Tuna Carpaccio

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
10 Min Read

Tuna Carpaccio Recipe

The Tuna Carpaccio is a light and sophisticated dish that combines the delicacy of fresh tuna in thin slices with subtle and fresh flavors. It is ideal to start a meal or for gatherings with friends, offering a unique and refreshing gastronomic experience. Furthermore, it is simple to prepare, perfect for those looking to impress without complications.

Preparation time

Below, we show you the approximate times to prepare this delicious carpaccio:

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: No cooking required
  • Total: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the carpaccio

  • 200 grams of fresh red tuna (ideal for sushi, semi-frozen to facilitate slicing)
  • A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Juice of half a fresh lemon
  • Spices to taste: ground dried parsley, oregano or ground black pepper

Optional accompaniments

  • Parmesan cheese shavings or cured cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Toasted bread rounds

If fresh red tuna is not available, a good substitute is fresh salmon, which also provides a soft texture and delicate flavor, adapting well to preparations like TunaDeluxe and other recipes such as Salmon Flowers.

Utensils we will use

  • Cutting board
  • Well-sharpened knife (preferably Japanese kitchen knife or filleting knife for thin cuts)
  • Plate or serving tray
  • Measuring jug or glass for squeezing lemon
  • Spoon for pouring oil and juice
  • Cling film (optional for wrapping and freezing tuna)

Preparation

1. Prepare the tuna

  1. Cleaning the tuna
    • Wash the tuna carefully under cold running water to remove any impurities.
    • Pat dry with absorbent paper to avoid excess moisture that affects the texture.
  2. Wash the tuna carefully under cold running water to remove any impurities.
  3. Pat dry with absorbent paper to avoid excess moisture that affects the texture.
  4. Cut into thin slices
    • If the tuna is not cut, place the piece in the freezer for at least 30 minutes until firm, but not completely frozen. This facilitates very thin cuts, carpaccio style. You can use a sharp knife and cut slices about 2 to 3 millimeters thick.
    • To maintain uniformity, try to make the slices similar in size and thickness; this ensures a smooth texture on the palate.
  5. If the tuna is not cut, place the piece in the freezer for at least 30 minutes until firm, but not completely frozen. This facilitates very thin cuts, carpaccio style. You can use a sharp knife and cut slices about 2 to 3 millimeters thick.
  6. To maintain uniformity, try to make the slices similar in size and thickness; this ensures a smooth texture on the palate.

2. Assemble the carpaccio

  1. Place the slices
    • Spread the tuna slices on a large plate or tray, covering the surface without overlapping them too much.
  2. Spread the tuna slices on a large plate or tray, covering the surface without overlapping them too much.
  3. Season
    • Lightly sprinkle salt to taste over the slices. It is important not to overdo it so as not to overpower the natural flavor of the fresh tuna (FreshTuna).
    • Add a pinch of the chosen spices, such as dried ground oregano or parsley, to add a subtle touch.
  4. Lightly sprinkle salt to taste over the slices. It is important not to overdo it so as not to overpower the natural flavor of fresh tuna (FreshTuna).
  5. Add a pinch of the chosen spices, such as dried ground oregano or parsley, to add a subtle touch.
  6. Add the liquids
    • Drizzle a thin stream of extra virgin olive oil over the entire surface, making sure it doesn't become waterlogged.
    • Finally, add fresh lemon juice, which lightly “cooks” the fish with its acidity and enhances the freshness of the dish.
  7. Drizzle a thin stream of extra virgin olive oil over the entire surface, making sure it doesn't become waterlogged.
  8. Finally, add fresh lemon juice, which lightly “cooks” the fish with its acidity and enhances the freshness of the dish.

