How To Cure Tuna For Sushi? The Complete Guide

Are you a sushi lover looking to take your culinary skills to the next level?

Have you ever wondered how to cure tuna for sushi?

Look no further!

In this article, we will guide you through the process of curing tuna, from selecting the right type of tuna to slicing it perfectly for your sushi rolls or nigiri.

Whether you’re a seasoned sushi chef or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you create delicious and flavorful tuna that will impress your guests.

So, let’s get started!

How To Cure Tuna For Sushi?

Step 1: Selecting the Right Tuna

When it comes to sushi, tuna is one of the most popular and sought-after fish. However, not all tuna is created equal.

For sushi, you want to choose a tuna with red flesh, such as Yellowfin, Bigeye, or Bluefin. Albacore Tuna can also be used for sushi, but it is known as white tuna.

When selecting your tuna, look for the highest quality meat, which is usually found in the belly area. This is where you will find the fattiest and most flavorful part of the fish.

Step 2: Preparing the Tuna

Once you have selected your tuna, it’s time to prepare it for curing. Start by rinsing the fish and patting it dry with a paper towel.

Next, mix together a sugar rub consisting of sugar, salt, and any desired spices. You will need approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the mixture per fillet.

Generously cover the tuna on all sides with the sugar rub and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for three days to allow it to cure.

Step 3: Slicing the Tuna

After three days, your tuna is ready to be sliced and served. Use a sharp fillet knife with a thin blade to trim any blemishes from the fish.

Then slice the tuna into long, evenly thick strips, cutting against the grain of the fish. Cut across the fish in a single stroke rather than sawing back and forth to avoid tearing the flesh.

Finally, half the strips into smaller pieces about the size of a domino. Serve them in a fanned-out, overlapping row on a chilled plate with sides of wasabi and ginger and a small dish of soy sauce for dipping.

Selecting The Right Tuna For Sushi

When it comes to selecting the right tuna for sushi, it’s essential to choose a high-quality fish that is fresh and safe to eat raw. Not all tuna is suitable for sushi, so it’s important to know what to look for when selecting your fish.

One of the most crucial factors in choosing the right tuna for sushi is the color of the flesh. You want to look for tuna with deep red flesh, such as Yellowfin, Bigeye, or Bluefin. Albacore Tuna can also be used, but it is known as white tuna and has a milder flavor.

Avoid any tuna that has a plastic or transparent red color, as this indicates that it has been chemically treated to give off an illusion of freshness. The natural progression of tuna is that it browns once it’s been in the freezer. If a tuna is placed in the freezer and it maintains its color, it has most likely been chemically treated.

When selecting your tuna, choose the highest quality meat you can find, which is usually found in the belly area. This is where you will find the fattiest and most flavorful part of the fish.

It’s also essential to ensure that your tuna is sushi-grade and utterly fresh. Tuna for sushi should have been caught very recently from cold fishing waters and wear a uniquely cobalt blackish-blue skin. This gives its flesh greater flavor due to a reduced fat content and strong muscles. It also makes the flesh firmer and gives the highly treasured belly section a delectable flavor.

If you can’t find fresh tuna at your local fish market or grocery store, you can opt for frozen tuna steaks labeled as sushi-grade. However, make sure they are not chemically treated and have been frozen for no more than two years.

Preparing The Tuna For Curing

Before you can cure your tuna for sushi, you need to properly prepare it. Start by selecting the right tuna. Look for a tuna with red flesh, such as Yellowfin, Bigeye, or Bluefin. Albacore Tuna can also be used for sushi, but it is known as white tuna. Choose the highest quality meat, which is usually found in the belly area where you will find the fattiest and most flavorful part of the fish.

Once you have selected your tuna, rinse it and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then mix together a sugar rub consisting of sugar, salt, and any desired spices. You will need approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the mixture per fillet.

Generously cover the tuna on all sides with the sugar rub and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for three days to allow it to cure.

After three days, your tuna is ready to be sliced and served. Use a sharp fillet knife with a thin blade to trim any blemishes from the fish. Then slice the tuna into long, evenly thick strips, cutting against the grain of the fish. Cut across the fish in a single stroke rather than sawing back and forth to avoid tearing the flesh.

Finally, half the strips into smaller pieces about the size of a domino. Serve them in a fanned-out, overlapping row on a chilled plate with sides of wasabi and ginger and a small dish of soy sauce for dipping. With these steps, you can create delicious cured tuna for sushi that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Making The Curing Mixture

Making the curing mixture is an essential step in preparing tuna for sushi. The curing mixture consists of salt, sugar, and any desired spices. In a small bowl, combine the salt, sugar, and spices, and mix well.

You will need approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the mixture per fillet. It’s essential to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the tuna is evenly coated in the curing mixture.

Once you have prepared the curing mixture, generously cover the tuna on all sides with it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for three days to allow it to cure.

During this time, the salt and sugar will draw water out of the fish and cure it. The weight of the fish will also condense the flesh, creating a unique silky texture.

After three days, remove the tuna from the refrigerator and brush off as much of the salt-sugar mixture as you can. You can rinse it all off if you prefer, but be sure to pat it thoroughly dry afterward.

Use a sharp fillet knife to slice the tuna into long, evenly thick strips, cutting against the grain of the fish. Cut across the fish in a single stroke rather than sawing back and forth to avoid tearing the flesh.

Applying The Cure To The Tuna

Before you can cure your tuna, you need to prepare it by rinsing it and patting it dry with a paper towel. Then, mix together a sugar rub consisting of sugar, salt, and any desired spices. You will need approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the mixture per fillet.

Generously cover the tuna on all sides with the sugar rub and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure that the fish is completely covered with the rub to ensure an even cure.

Place the wrapped tuna in the refrigerator for three days to allow it to cure. During this time, the sugar rub will draw out excess moisture from the fish and infuse it with flavor.

After three days, remove the tuna from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Use a sharp fillet knife with a thin blade to trim any blemishes from the fish.

Then slice the tuna into long, evenly thick strips, cutting against the grain of the fish. Cut across the fish in a single stroke rather than sawing back and forth to avoid tearing the flesh.

Finally, half the strips into smaller pieces about the size of a domino. Serve them in a fanned-out, overlapping row on a chilled plate with sides of wasabi and ginger and a small dish of soy sauce for dipping.

By following these steps, you can easily cure tuna for sushi at home and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Just make sure to choose high-quality tuna and take your time when slicing it to ensure that it is as delicious as possible.