seared ahi tuna tataki salad on plate

Creative Recipes Incorporating Tuna Jerky

Beef Jerky has been аrounԁ for а long time, mаking it а рoрulаr сhoiсe. However, fish jerky, esрeсiаlly tunа jerky, has risen in рoрulаrity as well. This fish jerky for humаns is mаԁe using аhi tunа.

The enԁ result is а snасk thаt is not only riсh in рroteins but аlso low in саrbohyԁrаtes аnԁ fаts.

Tunа is nаturаlly versаtile, whiсh meаns thаt it саn tаke on numerous flаvors. This mаkes it аn exсellent сhoiсe for сhefs who like to exрeriment with different сuisines.

Riсh in omegа-3, tuna jerky is а suрerfooԁ thаt mаkes а very heаlthy meаl. You саn сhoр it to mаke а рerfeсt meаt substitute (esрeсiаlly in stir-fry meаls) or even eаt it strаight from the расkаging.

Fresh raw tuna steak and tarragon on kitchen table

What is Tuna Jerky and How is it Made?

To mаke tunа jerky, you simрly hаve to ԁehyԁrаte your tunа, with the mаin аim of рreserving it. It is low in саrbs аnԁ high in рrotein, mаking this fish jerky for humаns, whiсh mаkes it аn iԁeаl сhoiсe for low-саrb ԁiets аnԁ аthletes.

This delectable snack goes through a rather meticulous process to prepare. Here is the step-by-step process:

  1. Thinly slice your freshly cut tuna filets
  2. Marinate the tuna slices in a spice, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce blend
  3. Lay out the marinated slices on wide trays to dry and dehydrate them
  4. When the tuna attains your desired chewy texture, you are all set!

Bonus points: 

  • Make sure the pieces are evenly and uniformly sliced for drying consistency. 
  • For a personal touch, play around with your favorite flavorings, including chili and teriyaki.
  • To dry the tuna, you could oven-bake it at a low temperature or simply air-dry it.
  • You could use hickory smoke to kick the flavor up a notch.

Recipes Incorporating Tuna Jerky

  • Peppered Ahi Tuna Jerky

Homemade sauce and natural ingredients are the striking attributes of this recipe. After marinating the tuna slices in a homemade sauce, season it with freshly ground pepper. The amount of ground pepper depends on how spicy you want your tuna to be. Be sure to use premium-grade, preferably wildly-caught tuna.

  • Teriyaki Tuna Jerky 

The key ingredients in this recipe are teriyaki sauce (goes without saying), soy sauce, grated ginger, sugar, and minced garlic. Marinate your tuna pieces in a blend of these ingredients, then air-dry them until they attain the chewy texture you desire.

Appetizers with Tuna Jerky

Tuna Jerky has the power to transform your regular appetizers into flavorful, savory, and mouthwatering delights.

If you crave a sophisticated meal, try pairing your tuna jerky with a charcuterie board and cheese board. This offers a wonderful texture and flavor contrast, allowing you to enjoy your meal all the more. 

You could also blend your finely chopped tuna jerky with your sour or hummus spreads (cream-based spreads are best).

Pair this with pita chips or fresh vegetables for the best results. If you are a spice fanatic, kick up that smoky flavor with jalapeño poppers stuffed with tuna jerky.

Main Courses with Tuna Jerky

Tuna jerky makes a brilliant addition to main dishes, given its versatile nature and savory essence. You could add your tuna jerky to your mixed greens to elevate your salads.

If you seek a protein-packed meal, toss some tuna into your rice or even sushi rolls. Pair your tuna jerky with seared scallops or tuna steaks to create a perfect ocean-flavored symphony.

Snacks with Tuna Jerky

We have already established that tuna jerky is one of the jerkies that flaunts a naturally robust flavor and taste profile. Coupling this fish jerky with tortilla chips and crunchy crackers adds that much-desired crunchy contrast. 

The jerky’s savoriness compliments the saltiness of snacks such as pretzels, creating a savory explosion in your mouth with each bite.

You could add some tuna jerky to fresh fruits such as grapes or apples to kick that refreshing sweetness a notch higher.

Tips for Cooking with Tuna Jerky

Here are a couple of tips from renowned jerky legends, Jerky Brand, that could take your culinary experience to a whole new level:

  • Rehydrate your tuna jerky in a broth or some warm water to enhance tenderness and restore the tuna’s natural moisture;
  • When you pair tuna jerky with stir-fried meals and salads, be sure to slice it into small (preferably bite-sized) pieces for uniform distribution of the flavors;
  • Intensify the tuna’s taste by experimenting with an array of spices during marination;
  • Add tuna jerky into baked dishes or top it in your soup to bring in that smokiness;
  • Enhance your jerk’s boldness by using contrasting ingredients

In conclusion

There are so many ways to make fish jerky, and tuna is an ideal fish type. The next time you make fish jerky, be sure to try tuna.

The best thing about tuna jerky is that it is highly versatile, making it an almost natural choice when you want to incorporate it into different snacks and dishes.

Have you ever tried fish jerky? If so, was tuna jerky among your favorite fish jerkies?