How to cook Tuna Salpicao

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Tuna Salpicao is a delicious and healthy Filipino dish featuring seared tuna cubes coated in a savory garlic sauce.

Prep Time15

Cook Time8

Total Time23

Course: Fish Recipe

Cuisine: Filipino

Keyword: Filipino recipe, panlasang pinoy, salpicao, tuna salpicao

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 124kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

1 kilo yellow fin tuna belly or steaks cut into cut into cubes
1 Tbsp. garlic minced
2 Tbsp. liquid seasoning
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
3 Tbsp. oyster sauce
2 tsp. peppercorns cracked
1 tsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. calamansi juice
3 cloves garlic chopped
5 Tbsp. unsalted butter
salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp. cooking oil

Instructions

How to cook Tuna Salpicao:

Combine minced garlic, liquid seasoning, soy sauce, peppercorns, paprika, calamansi juice in a bowl and mix until the ingredients are dissolved.
Add in the tuna, stir until the tuna are coated with the marinade. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
In a medium size skillet, heat oil and saute the chopped garlic until fragrant. Remove the garlic from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan or skillet with the heated oil, fry the tuna cubes and stir for no more than 5 minutes until the all the sides are completely seared. Then remove from pan, drain and set aside. Remove excess oil from the pan and leave about 1 tablespoon of oil.
In the same pan, put butter, oyster sauce and about half a cup of water. Bring to a boil until the butter is dissolved for about a minute.
Add in the fried tuna cubes and garlic and stir until it is well coated with the sauce for about 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Choose the Right Cut of Tuna

Opt for fresh tuna steak or belly for the best texture and flavor. These cuts are firm enough to hold their shape during cooking and absorb the marinade well. Avoid overcooking to ensure the fish remains tender and moist.

Marinate for Just the Right Amount of Time

Tuna absorbs flavors quickly, so a short 15-minute marination is all you need. Over-marinating can break down the delicate flesh of the fish, resulting in a mushy texture. Keep the marinade balanced with soy sauce, calamansi, and spices for a flavorful yet light coating.

Cook at High Heat for a Perfect Sear

Use medium-high heat to quickly sear the tuna cubes on all sides. This technique locks in the juices while giving the fish a golden, caramelized crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can lower the heat and prevent the proper searing needed for maximum flavor.