How to Cook Costco Ahi Tuna to Perfection

Ahi tuna, also known as yellowfin tuna is a delicacy that’s loved by many for its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. Luckily Costco sells high-quality sashimi grade ahi tuna at an affordable price. But how exactly should you cook this Costco ahi tuna to bring out its best attributes?

In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore different methods for cooking Costco ahi tuna along with tips to help you prep, season, and serve it like a pro.

Overview of Ahi Tuna from Costco

Costco offers fresh or flash frozen sashimi grade ahi tuna fillets or steaks. This means the tuna is safe to eat raw if desired. The ahi tuna sold at Costco is nicely firm, rich in color, and has beautiful marbling.

When thawed and cooked, the texture should be buttery smooth and moist. The flavor is mildly sweet with savory umami notes. It has a meatier, more substantial mouthfeel compared to white fishes.

This premium tuna is perfect for searing grilling broiling, or enjoying raw in poke bowls and sushi. The key is using the right techniques to avoid overcooking this delicate fish.

How to Choose Ahi Tuna at Costco

When selecting ahi tuna steaks or fillets at Costco, look for the following qualities:

• Bright, deep red color with white marbling
• Firm, springy texture when pressed
• Moist, shiny surface, no drying or dullness
• Fresh, clean sea smell, no strong or fishy odor
• Frozen product should show no signs of freezer burn

Make sure the tuna is sushi-grade and was previously frozen to kill any risks of parasites. Also check the sell-by date and pick the freshest option.

Preparing Ahi Tuna for Cooking

Proper prep is key to cooking Costco’s ahi tuna perfectly. Here are some tips:

• Thaw frozen tuna in the fridge overnight if using frozen. Don’t thaw at room temp.

• Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

• Trim off any brown edges or undesirable parts.

• Cut into portions if desired, usually 4-6 oz per serving.

• Season simply with salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, etc. Don’t overpower the flavor.

• Apply marinades lightly if using and allow to sit 15-30 minutes.

With these prep steps, your tuna will be grill, sear, or broil ready.

Grilling Ahi Tuna Steaks

Grilling brings out a lovely charred flavor in ahi tuna. To grill Costco tuna steaks:

• Prep tuna as directed above

• Heat clean grill to high heat

• Oil grates to prevent sticking

• Cook tuna 2-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and doneness

• Resist urge to flip constantly; only flip once

• Remove tuna when center is still translucent and pink

• Let rest 5 minutes before slicing against the grain

Watch closely to avoid overcooking. Enjoy as-is, in tacos, over salad, with rice, etc.

Pan Searing Ahi Tuna Fillets

Searing in a hot skillet creates a delicious crust while keeping the interior tender. To sear Costco tuna fillets:

• Pat fillets dry and season simply

• Heat oil in a stainless steel or cast iron skillet over high heat

• Place tuna in the skillet and sear 30 seconds up to 2 minutes per side

• Resist flipping constantly; flip only once

• Remove when exterior is browned but interior is still reddish-pink

• Let rest before serving with avocado, on arugula, etc.

Broiling Ahi Tuna Steaks

For easy oven cooking, broiling Costco tuna steaks is fast and flavorful.

• Prep tuna and line a sheet pan with foil

• Place tuna on pan; season with salt, pepper, garlic, chili flakes, etc.

• Set oven to high broil and position rack 6 inches from heating element

• Broil tuna 6-8 minutes total, flipping halfway

• Check frequently to avoid overcooking

• Remove when outside is browned but inside is still pinkish

• Let rest before slicing into juicy medallions

Broiled ahi tuna pairs nicely with roasted veggies or quinoa pilaf.

Air Frying Ahi Tuna Steaks

For a healthy and quick option, air frying Costco’s tuna steaks is easy.

• Pat steaks dry and coat lightly in sesame oil

• Sprinkle with sesame seeds, salt, and pepper

• Set air fryer to 400F and preheat 5 minutes

• Cook tuna in air fryer basket for 5-7 minutes, flipping once

• Check frequently for doneness; remove when exterior is browned but interior is still reddish-pink

• Allow to rest before slicing; serve with rice and vegetables

How to Know When Ahi Tuna is Done

It can be tricky knowing when ahi tuna is cooked perfectly without overdoing it. Watch for these signs of doneness based on your preferred preparation:

• Rare – Deep red throughout when sliced. Soft, velvety texture.

• Medium Rare – Red center with pink surrounding ring. Buttery, moist texture.

• Medium – Warm, pink center with thin cooked outer ring. Firmer but still juicy inside.

• Medium Well – Thin band of pink in center. Dense, flaky texture.

• Well Done – Uniform light brown color. Very firm and dry texture.

Always err on the side of undercooked when dealing with expensive cuts like ahi tuna. You can always cook it a bit more if needed.

Serving Suggestions for Cooked Ahi Tuna

Costco’s ahi tuna tastes amazing when cooked properly. Here are some stellar ways to serve it:

• In poke bowls with rice, veggies, avocado, and spicy mayo

• Sliced over a salad with ginger dressing

• In lettuce wraps or tacos with jalapeño and cilantro

• On toasted bread or crackers for elegant appetizers

• Alongside soba noodles and sesame-crusted vegetables

• In rice paper rolls with mint, vermicelli, and nuoc cham dipping sauce

• Over quinoa tabbouleh salad with lemon and feta

However you choose to serve it, be sure to enjoy your Costco ahi tuna within a day or two of purchasing for ultimate freshness and flavor. Cooked properly and served creatively, this reasonably priced tuna becomes a gourmet delight.