3. Decoration and accompaniment

  1. Optionally, place cheese slices
    • Use Parmesan or aged cheese to enhance the sophistication of the dish.
  2. Use Parmesan or aged cheese to enhance the sophistication of the dish.
  3. Add cream cheese and toasted bread
    • Serve with a few spoonfuls of cream cheese and slices of toasted bread or crackers so that each diner can combine to their liking.
  4. Serve with a few spoonfuls of cream cheese and slices of toasted bread or crackers so that each diner can combine to their liking.

To finish and serve

Check the balance of flavors and adjust salt or lemon if necessary. The dish should be served cold, freshly prepared, to maintain the freshness and texture of the tuna. Accompany it with a glass of white wine cold to enhance its flavor and enjoy a complete experience. This recipe works perfectly for informal events or gourmet gatherings where you want to surprise with a fresh and simple touch. It can also be an excellent alternative to start elegant meals or as a refreshing appetizer.

Nutritional Information per serving

  • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Proteins: 23 g
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g

The values indicated are approximate estimates per serving, depending on the exact quantities used.


5 keys for perfect tuna carpaccio

  • Use fresh and semi-frozen tuna: This makes it easier to cut thin slices and offers better texture.
  • Sharp knife: Facilitates precise cuts and prevents the fish from falling apart.
  • Control the amount of lemon and oil: Excess can overpower the natural flavor of the tuna.
  • Choose mild spices: Oregano, parsley, or ground pepper enhance without overshadowing the dish.
  • Serve cold and freshly prepared: Maintains the essential texture and freshness of the recipe.

When is it ideal to enjoy Tuna Carpaccio?

This dish is perfect for occasions when you want to offer something light and sophisticated, such as gatherings with friends, family events, or dinners that aim to impress without complications. Being fresh and not requiring cooking, it is ideal in warm climates or in summer, providing a refined start to a meal or as an appetizer at special celebrations. Its elegant presentation also makes it a favorite for gourmet occasions.


Comparison between Tuna Carpaccio and similar recipes

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Tuna CarpaccioFresh tuna, lemon, olive oilDelicate texture and fresh flavor, ideal as an appetizer
Tuna TatakiFresh tuna, soy sauce, sesameBriefly sears the tuna, adds toasted flavor
Salmon TiraditoSalmon, lemon, chili pepperSpicier flavor, Peruvian style
Zucchini and Parmesan CarpaccioZucchini, parmesan cheese, olive oilVegetarian version, fresh and light
Beet CarpaccioBeetroot, lemon, goat cheeseSweet and earthy flavor, vegetarian option
Tuna TostadasTuna, toasted bread, mayonnaiseCrunchy texture, serves as a snack or starter
Tuna in Lemon SauceTuna, lemon, spicesCooked dish, intense and juicy flavor

Share your experience preparing Tuna Carpaccio

Did you dare to prepare this Tuna Carpaccio? Feel free to share how it turned out for you, if you tried any variations or different accompaniments. Cooking is for experimenting and sharing, so your tips and suggestions can help improve this delicious recipe.


Culinary glossary for Tuna Carpaccio

  • Carpaccio: Dish made with very thin slices of raw meat or fish.
  • Semi-frozen: State of food between fresh and frozen to facilitate its handling and cutting.
  • Filleting: Technique of cutting into thin slices.
  • Spices: Dried herbs or condiments that enhance flavors without dominating the dish.
  • Acidity: Property of lemon that lightly “cooks” raw fish in preparations like carpaccios and ceviches.

Learn step by step how to make an Seafood Carpaccio ideal by applying cutting and presentation techniques in video.

Discover tricks for your Tuna Carpaccio to have perfect flavor and texture, ideal for special occasions.

Share this article
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
2 Comments
  • This ‘Tuna Carpaccio’ is very practical and tasty. I took it to a meeting and it flew off the table. We all loved it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

👩‍🍳 Recipes, tips, and more direct to your inbox 🍲Never miss a recipe!

Be part of my community and receive irresistible recipes, cooking techniques, and exclusive content to add more flavor to your days. It's free and delicious!