to around 6.5 feet and weighs around 500 pounds. One interesting fact about tuna is that the female fish lays over 300 million eggs during the spawning period, but only two out of them survive till adulthood. The remaining ones are eaten by the other carnivorous fishes in the sea.
If left in the wild, a tuna can live up to 30 years. Tunas also get their oxygen directly from the water. Hence they are always swimming without stopping.
Nutritional Quotient of Tuna
Ask any nutritional expert, and they will tell you to include tuna in your daily diet.
It contains a host of vitamins and minerals and is a fantastic source of protein and sodium.
It is enriched with a wide range of healthy fatty acids, which are beneficial for improving your heart health and reducing the risks of stroke, atherosclerosis, and cardiac arrest.
Tuna is also a protein-rich fish, wherein one gram of the fish suffices 80% of your daily protein requirement. It is this dense and rich meat that gives tuna the flavor people enjoy. But this can vary from one species to another and makes the question of what does raw tuna taste like compared to cooked and seasoned tuna a challenging one right from the start!
Because the fish has a balanced content of potassium and sodium, it helps regulate the fluid balance of the body, protecting your kidney functions too. These elements also impact the texture and flavor of the fish and add to its unique flavor profile.
Check more about Tuna and its benefit here.
What Does Tuna Taste Like?
The taste of tuna is dependent on the way you cook it. But, the majority of the people who have tried raw tuna suggest that it tastes a lot better than raw salmon.
The texture of the fish is a lot similar to chicken, given how meaty the flesh is. Since it’s a carnivore fish, it has a salty taste to it that is a lot more palatable and has a less fishy smell and taste, Understanding how to approach the question of what tuna taste like involves knowing what to expect from the start. Do you also want to know what does sushi taste like? Many types of tuna are used in sushi so this can be a great way to expand your experiences and food tastes
For further ease of understanding the taste, I am going to share about the taste when it’s canned, fresh, and seared.
Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is the one commercially available and is quite economical too. As for the taste, it has a saltier taste because of the oil-brine it is dipped in. You must check the contents of the can and the variety of tuna that is used. In terms of texture, it has an extremely oily and dry texture.
Fresh Tuna
Nothing beats the taste of fresh tuna. From the mild and neutral flavor to the soft and chewy texture, it is a treat in itself. If you are trying fresh tuna, I’d suggest trying the Albacore tuna. It is the one that tastes the best and has the flavor of the ocean. There is also an option to look for ahi tuna or other types that might be more easily available in certain areas and in certain seasons.
Seared Tuna
Seared tuna is the one mostly used in salads. But, if overcooked, seared tuna can lose its natural flavor, making it taste a lot like cardboard. A light sear from all the sides leaves the exterior of the tuna cooked, but the fish remains raw inside. It is considered the best way to eat it. Pouring a sweet and sour soy vinaigrette on the top further enhances the taste and flavor.
What Does Each Type of Tuna Taste Like?
As mentioned above, tuna is available in four main varieties – bluefin, albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack.Each one has its unique taste and method of preparation, so be sure your kitchen knives, boards, and dishes are ready for a treat! Uncovering the answer to the question of what does tuna taste like means diving deeper into the different kinds of tuna you are likely to come across.
Bluefin
The bluefin variety is the most popular type of tuna. It has a more fat content and is a lot meatier than the other varieties. As for the taste, this has a fresh and salty taste with bright red flesh.
Albacore
If you don’t like the extremely fishy taste of tuna, Albacore is your safest choice. It has thick flesh but a very mild flavor. The mercury level in this variety is relatively high, so you need to eat it with caution and only in small amounts.
Yellowfin
Generally, tuna fish is quite expensive, but the yellowfin variant is a lot more economical. It is also known as Ahi tuna and is often used in the raw form of sushi. It has a rich flavor profile that many people find they enjoy
Skipjack
If you are trying tuna for the first time, I’d suggest you not try this. It is the fishiest of them all and has the highest fat content. Unlike the other varieties, it is a lot smaller in size and can be a bit on the expensive side as well.
Health Benefits of Tuna
Tuna is one of the healthiest fishes available. If you don’t enjoy the taste of meat and want to replace it with something just as good, tuna serves the purpose right.
In case you have been wondering about the health benefits of this fish, I have sorted out the best ones for you.
Enriched with Vitamins and Minerals
Tuna is one of the best sources of Vitamin D and B12. It also has zinc, magnesium, iron, selenium, and phosphorus in it. The combination of vitamins and minerals enables better metabolism and prevents the risks of chronic diseases.
Helps Promote Weight Loss
Tuna has a high protein content in it. If you are trying to lose weight on a high-protein diet, this is your best bet. It has a healthy blend of fatty acids too, which further regulate your metabolism, promoting weight loss.
Reduces Risks of Heart Diseases
Tuna also reduces the risks of heart diseases, mostly by regulating cholesterol levels in the body. Healthy fatty acids promote heart function and reduce the chances of hypertension and chronic heart diseases.
Which Tastes Better – Raw or Cooked Tuna?
What does raw tuna taste like? What does canned tuna taste like? These are the questions people are faced with when deciding how to prepare and serve tuna.
Raw tuna is very commonly consumed in sushi and sashimi while cooked tuna is eaten in salads or by itself. While raw tuna has a fresher taste to it, the texture drastically changes when you cook it. It is easy to overcook tuna, which is why being careful while cooking is essential. Whether you enjoy raw or cooked tuna is something dependent on your palate and likings.
How Does One Know If the Tuna Has Gone Bad?
Tuna is a lot meatier than the other types of fish. It has a pungent fishy smell and flavor to it, along with the fresh taste of the ocean.
But, if you taste or smell an overwhelming fishy taste to the tuna, it is likely not fresh and has gone bad. A sour taste to the fish is also a signal that the fish has gone bad. In case you feel something amiss with the fish, I’d suggest you avoid eating it altogether.
Conclusion
What does tuna taste like? This is a complicated question that hopefully has been somewhat answered for you today. Tuna is more or less an acquired taste. If you haven’t eaten fish ever in your life, I’d suggest you start with the less fishy varieties first and then make your way up from there. It is also better you try out freshly caught tuna instead of canned tuna options.
I hope this article is helpful enough to guide you about the taste and texture of the fish. If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?
