DIY: Flaking Tuna

All fully cooked fish flakes. Unlike other proteins, tuna flesh has little connective tissue, so it separates along its natural seems effortlessly. Any variety of tuna steak -- yellowfin, albacore and bluefin, for example -- work in any flaked preparation. Canned tuna undergoes high-pressure cooking that heats the flesh at around 250 degrees Fahrenheit, which alters its texture. Bulk tuna, or canned varieties that don't have a species on the label, cooked at that temperature tends to mash and tear instead of flake. For flaked canned tuna, use a quality white-albacore variety for meaty chunks that have a firm texture.

Things You'll Need

  • Forks
  • Large platter
  • Paper towels

Instructions

  1. Cook the tuna steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F and the flesh is opaque throughout. You can use any cooking method; steaming, pan-frying and roasting all work.

  2. Let the tuna cool for a few minutes. Place the tuna steak in the center of a large plate or platter.

  3. Insert two dinner forks in the steak and gently twist them to separate the flesh. The tuna will separate into 1/2- to 1-inch chunks; pull the chunks apart using the forks to break them down to the desired size.

Canned

  1. Drain the canned tuna in a colander. If you want to rinse the salty brine off, run cold water over it for a few seconds and let it drain.

  2. Transfer the tuna to a bowl or platter. Separate the tuna it chunks with your fingers; it will come apart with little effort.

  3. Continue pulling the chunks apart until they reach the desired size. Pat the tuna with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, if desired.

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