Smoked Tuna Steaks

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Tender smoked tuna steaks are bathed in a brightly flavored marinade and smoked to infuse each bite with flavor. I love this simple recipe because this mild-flavored fish requires a shorter smoked time than traditional barbecue, allowing you to get on with your day and get dinner served quickly.

This recipe was a delicious inspiration combining my marinated tuna steaks recipe and my smoked salmon recipe.

What you will need

Tuna steaks - Albacore or Yellowfin tuna both work well. Yellowfin is often sold as ahi tuna steaks. Fresh tuna is always best, but frozen works well for this recipe too.
Kosher salt
Brown sugar
Lime juice - You could substitute another citrus like orange juice or even grapefruit juice. Pineapple juice would pair well along with the lime.
Low sodium soy sauce - Regular soy sauce may get too salty.
Fresh ginger
Smoker - A charcoal, gas, or electric heat source will all work well.
Wood chips - You will want a mild flavored wood chip, such as a fruit wood, for a tuna steak recipe. Apple or cherry wood are good options.

Marinating the Tuna

The marinade is a hybrid between a traditional acid-based marinade and a salty brine. Mix together water, salt, sugar, lime juice, and soy sauce in a large bowl. The ginger should be peeled and crushed slightly to release more flavor, then added to the liquid.

Once the brown sugar and salt have been dissolved the marinade can be placed in a sealable plastic bag along with the tuna steaks. Let your fresh fish soak for 3 hours then remove them from the bag, rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

How to smoke tuna

Preheat your smoker to 200 degrees and get the wood chips smoking. The tuna will be hot smoked which combines the cooking process with smoking the meat. Cold smoking can be used for fish as well, but we won't be doing that today.

Your tuna fish steaks can be placed directly on the grates, but make sure to space them apart to allow airflow around them. It isn't recommended to set the steaks on a solid surface, and certainly don't cover them. You don't want to block the smoke from flavoring the meat.

Smoke the fish for one and a half hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. You don't want to cook these well done or they will become dry.

Tip: Keeping a probe thermometer inserted into the fish during the smoking process is the ideal way to keep your eye on the cooking progress without having to open up your smoker. Keeping the smoking chamber shut will keep the smoke where you want it and the temperature more consistent.

FAQs

How long should you smoke tuna?

Smoke tuna for one and a half hours with your smoker set to 200 degrees, or until the tuna reaches 140 degrees. The exact time will vary depending on the thickness of your steaks, which is why it is important to use a meat thermometer.

What temperature should I smoke tuna at?

It is important to use a low heat when smoking tuna so it does not dry out. Anywhere from 175 - 225 degrees is perfect.

What is the best wood for smoking tuna?

Mild-flavored fruit wood is best for smoking tuna. Apple or cherry wood chips are great options.