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What is Ahi?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Ahi is a form of tuna derived from either the yellowfin or bigeye tuna. It is frequently caught in warm Pacific waters and sold fresh. It is found in great numbers in both Hawaii and off the Pacific Coast of Mexico and Southern California.

This type of tuna is tremendously popular in sashimi, which is sushi containing raw fish. However, some ahi may not be good enough quality for sashimi, because especially the yellowfin can swim close to the surface of the water, causing the skin to burn. The resulting “burned” fish remains acceptable for cooked dishes, but most sushi chefs will reject it for use in sashimi.

Most tuna caught for commercial use are netted.
Most tuna caught for commercial use are netted.

Yellowfin ahi is particularly popular in sport fishing because the fish can be relatively large. They are sometimes also called cow tuna, but that is a bit of an exaggeration. There are, however, records of some ahi weighing over 200 pounds (90.71 kg). Bigeye tuna can also weigh up to 200 pounds, though average weight tends to be around 20 pounds (9.07 kg).

Ahi tuna flesh ranges from pink to dark red.
Ahi tuna flesh ranges from pink to dark red.

The flesh of ahi ranges from pink to deep red. Larger fish tend to have a deeper color. Larger fish also are higher in fat, which from a gourmet standpoint is preferable. In addition to its use for sashimi, many enjoy grilling or poaching the loin or fillets. Usually, 50% of a medium sized fish will yield fillet cuts.

Bigeye tuna as a source of ahi is generally preferable if the tuna must be shipped. It has a slightly longer shelf life than yellowfin tuna, so stays fresher longer. If one doesn’t live in an area where the fish frequents, many companies can ship the fish overnight, so it still remains fresh.

Ahi tuna and other types of tuna can contain relatively high levels of mercury.
Ahi tuna and other types of tuna can contain relatively high levels of mercury.

Bigeye tuna is a little less available than yellowfin, because bigeyes tend to swim very deep, often evading even the most practiced commercial fisherman. Both types of ahi tend to be fished in specific seasons and are most prevalent in October through April. Highly commercialized fishing has led to more catches of both types out of season, and these fish are still considered excellent for consumption.

Ahi tuna is often used to make sushi.
Ahi tuna is often used to make sushi.

Though most fish were once considered to be the best of health foods, scientists have become increasingly concerned about high levels of mercury contained in fish like ahi. Most health experts now recommend consuming fish no more than once weekly, and recommend even less for children and for pregnant women, as they are the most susceptible to mercury poisoning.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments

babylove

@Sierra02 - I am a huge fan of seared ahi tuna myself but I have never tried to cook it at home. You got my curiosity up so I decided to do an Internet search and this is the closest thing I could find to it.

Two teaspoons of five-spice powder available at most grocers on the spice aisle.

One-half teaspoon of wasabi paste

One tablespoon of rice vinegar

One tablespoon of soy sauce

Three tablespoons of olive oil

Salt and pepper

Combine all the ingredients together and then chill until you're ready to serve. Like Kernel Sanders eleven herbs and spices, it must be a close guarded secret. Let us know how well it turns out.

Sierra02

My husband is infatuated with Outback's Seared Ahi Tuna appetizer. I swear he must eat it at least once a week. It's very convenient since we live just around the corner from them, but it does get quite expensive eating out all the time.

I have priced fresh ahi at our local seafood market and the cost is pretty reasonable, but now the question is how do I get that same great Outback taste?

I'm specifically wanting their ahi sauce recipe. I think I can manage the flavors for the fish and will have no problem with pan searing it.

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    • Most tuna caught for commercial use are netted.
      By: B. Wylezich
      Most tuna caught for commercial use are netted.
    • Ahi tuna flesh ranges from pink to dark red.
      By: Kondor83
      Ahi tuna flesh ranges from pink to dark red.
    • Ahi tuna and other types of tuna can contain relatively high levels of mercury.
      By: bit24
      Ahi tuna and other types of tuna can contain relatively high levels of mercury.
    • Ahi tuna is often used to make sushi.
      By: T.Tulik
      Ahi tuna is often used to make sushi.
    • Pregnant women should limit their consumption of raw fish in order to reduce the risk of mercury poisoning.
      By: Halfpoint
      Pregnant women should limit their consumption of raw fish in order to reduce the risk of mercury poisoning.