Smoked Tuna on a Traeger

Keep your can opener in the draw for this delicious dish! My Traeger smoked Albacore tuna recipe is absolutely DELCIOUS! It is super simple and easy to throw together for weeknight meals, cookouts or even to impress at a dinner party

What to Expect When Smoking a Tuna Steak

If you haven’t had the chance to eat a tuna fish steak you are in for a treat! Or perhaps you’ve become addicted to smoking fresh fish and wanted a complete guide.

Time to throw out the canned tuna and smoke the perfect tuna steak! Below are some of the reasons I enjoy smoking tuna at home.

• Great way to add more flavor to fish without overwleming the natural flavor
• Super simple way of cooking, you can brine, place in the smoker and its done!
• Smoking is a traditional method to cook and preserve fish
• A great way to ‘jazz’ simple ingredients

What You Need for Traeger Smoked Tuna

Tuna Fillets

Sesame Oil

Hot Sauce

Kosher Salt

Brown Sugar

Orange

Lemon

How to Smoke Tuna on Your Traeger

Step 1: Curing the Tuna Steaks

In a large ziplock bag, add tuna along with all the curing ingredients. Massage to combine.

Place in refrigerator to brine for 6 hours. Remove the fillets from the brine and rinse thoroughly under cool water. Pat dry and place on a greased wire rack set over a baking sheet. Return the fillets on the rack to the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes.

Step 2: Smoking the Tuna

Set the smoker to 180˚F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

Remove the fillets from the refrigerator and place directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 3 hours at 180F. 

Baste every 30 min, then increase the grill temperature to 225˚F.

Continue cooking until the fish has developed a light brown color and flakes easily when nudged with a fork, about 30-60 minutes more, then remove from the smoker

Step 3: Steaming the Vegetables

If you want to serve with the Asian green you should start this part when the tuna is at an internal temp of 130°F

– Set up your steamer or start boiling water, wash the veg with cold tap water. Cut into even pieces that are long and thin.

Place the veg in the steamer, cut a small chunk of fresh ginger and mix it into soy sauce. Pour over the veg when they are completely wiltered and steamed.

Step 4: Serve

Plate up the tuna and veg (or your chosen side) garnish the sesame seeds and seaweed over your fish

What Temperature to Smoke Tuna At On a Traeger

Smoke the tuna fillets low and slow with indirect heat at 200°F. Giving time for the smoke to completely infuse through the fish.

What Is the Cooking Time for Smoking Tuna?

At 200°F the delicious tuna will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This of course depends on the thickness and getting the right internal temperature.

What Internal Temperature Does the Smoked Tuna Need to Be?

The internal temperature for perfectly done tuna is 145°F. You want to be very careful it doesn’t go over and dry out. At 145°F the tuna meat will be slightly rare and the best way to enjoy it.

How to Accurately Monitor the Internal Temp When Smoking Tuna

A calibrated and reliable meat thermometer is what you need, it is the safest method for monitoring internal temperature.

A Traeger Pellet Grill comes with probes that feed directly into the display. Some of the fancier smokers in the Traeger range come with a wireless connection. This means you can accurately monitor the internal temp on your phone remotely! Just insert the probe into the middle and thickest part of the tuna steaks.

Choose the Right Wood Pellets for Your Traeger Smoked Tuna

A lighter smoke from fruitwood is preferred for this recipe but tuna can take on even the strongest of smoke. So go for the flavors you like best.

Our Choice of Fish Is Tuna – But Get Creative!

Our recipe is focusing on tuna but substitutes as needed!

Prefer ocean trout or a delicious fillet of mackerel?

This blend of flavors will complement any fresh fish!

What to Serve With Our Tuna Recipe?

I am doing a simple side of Asian steamed vegetables with a touch of soy and ginger. However you can serve this smoked tuna with all sorts of sides, here are some of our favorites

Smoked Zucchini

Mash Potatoes

Grilled Corn

How to Store Hot Smoked Tuna

To properly store hot smoked tuna and maintain its freshness, follow these steps:

1. Allow the hot smoked tuna to cool down to room temperature before storing.
2. Wrap the tuna tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air exposure.
3. Place the wrapped tuna in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
4. Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
5. Store the hot smoked tuna in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
6. If you want to store it for a longer period, place the wrapped tuna in the freezer. It can last for up to 3 months when properly frozen.

Want More Easy And Delicious Recipes?

Here are some of my favorite Traeger recipes you can try at home.

Smoked Garlic

Seared and Smoked Filet Mignon

Pulled Pork

Smoked Brisket

Smoke On!

Charlie

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