Name:

Bigeye Tuna

Thunnus obesus

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

Bigeye Tuna is renowned for its deep, rich flavor and succulent, firm texture. Its meat is darker and more pronounced in taste compared to the albacore or yellowfin tunas. The flesh varies in color, from deep pink to reddish-brown, with a higher fat content that contributes to its unique flavor. Bigeye Tuna has a mild sweetness combined with a slightly nutty and earthy undertone, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of culinary preparations.

Our favorite ways to cook

Bigeye Tuna's bold flavor and versatile texture make it a prized ingredient in various culinary dishes. Here are some popular ways to cook and enjoy Bigeye Tuna:

Grilled Bigeye Tuna Steaks: Season Bigeye Tuna steaks with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, then grill them over high heat for a few minutes on each side. The result is a smoky and slightly caramelized exterior with a rare to medium-rare interior.
Bigeye Tuna Tataki: Sear Bigeye Tuna briefly on all sides to create a thin seared crust while leaving the center rare. Slice thinly and serve with a dipping sauce, typically a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Bigeye Tuna Sushi or Sashimi: Bigeye Tuna is a prized choice for sushi and sashimi. Slice the fish into thin pieces for sashimi or use it as a filling for sushi rolls.
Bigeye Tuna Ceviche: Marinate diced Bigeye Tuna in a mixture of lime or lemon juice, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeños for a zesty and refreshing ceviche.

Bigeye Tuna's rich, deep flavor and adaptability in the kitchen make it a favorite among seafood lovers, and its desirability in the fishing industry emphasizes the importance of responsible and sustainable management to preserve this valuable species.

Things you probably didn't know about Bigeye Tuna

Deep-Water Dwelling: Bigeye Tuna is known for its preference for deeper, cooler waters compared to other tuna species. They often inhabit depths of over 500 feet and are often found in the vicinity of underwater structures, which contributes to their desirability for commercial fishing.

Nighttime Migrations: Bigeye Tuna is one of the few tuna species known to exhibit vertical migrations, rising closer to the surface during the nighttime to feed on smaller fish and squid, and then descending to deeper, cooler waters during the day. This unique behavior is of particular interest to fisheries.

Long Lifespan: Bigeye Tuna typically have longer lifespans, often exceeding 10 years. Their relatively slow growth and reproduction rates require careful management to maintain healthy populations.