Name:

Albacore Tuna

Thunnus alalunga

Seasonal Availability:

Year-round

For species-specific updates, please visit this website

Commercial Length or Size Requirements:

For species not believed to have a commercial size requirement, kindly refer to the CDFW or agency of jurisdiction website for further details.

Flavor Profile

Albacore Tuna is renowned for its mild and delicate flavor, making it a favorite among seafood enthusiasts. The flesh is pale pink to white and has a firm, steak-like texture. Its flavor profile is characterized by a subtle, slightly sweet taste with a hint of umami. Albacore Tuna's low oil content sets it apart from other tuna species like Bluefin and Yellowfin, giving it a lighter, cleaner taste. This makes it a versatile choice for various culinary applications, particularly in dishes where the tuna flavor needs to shine through.

Our favorite ways to cook

Albacore Tuna's mild flavor and firm texture make it a versatile ingredient in various culinary preparations. Here are some popular ways to cook and enjoy Albacore Tuna:

Seared Albacore Tuna Steaks: Heat a pan or grill to high heat and sear Albacore Tuna steaks for a few minutes on each side until the exterior is browned, but the interior remains rare to medium-rare. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with a citrus-based sauce or a wasabi aioli for a burst of flavor.
Albacore Tuna Salad: Albacore Tuna is an excellent choice for salads. Mix flaked Albacore Tuna with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing for a healthy and refreshing meal.
Grilled Albacore Tuna Kebabs: Cut Albacore Tuna into chunks and thread them onto skewers with bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Brush with a marinade of your choice and grill until the tuna is cooked to your liking.
Albacore Tuna Poke Bowl: Albacore Tuna is a fantastic option for poke bowls. Combine bite-sized pieces of Albacore Tuna with soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, avocado, and sesame seeds. Serve over a bed of sushi rice or mixed greens.

Things you probably didn't know about Albacore Tuna

Albacore Tuna is known for its extensive migrations. They travel great distances across the world's oceans in search of suitable water temperatures and food sources. This nomadic behavior leads to seasonal variations in their availability to commercial and recreational fishermen.