Conserved Tuna

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh tuna (albacore or yellowfin), cut 1 to 2 inches thick
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons sliced garlic
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 piece lemon peel (about 3/4 inch by 2 inches)
  • 1 cup olive oil, plus more if necessary

Instructions

  1. 1. Trim any skin, bones or dark blood spots from the tuna and discard. Cut the tuna into large cubes (at least 1 inch) and place them in a 1-quart saucepan. Add the salt, red pepper flakes, garlic and a pinch of black pepper and stir gently to distribute seasonings evenly. Arrange the tuna snugly in the pan so you won't need to use too much additional oil. Add the bay leaf and lemon peel and pour over enough olive oil to just barely cover the fish. It will be about 1 cup, though you may need a little more for topping off.
  2. 2. Place the saucepan over very low heat and cook until the tuna just begins to flake, about 15 minutes. The oil may get hot enough that a few bubbles rise from the bottom, but it should not simmer. The top temperature shouldn't exceed 160 degrees.
  3. 3. Cool the tuna to warm room temperature in the oil before transferring to a container for storage in the refrigerator. If you're going to use the tuna the same day, refrigeration is not necessary. The tuna will keep, tightly sealed and refrigerated, for at least a week, but not more than 10 days. Warm to room temperature before using.
  4. Each quarter-cup serving: 125 calories; 13 grams protein; 1 gram carbohydrate; 0 fiber; 7 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 26 mg. cholesterol; 312 mg. sodium.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

489 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.1g 24% DV
Total Fat 32.5g 42% DV
Carbs 50.7g 18% DV
Fiber 16.7g 60% DV
Sugar 3.2g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 9901mg 100% DV
Potassium 630mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 9mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 131.5mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 75.9mg 84% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 371.8mg 29% DV
Iron 14.9mg 83% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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