How to Defrost Ahi Tuna Steaks?

Ahi tuna steak is a thick part of a yellow finfish. The cut has no bones and is best eaten when lightly seared in the pan, leaving a medium or raw center. The steak can also be cut into thin slices for sushi. You can also make a poke bowl out of it. It serves great in all cases.

You might have frozen ahi tuna steaks to use in the time of need. However, at the time of cooking it, it can be confusing to choose the right method to defrost the tuna steak. Defrosting tune steak is quite an easy process, and you can do it without ruining the fish fibers. Go through this article, and you will have all your queries removed regarding its defrosting.

How long Does It Take to Defrost Ahi Tuna Steaks?

Tuna is a soft meat fish so it does not take much longer to defrost. The defrost time certainly depends upon the thickness of the ahi tuna steak and the ice layer around it. The thicker it is, the longer it will take to defrost. An inch thick ahi tuna steak will take around 8-10 hours to defrost evenly in the refrigerator.

You will need to wait for around two hours when you are using water to defrost your ahi tuna steak. It only takes about five minutes to defrost your tuna using the microwave oven. However, you need to be careful while using this method as it is a technical process and requires a lot of attention.

How to Defrost Ahi Tuna Steaks Fast?

The fastest way you can defrost your tuna is by placing your tuna in the microwave. It only takes five minutes to do so. However, this technique takes very little time but is not much recommended as you cannot ensure proper defrosting.

An easy alternative is to defrost tune steak is under cold water. It takes a little longer than the microwave, but the results certainly are worth the wait.

Can I Defrost Ahi Tuna Steaks in the Refrigerator?

The highly recommended technique to defrost ahi tuna steak is to let it slowly defrost in the refrigerator. It takes the longest time, but the freshness and texture of the ahi tuna steak are preserved. To follow this method, take a tray and place your frozen ahi tuna steaks on it. Cover the steaks with plastic wrap to prevent any contamination.

You will have to leave it for about 10 hours in the refrigerator. Discard the excess water and sear it lightly on the best nonstick pan. Also remember that you will have to keep your steak in the refrigerator one day before cooking it in the fridge.

Can I Defrost Ahi Tuna Steaks in the Microwave?

As mentioned above, if you are very short on time and have to defrost your tuna, you can opt for the microwave. It can give you the desired results in no time. However, you need to have your eyes stuck to the microwave when placing the steak in there to avoid any crisis.

To follow this method, first, take a microwave-friendly bowl or tray and place the tuna in there.  Set a time to a minute or two on defrost mode. Also note that, you will have to flip it later on and again turn the microwave on to keep the tune steak fresh and safe. Do not forget to cover the tuna with the best microwave covers.

Can I Defrost Ahi Tuna Steaks in Water?

You can surely defrost the tuna steaks in water in less time with efficient results. Take icy cold water and place your frozen tuna in it. Submerge your tuna all the way through and wait till the water attains room temperature. You will have to change the water repeatedly so that the steak gets defrosted evenly. Once it is thawed down, absorb off the excess water with the best cloth napkins.

Sources

• Live Strong
• Luxe Gourmet
• Reddit