Best Methods to Cook Marinated Salmon and Tuna: Expert Tips from Chef Kory Foltz
Marinating delicate fish like salmon and tuna adds depth to their natural flavors, but cooking them properly ensures the marinade enhances rather than overwhelms.
Chef Kory Foltz, executive chef at the Sunseeker Resort, shares his expertise on how to achieve the perfect texture and taste for these two popular seafood options.
Tuna: High Heat for Quick Perfection
Chef Foltz recommends high heat for tuna to preserve its texture and flavor. “For tuna, it should be a quick, high-heat application,” he says.
Grilling or pan-searing are his top methods for creating a golden crust while maintaining the tender interior.
However, the marinade plays a critical role. If it contains a lot of sugar, ensure it does not burn by keeping cooking times brief and temperatures controlled.
For those who prefer their tuna well-done, mayonnaise can be a game-changer. A thin layer of mayo on the marinated tuna acts as an insulator, locking in moisture and preventing the fish from drying out while it cooks.
Salmon: A Balanced Approach
Though salmon shares a similar texture with tuna, its higher fat content allows for longer cooking times. “I prefer a nice crust on my salmon, so high heat and then finish over medium heat,” Chef Foltz advises.
Grilling, roasting, or pan-searing are ideal methods for achieving a flavorful exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender.
To prevent sticking during cooking, Chef Foltz recommends incorporating oil into the marinade and applying extra oil to the cooking surface. This ensures the natural fats in the salmon render beautifully, creating a rich, juicy bite with a perfectly seared crust.
Why Different Techniques Matter
The key difference between salmon and tuna lies in their fat content. Salmon’s higher fat content allows it to remain moist under longer cooking times, while tuna’s leaner profile requires quick, high-heat methods to avoid dryness.
Using the right technique ensures each fish is cooked to perfection, with textures and flavors that honor their natural qualities.
Following these expert tips can elevate your seafood dishes, ensuring both marinated salmon and tuna shine on the plate.
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