If you like sashimi, then you’ll love Albacore Tuna Bowl (びんちょう鮪の漬け丼). Have you ever enjoyed albacore tuna in sashimi or sushi dishes? It is so delicious, despite the misconception about its quality since albacore is used in canned tuna. I love that albacore sashimi has a mild flavor and tender texture. It’s also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, more so than other tuna species. Also, did you know that Pacific albacore tuna (びんちょうマグロ) that is troll-caught or pole-caught is environmentally sustainable? Albacore Tuna Bowl is very easy to prepare! For this dish, I use MSC Certified sashimi-grade albacore tuna that’s vacuum-sealed. Simply defrost in the refrigerator for about 5–6 hours and it’s ready to enjoy. I season this rice bowl dish with soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sesame oil—the signature Japanese condiments. The meal is simple yet it makes a quick special treat for the family at the end of a long day. Please enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

sashimi-grade albacore tuna soy sauce, mirin, sake, and toasted sesame oil — for the sauce to marinate the tuna Japanese short-grain rice — cooked in advance; see how with a rice cooker, pot over the stove, Instant Pot, or donabe shredded nori seaweed (kizami nori) toasted white sesame seeds green onion/scallion shiso leaves (perilla/ooba) ginger wasabi — optional

How to Make Albacore Tuna Bowl

Substitutions and Variations

It’s so easy to customize this tuna bowl as you like!

Add fresh veggies like avocado and cucumbers cut into cubes or slices. See my Poke Bowl recipe for more ideas. Sprinkle on furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) instead of shredded nori seaweed. Customize your condiments and toppings. Drizzle on spicy mayo made with sriracha and mayonnaise. Instead of shiso, scatter on some chopped cilantro. Serve on seasoned sushi rice instead of hot steamed rice. See my tutorial How to Make Sushi Rice to learn how to season it with rice vinegar, sea salt, and sugar. Substitute other sushi-grade fish like salmon, yellowtail, and ahi. Switch up the seasonings in the marinating sauce. For a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. Instead of Japanese soy sauce, use tamari. Instead of rice wine vinegar, try a little lemon juice or lime juice with a touch of sweetener like sugar or honey, to taste.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

Garlic Soy Marinated Albacore Poke Bowl Ahi Tuna Poke Salmon Sashimi Bowl Miso-Marinated Hamachi Bowl

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