Yellowtail Fish Vs Tuna: The Ultimate Comparison (Include Tips, How To)

Are you a seafood lover looking to add some variety to your meals? Yellowtail Fish and Tuna are two popular choices that offer unique flavor profiles and nutritional benefits. However, choosing between the two can be challenging for some home cooks.

Overview

Yellowtail Fish

Yellowtail is a type of saltwater fish that belongs to the taxonomic genus Seriola.

The fish is commonly referred to as Seriola quinqueradiata. It is a member of the Carangidae family, which includes other fish such as jack, pompano, scad, trevally, and look down.

The scientific name of the yellowtail is Seriola dorsalis (lalandi), and it has an elongated fusiform body shape with a deep forking yellow tail.

Yellowtail fish are found in different regions around the world, including California, Japan, and other parts of the Pacific Ocean. They are a popular game fish in California and are also farmed in Japan for sushi. 

Tuna

Tuna is a type of saltwater fish that belongs to the taxonomic genus Thunnus.

Tunas are related to mackerels and are placed with them in the family Scombridae. There are seven species of tuna, and they vary considerably both within and among species.

Tunas are found in different regions around the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are of great commercial value as food and are often used in sushi. The scientific name for the bluefin tuna, one of the most popular species, is Thunnus thynnus.

Tunas are known for their streamlined body shape, forked tail, and ability to swim at high speeds. They are often migratory and can be found in both warm and cold waters.

Comparison

Appearance

Yellowtail fish, also known as Hamachi, has a torpedo-shaped body that is narrow in the front and wider towards the tail. Its skin is silvery-white and may have yellow hues around the belly, which is where it gets its name from.

Yellowtail has a single dorsal fin and a long anal fin, which extends almost to the tail.

Tuna, on the other hand, has a more streamlined body with a pointed head. Its skin is dark blue on top and silver on the bottom, and it has two dorsal fins and a small anal fin.

Unlike Yellowtails, Tuna has a muscular tail fin, which helps it swim long distances.

Taste and Flavor Profile

Yellowtail Fish and Tuna are both delicious seafood options, but they differ in taste and flavor.

Yellowtail Fish has a rich, buttery flavor with a mild sweetness. It has a firm texture that flakily falls apart when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, broiling or baking.

Some people compare its flavor to that of salmon, while others find it milder.

On the other hand, Tuna has a meaty flavor that’s often described as slightly sweet with a subtle bitterness. It has a firm, dense texture and is commonly used for sushi and sashimi.

Yellowtail tends to be more oily, while Tuna is leaner. Yellowtail also has a buttery texture with a mild flavor, while Tuna has a meatier texture with a stronger flavor.

When it comes to cooking, both Yellowtail Fish and Tuna have distinct flavors. While Yellowtail Fish is great for grilling and baking, Tuna is best eaten raw or cooked briefly over high heat to preserve its flavor and texture.

Size and Weight

Some notable differences between Yellowtail and Tuna are their size and weight.

Yellowtail is typically smaller, reaching about 3 feet in length and weighing around 40 pounds, while Tuna can grow much larger, with some species reaching over 10 feet in length and weighing up to 1,500 pounds.

Comparison Table

Fish Type	Body Shape	Skin Color	Flesh Texture	Flesh Flavor	Size and Weight
Yellowtail	Torpedo-shaped, narrow in front and wider towards tail	Torpedo-shaped, narrow in front and wider towards the tail	Firm and oily	Buttery, mild	Up to 3 feet, weighing around 40 pounds
Tuna	Streamlined body with pointed head	Dark blue on top, silver on bottom	Firm and lean	Meatier, stronger	Up to 10 feet or more, weighing up to 1,500 pounds

Tips for Buying Fresh Fish

Whether you’re shopping for Yellowtail Fish or Tuna, selecting the freshest catch is essential for achieving the best flavor and nutritional value. Here are some tips to help you choose your fish wisely:

Tips for Buying Yellowtail Fish:	Tips for Buying Tuna:
Look for clear, bright eyes that are slightly bulging and not sunken in. Fresh Yellowtail Fish should also have shiny and moist skin.	When buying whole Tuna, choose fish with bright red gills and firm, shiny flesh. Avoid Tuna with brown spots or a dull appearance.
Touch the fish – it should be firm to the touch and spring back when pressed gently. Soft or mushy flesh is a sign that the fish is not fresh.	If you are buying Tuna steaks, check for any signs of browning around the edges. This indicates that the Tuna is not fresh.
Smell the fish – it should have a fresh, sea-like aroma. If it smells overly fishy or sour, the fish is not fresh.	If you are buying pre-cut Tuna, inspect the color of the flesh. It should be a deep, vibrant red color.

When shopping for Yellowtail Fish or Tuna, it’s important to choose a reputable fishmonger who sources their fish responsibly and sustainably. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how the fish was caught and where it came from.

Popular Dishes and Recipe Suggestions

Yellowtail Fish

Recipe	Description
Grilled Yellowtail with Lemon and Garlic	This simple recipe lets the natural flavor of the fish shine through. Serve with a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal.
Yellowtail Sashimi with Soy Sauce and Wasabi	For a Japanese-style dish, try serving Yellowtail Fish raw with soy sauce and wasabi. This recipe is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
Yellowtail Ceviche	Ceviche is a refreshing and flavorful way to eat fish. Try this recipe with Yellowtail, lime juice, and cilantro for a zesty and delicious meal.

Tuna

Recipe	Description
Seared Tuna Steak	For a simple but delicious meal, try searing a Tuna steak and serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or rice. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Tuna Poke Bowl	Poke bowls are all the rage right now, and for good reason. This recipe combines fresh Tuna with rice, veggies, and a delicious sauce for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Tuna Salad Niçoise	This classic French salad is the perfect way to showcase the flavors of fresh Tuna. Serve with boiled potatoes, green beans, and a tangy vinaigrette for a delicious meal.

Tips

Cooking Both Fish Together

Combining Yellowtail Fish and Tuna in dishes can provide a tasty and nutritious meal.

1. Choose complementary flavors: When using both Yellowtail Fish and Tuna in a dish, try to pair them with complementary flavors. For example, Yellowtail Fish pairs well with citrus and acidic flavors, while Tuna goes well with soy sauce and wasabi.
2. Pay attention to cooking times: Since Yellowtail Fish and Tuna have different textures and cooking times, it’s important to cook them separately before combining them in a dish. This will help ensure that each fish is cooked to perfection.
3. Consider different cooking methods: Another way to combine Yellowtail Fish and Tuna is by using different cooking methods. For example, you could grill the Yellowtail Fish and sear the Tuna, then combine them in a sushi roll or poke bowl.
4. Experiment with recipes: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Yellowtail Fish and Tuna dishes. Try making a Yellowtail Fish and Tuna ceviche with a citrus marinade, or a grilled Yellowtail Fish and Tuna kabob with a teriyaki glaze.

Storing Fresh Fish

When buying fresh Yellowtail Fish or Tuna, it’s best to cook it as soon as possible.

However, if you need to store it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which is typically the bottom shelf or the back of the fridge.

Ensure the temperature is set at or below 40°F (4°C). Yellowtail Fish and Tuna can last in the fridge for up to two days if stored properly.

Freezing Fresh Fish

• First, rinse and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure there are no air pockets.
• Place the wrapped fish in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag and label it with the date.
• Store it in the coldest part of your freezer, which is typically at or below 0°F (-18°C).

Yellowtail Fish and Tuna can last in the freezer for up to six months if stored properly.