Tuna Tartar is loaded with delicious cubes of raw, sashimi-grade tuna that has been lightly seasoned. The tuna is placed atop creamy avocado for a flavor combo that’s out of this world.

It is high in protein, low in calories and makes for a delicious hors d’oeuvre or snack.
Table of Contents
What is Tuna Tartare?
Tuna tartar is prepared using raw sashimi-grade tuna fish. The tuna is delicately sliced into bite-size cubes and seasoned with soy sauce and herbs. Tartar is popularly eaten as an appetizer, served with crackers or toast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sashimi-grade Tuna: The fish should have a deep red color and a fresh smell.
- Sesame Seeds: This simple ingredient is used as a garnish and adds texture to your tartare. You can use black or white sesame seeds.
- Green Onions: Substitute with chives if needed.
- Lemon: It’s used to season your avocado while the zest adds flavor to the salmon.
- Soy Sauce: It adds a burst of umami flavor to this dish. Substitute with Worcestershire sauce if needed.
- Avocado: Raw fish and avocado are a winning combination. Use an avocado that’s ripe, but still firm.
- Salt & Pepper
- Optional Jalapeno & Cilantro

How to Make Tuna Tartare
- In a medium mixing bowl, add diced tuna, toasted sesame seeds, green onions, lemon zest, and soy sauce. Mix well. Taste one piece of tuna and add more seasonings if needed.
- Cut the avocado and mash it with a fork until it’s slightly chunky.
- Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, optional jalapeno, and cilantro. Mix until combined.
- Taste test and add more salt if needed.
- Place a food ring mold on a plate. You can also make one at home with a plastic bottle.
- Add the avocado mixture at the bottom. Then add the tuna mixture on top. Gently pressing down to make sure there are no gaps.
- Lift and remove the mold gently. Garnish with more sesame seeds and cilantro.

How Long Does Tuna Tartare Keep?
It’s best to eat them right away so you can enjoy it at its freshest.
If there are leftovers, try to consume them the following day. Beyond that, the texture becomes unpleasant and you lose the fresh taste that makes tartare so delicious.
What to Serve with Tuna Tartare?
This dish is often served as an appetizer. You can spread it on top of crackers or lightly toasted bread. It also makes a delicious protein in a salad and can be served on top of a bed of white rice.
How to Make Spicy Tuna Tartare
Simply add sriracha for a spicy version of this tuna tartar.
Is Tuna Tartare Healthy?
Tuna tartare is a relatively healthy dish due to its high protein content. Tuna is a huge source of vitamins and healthy fats, as well as enzymes that promote healthy digestion. Combined with an avocado, tuna tartare is fresh and low in calories while being paleo and keto-friendly.
Tuna Tartar Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz sushi-grade tuna
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 3 green onions finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 avocado ripe
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- optional jalapeno and cilantro
Instructions
- Cut the tuna into 1/3-inch cubes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add diced tuna, toasted sesame seeds, green onions, lemon zest, and soy sauce. Mix well. Taste one piece of tuna and add more seasonings if needed.
- Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
- Scoop into a mixing bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork until it’s slightly chunky.
- Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, optional jalapeno, and cilantro. Mix until combined.
- Taste test and add more salt if needed.
- Place a food ring mold on a plate. You can also make one at home with a plastic bottle.
- Add the avocado mixture at the bottom. Then add the tuna mixture on top. Gently pressing down to make sure there are no gaps. (You can also use a ramekin to shape your tartar. You’ll need to fill it with the tuna mixture and avocado mix. Then reverse it into the serving plate.)
- Lift and remove the mold gently. Garnish with more sesame seeds and cilantro. Serve the tuna tartare immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to buy sushi-grade tuna for this recipe.
- Don’t mix your tuna with the other ingredients until just before serving.
- You’ll need to use a food ring mold to make your tartare into a cake shape. Remember to press everything gently so that there are no gaps in your tartare.
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