Delicious Ahi Tuna Recipe: How to Make a Quick and Healthy Tuna Pasta

by Oleg Nikitenko September 15, 2024

Ahi Tuna Recipe Seafood Pasta

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and gourmet Ahi tuna recipe to prepare at home? This Ahi tuna pasta is the perfect option for those who love seafood and want a dish that's light, nutritious, and full of flavor. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or making a simple weeknight meal, Ahi tuna is a versatile and protein-packed option that pairs wonderfully with pasta and fresh ingredients.

In this guide, we’ll share how to cook the perfect Ahi tuna steak, provide a step-by-step recipe for an Ahi tuna pasta dish, and explain the health benefits of this delicious fish. We’ll also highlight where to buy the best sustainably sourced Ahi tuna online from Global Seafoods.

Why Ahi Tuna is Perfect for Easy, Healthy Meals

Ahi tuna, also known as yellowfin tuna, has a firm, meaty texture that holds up well to grilling, searing, or even raw preparations like sashimi or poke. Its mild flavor makes it an excellent base for flavorful pasta dishes, while its lean protein content and omega-3 fatty acids add a nutritional boost.

Here’s why this Ahi tuna pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests:

Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to cook a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutritious: Ahi tuna is packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, making this a balanced, nutritious dish.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: With fresh herbs, citrus, and a light sauce, this pasta feels like a dish from a fine dining restaurant, but you can easily make it at home.

Health Benefits of Ahi Tuna

Adding Ahi tuna to your diet is a great way to enjoy a variety of health benefits:

High in Lean Protein: Tuna is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which supports muscle repair and growth.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function.
Low in Fat and Calories: Ahi tuna is naturally low in fat and calories, making it ideal for weight management while still providing essential nutrients.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Ahi tuna is rich in important nutrients such as vitamin D, selenium, and B12, which are essential for energy, immunity, and overall health.

Best Ahi Tuna Products to Buy Online

To ensure your dish tastes amazing, start with premium-quality tuna. At Global Seafoods, we offer a selection of sustainably sourced Ahi tuna that is perfect for searing, grilling, or making raw dishes like poke or sushi.

1. Ahi Tuna Steaks

Description: Sushi-grade Ahi tuna steaks that are perfect for searing, grilling, or slicing for salads and pasta.
Best For: Seared tuna steaks or as a topping for pasta dishes.

2. Sushi-Grade Tuna Saku Blocks

Description: Pre-cut blocks of sushi-grade Ahi tuna, ideal for raw preparations like poke, sashimi, or sushi, but can also be seared for pasta.
Best For: Sushi, poke bowls, and seared tuna.

3. Albacore Tuna

Description: Albacore tuna offers a milder flavor and can also be used for this recipe if you prefer a slightly different taste profile.
Best For: Grilled, seared, or canned tuna recipes.

Explore our full selection of Tuna Products to find the perfect option for your next seafood meal.

How to Make Ahi Tuna Pasta: Step-by-Step Recipe

This Ahi tuna pasta recipe combines lightly seared tuna steaks with a simple, fresh pasta that’s both light and satisfying. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for weeknight dinners or an easy, healthy meal.

Ingredients:

2 Ahi Tuna Steaks
8 oz spaghetti or linguine
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 tbsp capers
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cost per dish: Approximately $12 per serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

2. Prepare the Ahi Tuna:

Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear the Tuna:

Sear the Ahi tuna steaks for 1-2 minutes per side, depending on how rare you like it. For a tender, juicy texture, it’s best to cook the tuna to medium-rare. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing into thin strips.

4. Make the Pasta Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute. Add cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, just until the tomatoes begin to soften.

5. Toss the Pasta:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the reserved pasta water, tossing everything together so the pasta absorbs the flavors.

6. Finish the Dish:

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and chopped basil. Plate the pasta and top with slices of seared Ahi tuna. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.

7. Serve:

Serve immediately, pairing the dish with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pro Cooking Tips:

Don’t Overcook the Tuna: Ahi tuna is best served rare to medium-rare. Searing for just 1-2 minutes per side will ensure a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Enhance the Flavor: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten up the dish and balance the rich flavor of the tuna.
Add Veggies: For added nutrition, toss in extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

FAQs About Cooking Ahi Tuna Pasta

Q: How long should I cook Ahi tuna steaks for pasta?

A: For best results, sear the Ahi tuna steaks for 1-2 minutes per side. This will give you a nice crust while keeping the inside tender and rare.

Q: Can I use Albacore tuna instead of Ahi tuna?

A: Yes, Albacore Tuna can be used as a substitute for Ahi tuna. Albacore has a milder flavor but works well in pasta dishes.

Q: Is Ahi tuna healthy?

A: Absolutely! Ahi tuna is rich in lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Where to Buy Premium Ahi Tuna for This Recipe

For the best results, it’s important to use high-quality, sushi-grade Ahi tuna. At Global Seafoods, we offer a variety of premium tuna products that are perfect for searing, grilling, or raw preparations. Explore some of our best options:

Visit our Tuna Collection to find the perfect cut of tuna for your next meal.

More Ahi Tuna Recipes and Tips

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Ahi Tuna Pasta Recipe or watch helpful video tutorials on our YouTube channel .

Ahi tuna is a versatile and nutritious seafood option that’s perfect for quick, healthy meals. Whether you’re making pasta, grilling steaks, or preparing sushi, Ahi tuna offers a rich, satisfying flavor that’s easy to cook. Shop premium Ahi tuna at Global Seafoods and elevate your seafood cooking today!