This Albacore Tuna Poke Tower is a fresh, vibrant dish that combines fresh tender tuna with bold flavors, making it a perfect appetizer or light meal. This dish features diced albacore tuna marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, Japanese BBQ sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, ginger, and cilantro for a savory yet slightly spicy kick. Topped with furikake, a Japanese seasoning blend, this recipe is not only delicious but visually striking when stacked.
Tuna Poke Tower
Sushi lovers, unite! We’ve got one just for you today: this epic tuna poke tower, which is not only delicious but surprisingly easy to put together, too.
Make sure you are sourcing your tuna from a reputable source and that it is “sushi grade”. Sushi grade fish is handled in a very specific way, and also frozen before being served to kill any parasites that may be in the fish.
If you are fortunate enough to be able to catch your own tuna, you’ll need to take precautions to ensure you won’t be putting yourself or your family at risk of food-borne illness.
To make freshly caught tuna safe for eating raw, the most important step is to ensure that it is handled properly from the moment it’s caught. The tuna should be gutted and cleaned as soon as possible, then kept at a consistent temperature of 32°F (0°C) or lower to prevent bacterial growth. If the fish has been kept at temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for extended periods, it may no longer be safe for raw consumption. Freezing the tuna is also recommended to kill potential parasites; the FDA advises freezing at -4°F (-20°C) for at least seven days or flash freezing at -31°F (-35°C) for 15 hours. These steps will help ensure the tuna is parasite-free and safe to eat raw.
When preparing tuna for raw dishes like sashimi or poke, it is critical to use sanitized equipment and a clean, cold workspace. Cross-contamination with other seafood or proteins should be avoided, so use separate cutting boards and knives. Only use fresh, high-quality tuna that has been stored correctly, and inspect the fish for signs of spoilage such as an off smell or discoloration. By following proper handling, freezing, and hygiene practices, you can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and safely enjoy raw tuna in a variety of dishes.
Why you’ll love it!
- Easy to Prepare: No cooking required, just marinate and serve.
- Healthy and Fresh: Full of lean protein and healthy fats from the tuna and oils.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of heat and toppings to your taste.
- Visually Impressive: The tower presentation makes this simple dish stand out.
- Bursting with Flavor: A balance of salty, savory, and spicy from the marinade and seasoning.
Try our Bluefin Tuna Poke Bowl too!
Albacore Poke Tower shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Ingredients
- Fresh Tuna Filet
- Soy Sauce
- Bachans Japanese BBQ Sauce
- Olive Oil
- Sesame Oil
- Fresh Ginger
- Sriracha Sauce
- Noori Furikake
- Green Onion
- Fresh Cilantro
How to make a Tuna Poke Tower
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Cube the Tuna: Cut fresh albacore tuna into ½-inch cubes.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, Japanese BBQ sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, sriracha, ginger, green onion, and cilantro.
- Marinate the Tuna: Add the cubed tuna to the marinade, stirring to coat evenly.
- Season and Chill: Sprinkle noori furikake on top, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: Use a mold or carefully layer the marinated tuna into a tower shape and serve immediately.
FAQs
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh as the texture of the tuna may change after refrigeration.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the tuna up to 4 hours in advance. Just keep it in the fridge and assemble right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Are there any substitutions I can make?
You can use Ahi or Yellowfin tuna instead of albacore. If you don’t have Japanese BBQ sauce, soy sauce alone works, but you might want to add a bit of sugar or honey for sweetness. For added crunch, toss in some diced cucumber or radish.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! You can increase or decrease the amount of sriracha to control the heat level.
Serve this with…
- Crispy wonton chips for a crunchy contrast.
- Seaweed salad for an extra dose of umami.
- A side of jasmine rice for a more filling option.
This Albacore Tuna Poke Tower is a fantastic dish that’s both simple to prepare and full of vibrant, fresh flavors. The combination of savory sauces, a touch of heat from the sriracha, and the delightful crunch of furikake makes it a unique, memorable dish. Its stunning presentation and balanced flavors are sure to impress any guest or simply elevate your everyday meal.
More great fish recipes to love!
Fun Sides & Apps For This Meal
Albacore Tuna Poke Tower
Ingredients
- 6 ounces fresh tuna filet
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Bachans Japanese bbq sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon nori furikake
- 1 teaspoon chopped green onion
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cut your tuna into 1/2″ cubes And place into a bowl.
- Add in the soy sauce, oil, Bachans, sriracha, green onion, ginger, sesame oil and cilantro and mix with a spoon until the fish is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the furikake seasoning on top.
- Cover the bowl and place in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.