Are you a fan of ahi tuna? Do you love shopping at Costco?
If so, you may have wondered if the ahi tuna sold at Costco is sushi-grade and how to cook it to perfection.
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more. From searing to air frying, we’ll cover different methods for cooking Costco ahi tuna and provide tips for serving it up in style.
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Costco Ahi Tuna?
When it comes to cooking Costco ahi tuna, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that the tuna is fresh and of high quality. Costco offers sashimi-grade super frozen yellowfin tuna, which is perfect for sushi or searing.
One popular method for cooking ahi tuna is searing it in a hot skillet. To do this, start by cutting the tuna into 4 pieces for an appetizer portion or 2 large pieces for a dinner portion. Season the tuna with salt and pepper and coat lightly on all sides with bread crumbs. Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat and place the tuna in the pan. Sear on each side for about 45 seconds for small portions or 1 minute for large. Remove from the pan and slice each piece into 1/4-inch thick slices, fanning them out on a serving plate.
Another option is to marinate the tuna before cooking it. Mix together your favorite marinade ingredients and coat the tuna steaks with the marinade, covering tightly and refrigerating for at least an hour. Then, sear the tuna in a hot skillet for a minute to a minute and a half on each side.
If you’re looking for a healthier cooking method, try air frying your Costco ahi tuna. This sesame crusted tuna steak air fryer recipe is fast, easy, delicious, and healthy. You don’t even have to remember to defrost the tuna, as frozen tuna steaks work great in the air fryer too! Simply season the tuna with salt, pepper, and sesame seeds before placing it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your tuna.
Is Costco Ahi Tuna Sushi-Grade?
Many people wonder if Costco’s ahi tuna is sushi-grade, which means that it is safe to be eaten raw. The answer is yes, Costco offers sashimi-grade super frozen yellowfin tuna, which is safe to eat raw due to its freezing process that occurs on the fishing boats. However, it’s important to note that any fish that is not labeled as sushi or sashimi-grade is technically not safe to eat raw. Before any fish can be prepared and eaten raw, it needs to have been bled, gutted, and frozen immediately after being caught. Unless you know for sure that a fish has undergone this process, you shouldn’t eat it raw.
It’s worth noting that even if a fish is labeled sushi-grade or sashimi-grade, it doesn’t guarantee that it’s completely safe to be eaten raw. Eating any fish raw still has risks, and just because a fish is labeled sushi-grade or sashimi-grade doesn’t mean those risks aren’t there. However, most retailers will label their fish as sushi or sashimi-grade to justify the higher price point.
How To Prepare Costco Ahi Tuna For Cooking
Before cooking your Costco ahi tuna, it’s important to properly prepare it. Start by thawing the tuna if it’s frozen, and then pat it dry with paper towels. Next, use a sharp knife to cut the tuna into the desired portion size and shape. Keep in mind that not all tuna is the same size or shape, so use your judgment when cutting.
Once the tuna is cut, season it with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings or a marinade if desired. If you’re planning on searing the tuna, coat it lightly with bread crumbs on all sides to help create a crispy crust.
If you’re air frying the tuna, coat it with sesame seeds in addition to the salt and pepper for added flavor and texture. Make sure to preheat your air fryer to 400°F before cooking.
No matter which cooking method you choose, be sure to heat up your skillet or air fryer before adding the tuna. A hot pan or basket will help create a nice sear or crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Searing Costco Ahi Tuna: The Classic Method
One classic method for cooking Costco ahi tuna is searing it in a hot skillet. To begin, start by thawing the tuna and patting it dry. Then, cut it into 4 pieces for an appetizer portion or 2 large pieces for a dinner portion. Use your judgment on what shape you want to cut your tuna because not all tuna is the same size or shape. However, the shape should somewhat resemble a miniature brick. Season the tuna pieces with salt and pepper and coat lightly on all sides with bread crumbs.
Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat until the pan is as hot as you can get it. Place the tuna in the pan and sear on each side for about 45 seconds for small portions or 1 minute for large. It’s important to note that ahi tuna is best enjoyed rare or medium-rare, so be careful not to overcook it. Remove the tuna from the pan and slice each piece into 1/4-inch thick slices, fanning them out on a serving plate. You can enjoy your seared Costco ahi tuna plain or with condiments of your choice.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your seared ahi tuna, you can marinate it before cooking it. Mix together your favorite marinade ingredients and coat the tuna steaks with the marinade, covering tightly and refrigerating for at least an hour. Then, sear the tuna in a hot skillet for a minute to a minute and a half on each side.
Grilling Costco Ahi Tuna: A Delicious Alternative
Grilling is another great option for cooking Costco ahi tuna. Grilling gives the tuna a smoky flavor and a delicious charred crust. To start, preheat your grill to high heat. Season the tuna with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the tuna on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if desired. Make sure not to overcook the tuna, as it can become tough and dry.
You can also try marinating the tuna before grilling it. A simple marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil works well with ahi tuna. Marinate the tuna for at least 30 minutes before grilling. When ready to grill, remove the tuna from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
Once your grilled ahi tuna is cooked to perfection, serve it with your favorite sides. White rice, steamed vegetables, or a salad are all great options. You can also make a dipping sauce by mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil together.
Air Frying Costco Ahi Tuna: A Healthier Option
Air frying is a popular healthier cooking method that uses hot air to cook food, reducing the need for added oils or fats. When it comes to cooking Costco ahi tuna, air frying is a great option that yields delicious and healthy results. Here are some reasons why you should try air frying your Costco ahi tuna:
1. Healthier: Air frying uses little to no oil, which means fewer calories and less fat compared to other cooking methods like deep-frying or pan-frying.
2. Fast: Air frying is a quick cooking method, and you can have your tuna ready in just a few minutes.
3. Easy: Air frying is simple and easy to do, even for beginners. You don’t need any special equipment or skills to get started.
To air fry your Costco ahi tuna, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, season your tuna steaks with salt, pepper, and sesame seeds on both sides. Place the tuna steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Air fry the tuna for 6-8 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your tuna.
Once done, remove the tuna from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin pieces. You can serve your air-fried Costco ahi tuna with your favorite dipping sauces or sides, such as steamed vegetables or rice.
Serving Suggestions For Costco Ahi Tuna
Once you’ve cooked your Costco ahi tuna to perfection, there are many ways to serve it. One classic option is to serve it with white rice, a little shoyu, some radish sprouts, a few slivers of nori, and some toasted sesame seeds, just like the seared ahi tuna served at Kyoto University in Japan. This dish is simple yet flavorful and allows the tuna to be the star of the show.
For a more modern twist, try making an ahi tuna poke bowl. Start by cubing the cooked tuna and marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb the flavors. Then, assemble your poke bowl by layering cooked rice or riced cauliflower, sliced avocado, and fresh low-carb vegetables like sliced cucumber, onions, jalapenos, or radishes. Top it all off with the marinated tuna and some crinkled seaweed for extra flair.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try serving your cooked ahi tuna over a bed of mixed greens. Top it with some sliced cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy meal.
No matter how you choose to serve your Costco ahi tuna, be sure to enjoy it within 24 hours of cooking it for optimal freshness and flavor. And always remember to buy your raw fish from a trusted fish vendor/seafood counter to ensure food safety.
