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Smoked Ahi Tuna Steak

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This Smoked Ahi Tuna Steak recipe has a rich, deep flavor and wonderful smoky taste. This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides and can be prepared on any smoker or Traeger grill.

smoked ahi tuna on a plate with lemon
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What Type of Fish to Use

I like to use ahi tuna, also known as yellowfin tuna. It’s wild-caught and is known for its deep red color and rich, meaty flavor. You will typically see it served raw, as sashimi, or in poke bowls, but you can smoke, grill or sear it.

raw ahi tuna on parchment paper

How to Shop/Where to Buy

When shopping, look for fish that has a bright red color and a firm texture. The flesh should be free of brown spots or discoloration. The fish should also have a fresh, clean smell.

When purchasing frozen tuna, check for any signs of freezer burn or discoloration, indicating that the fish may not be of good quality.

You can get it online from retailers like Crowd Cow and Alaskan King Crab.

garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt and pepper in a white bowl

How Does it Taste?

When it’s cooked, the taste can vary depending on how it was prepared. Smoked, grilled or seared tuna has a slightly charred taste and an overall buttery taste thanks to the natural oil content in the fish.

raw ahi tuna seasoned with spices on parchment paper

How to Make Smoked Ahi Tuna Steak

Full detailed instructions are below in the recipe card.

  1. Preheat the smoker.
  2. Rub both sides of the fish with olive oil and sprinkle the spices onto both sides of the fish.
  3. Place the fish on the smoker. Smoke.
ahi tuna on a Traeger smoker grill

Smoker Temperature

You will want to smoke the fish at 225 degrees.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

The cook time will vary based on the size and thickness of your steaks.

It will typically take 30-45 minutes to smoke the fish. Cook the fish until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-145 degrees. Once you remove it from the heat it will continue to cook. Removing it from the heat in time is important to avoid overcooked, dry fish.

smoked ahi tuna on a Traeger smoker grill

How to Tell When it’s Finished Cooking

Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness. You can also check for visual cues such as the tuna turning a light pink color and the flesh becoming opaque.

What Flavor Wood/Pellets to Use

Some popular woods to smoke tuna are the Traeger Signature blend, hickory, mesquite, apple, cherry and alder.

smoked ahi tuna on a Traeger smoker grill

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

  • Oven or Air Fryer: Place the fish in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil at 350 degrees. Heat until warm.
  • Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the fish in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until warm.
  • Microwave: I don’t recommend it at all for fish. If you must use it, be quick, because the microwave will dry out the fish.
smoked ahi tuna on a plate with lemon

Pair With These Recipes

Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Fried Potatoes and Onions

Smoked Asparagus
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

Southern Creamed Corn

More Smoked Seafood Recipes

Smoked Shrimp
Smoked Scallops
Smoked Fish Dip
Smoked Swordfish
Smoked Lobster
Smoked Crab Legs

More Fish Recipes

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Poke Bowls with Spicy Mayo Sauce
Baked Cod in Foil

Salmon Fried Rice
Maple Glazed Salmon
Tuna Poke Nachos

Top the fish with my Pineapple Mango Salsa recipe.

smoked ahi tuna on a plate with lemon

Smoked Ahi Tuna Steak

This Smoked Ahi Tuna Steak recipe has a rich, deep flavor and wonderful smoky taste. This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides and can be prepared on any smoker or Traeger grill.
5 from 7 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 286 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees.
  • Rub both sides of the fish with olive oil and sprinkle the spices onto both sides of the fish. Rub the spices in to ensure the flavor penetrates.
  • Place the fish on the smoker. Smoke the fish until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-145 degrees.
    I smoke it to 130 degrees. This usually takes 30-45 minutes, but can vary. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. It may take an hour or more to smoke it to 145 degrees.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness. You can also check for visual cues such as the tuna turning a light pink color and the flesh becoming opaque.

Nutrition

Serving: 7ozCalories: 286kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 58gFat: 4g
Keyword smoked ahi tuna, smoked tuna, smoked tuna steaks
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Recipe Rating




Gianne

Thursday 11th of January 2024

The rich, smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the fish. It's a true delicacy that I can't get enough of!

Anjali

Thursday 11th of January 2024

Love how smoky this turned out!! This is definitely my new favorite way to make tuna for sure!

Sara Welch

Thursday 11th of January 2024

Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it did not disappoint! Turned out perfectly tender, light and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!

Brandi Crawford

Thursday 11th of January 2024

So glad to hear it's a favorite!

Nathanaelle Yoshimura

Thursday 11th of January 2024

YUMMY! We're putting an Asian twist to this at my house and serving with sushi rice, avocadoes and cucumber salad. Awesome!

Brandi Crawford

Thursday 11th of January 2024

Oh I love that idea!

Nathan

Thursday 11th of January 2024

Tuna is one of my favorite kinds of fish to cook with, and this recipe looks absolutely fantastic! Such a good blend of seasonings, and great smoky flavors too. Can't wait to give it a try!