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Bigeye Tuna
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Bigeye Tuna

Thunnus obesus

Clinical Encyclopedia

Bigeye tuna is a highly sought-after fish known for its rich flavor and high omega-3 fatty acid content, making it a popular choice in sushi and sashimi dishes.

Scientific NameThunnus obesus
Region of OriginPacific and Atlantic Oceans
Popular Comparisons:
Bigeye Tuna VS Alaska Plaice FilletBigeye Tuna VS Albacore TunaBigeye Tuna VS Albacore White TunaBigeye Tuna VS Albacore White Tuna LoinBigeye Tuna VS Amberjack Yellowtail FilletBigeye Tuna VS American Plaice

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories144 kcal
Water
70%
Fiber0g
Total31.9g
Protein
30.7g(96%)
Fats
1.2g(4%)
Carbohydrates
0g(0%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Health Benefits

✓Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and reducing inflammation.
✓High protein content supports muscle growth and repair, making it ideal for athletes and active individuals.
✓Contains important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 and selenium, which are crucial for energy metabolism and antioxidant defense.
✓Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!High mercury levels in large fish like bigeye tuna can pose health risks, especially for pregnant women and young children.
!Overconsumption may lead to sustainability concerns due to overfishing.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best enjoyed raw in sushi or sashimi, or grilled to enhance its natural flavors. Avoid overcooking to preserve moisture and texture.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose bigeye tuna with a bright, shiny surface and a fresh ocean smell. The flesh should be firm and resilient to touch.

How to Store

Store bigeye tuna in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days of purchase. If freezing, wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Myths vs Realities

MythEating raw fish is always unsafe.+
RealityWhen sourced from reputable suppliers and handled properly, raw fish like bigeye tuna can be safe to eat.
MythAll tuna is high in mercury.+
RealityWhile larger species like bigeye tuna can have higher mercury levels, smaller species generally have lower levels.
MythTuna is not a sustainable seafood choice.+
RealitySustainable fishing practices are being implemented for tuna, and consumers can choose certified sustainable options.

Healthy Recipes

Grilled Bigeye Tuna Steak with Avocado Salsa

This dish features a perfectly grilled Bigeye Tuna steak topped with a refreshing avocado salsa, making it a light yet satisfying meal rich in healthy fats.

Ingredients
  • 2 Bigeye Tuna steaks (6 oz each)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the tuna steaks with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  2. 2. Grill the tuna for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, then remove from heat.
  3. 3. In a bowl, combine the avocado, tomato, red onion, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Serve the salsa over the grilled tuna.

Bigeye Tuna Poke Bowl

A vibrant poke bowl featuring marinated Bigeye Tuna served over brown rice and topped with fresh vegetables, providing a nutritious and colorful meal.

Ingredients
  • 8 oz Bigeye Tuna, cubed
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 carrot, julienned
  • 1 radish, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, then add the cubed tuna and marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. 2. In a serving bowl, layer the cooked brown rice, marinated tuna, cucumber, carrot, and radish.
  3. 3. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Bigeye Tuna Salad with Quinoa and Spinach

A nutritious salad combining Bigeye Tuna, quinoa, and fresh spinach, drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a healthy lunch option.

Ingredients
  • 1 can (5 oz) Bigeye Tuna, drained
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
  2. 2. Add the drained tuna to the salad, then whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. 3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, toss gently, and serve.

Bigeye Tuna Tacos with Mango Salsa

Delicious Bigeye Tuna tacos topped with a sweet and spicy mango salsa, perfect for a healthy twist on taco night.

Ingredients
  • 8 oz Bigeye Tuna, diced
  • 4 corn tortillas
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine the mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt to create the salsa.
  2. 2. Sear the diced tuna in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes until just cooked, then remove from heat.
  3. 3. Warm the corn tortillas, fill them with the seared tuna, and top with mango salsa and cilantro.

Bigeye Tuna and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring Bigeye Tuna and a medley of colorful vegetables, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
  • 8 oz Bigeye Tuna, sliced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add ginger and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add the sliced vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. 3. Add the tuna and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tuna is just cooked through.

Bigeye Tuna Ceviche with Lime and Cilantro

A refreshing ceviche made with fresh Bigeye Tuna, marinated in lime juice and mixed with cilantro, perfect as an appetizer or light meal.

Ingredients
  • 8 oz Bigeye Tuna, diced
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine the diced tuna with lime juice, ensuring the tuna is fully submerged.
  2. 2. Add red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and salt, mixing well.
  3. 3. Let the ceviche marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Bigeye Tuna and Chickpea Salad

A hearty salad combining protein-rich chickpeas and Bigeye Tuna, tossed with fresh herbs and a lemony dressing for a filling meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 can (5 oz) Bigeye Tuna, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, drained tuna, parsley, and red onion.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Bigeye Tuna Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of Bigeye Tuna, brown rice, and spices, baked to perfection for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 large bell peppers, halved
  • 1 can (5 oz) Bigeye Tuna, drained
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix the tuna, brown rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the tuna mixture, top with cheese if desired, and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Bigeye Tuna Sushi Rolls

Homemade sushi rolls featuring fresh Bigeye Tuna, avocado, and cucumber, perfect for a healthy and fun meal at home.

Ingredients
  • 8 oz Bigeye Tuna, sliced into strips
  • 2 cups sushi rice, cooked
  • 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • Soy sauce for dipping
  • Wasabi (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1. Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat, spread a thin layer of sushi rice over it, leaving a border at the top.
  2. 2. Arrange strips of tuna, avocado, and cucumber in the center of the rice.
  3. 3. Roll the sushi tightly using the mat, then slice into bite-sized pieces and serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

Bigeye Tuna and Sweet Potato Cakes

Savory cakes made with Bigeye Tuna and sweet potatoes, pan-fried until golden brown for a nutritious snack or appetizer.

Ingredients
  • 1 can (5 oz) Bigeye Tuna, drained
  • 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine the tuna, mashed sweet potato, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Form the mixture into patties and heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. 3. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to cook bigeye tuna?

Bigeye tuna is best cooked quickly over high heat to maintain its moisture and flavor. Grilling or searing is recommended.

Is bigeye tuna safe to eat raw?

Yes, bigeye tuna is commonly consumed raw in sushi and sashimi, but ensure it is sourced from reputable suppliers to minimize the risk of parasites.

How often can I eat bigeye tuna?

Due to its mercury content, it is advisable to limit consumption to once a week, especially for pregnant women and children.

What are the health benefits of eating bigeye tuna?

Bigeye tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, and is an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins.

Can bigeye tuna be frozen?

Yes, bigeye tuna can be frozen for up to three months. Ensure it is wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.

What is the difference between bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna?

Bigeye tuna has a higher fat content and is generally considered richer in flavor compared to yellowfin tuna.

How do I know if bigeye tuna is fresh?

Fresh bigeye tuna should have a bright color, a clean ocean smell, and firm texture. Avoid fish with a dull appearance or strong fishy odor.

What is the nutritional value of bigeye tuna?

Bigeye tuna is high in protein, low in fat, and contains essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a balanced diet.

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Comparisons
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Nutrients
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Featured Guides
Health Benefits of Bigeye Tuna Healthy Recipes with Bigeye Tuna