Tuna Head Adobo

Introduction

Adobo Tuna Head is a creative twist on the iconic Filipino adobo, showcasing the rich and flavorful tuna head as the star of the dish. Adobo, a slow-simmered stew of vinegar, soy sauce, and spices, is beloved for its comforting, savory, and tangy profile. The tuna head, with its tender meat and gelatinous parts, perfectly absorbs the bold flavors, creating a dish that’s both hearty and delicious.

This recipe celebrates the versatility of tuna head, an often-overlooked but incredibly flavorful cut. Whether you’re serving it with steaming hot rice or as a centerpiece for a family meal, Adobo Tuna Head is a dish that combines tradition, flavor, and resourcefulness.

Tuna Head Adobo

Recipe by Laica Lim

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

250-300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 large tuna head, cleaned and cut into halves

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup vinegar

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added umami)

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced

• 2-3 pieces dried bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1-2 pieces green chili (optional, for spice)

• 1 cup water

• Salt and sugar to taste

• Chopped scallions (for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the Tuna Head:
  Heat cooking oil in a large pan. Fry the tuna head until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Sauté the Aromatics:
  In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
• Add the Tuna Head and Adobo Base:
  Return the fried tuna head to the pan. Pour in the marinade (soy sauce, vinegar, and oyster sauce if using). Add water, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and ground black pepper.
• Simmer and Develop Flavors:
  Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, basting the tuna head occasionally with the sauce to enhance its flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning and Thicken the Sauce:
  Taste the sauce and adjust with salt or sugar as needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid.
• Add Green Chili (Optional):
  For a spicy kick, add green chili during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Serve:
  Transfer the tuna head to a serving dish. Drizzle the sauce over it and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Conclusion

Adobo Tuna Head is a flavorful reinvention of a Filipino classic, combining the bold, tangy, and savory flavors of adobo with the tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of tuna head. This dish is a testament to Filipino ingenuity, making the most of every part of the fish to create something truly extraordinary. Pair it with steamed rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and deeply comforting.

Things to Remember

1. Use fresh tuna head: Freshness ensures the dish is flavorful and free from unwanted odors.
2. Marinate for flavor: Allowing the tuna head to sit in the adobo base infuses it with bold flavors.
3. Simmer gently: Avoid boiling too vigorously to keep the fish intact and prevent overcooking.
4. Taste as you go: Adjust the balance of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar to suit your preference.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

• Do sear the tuna head for a deeper flavor before simmering.
• Do use fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic for the best results.
• Do reduce the sauce if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated flavor.

Don’ts:

• Don’t skip the ginger—it helps neutralize the fishy taste.
• Don’t stir the pot too much; the tuna head is delicate and can break apart.
• Don’t rush the simmering process—slow cooking allows the flavors to develop fully.

Reasons to Love This Dish

1. Rich and Bold Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatics creates an irresistible umami-packed dish.
2. Tender and Flavorful Tuna Head: The gelatinous texture and tender meat of the tuna head make this dish uniquely delicious.
3. A Filipino Classic, Reinvented: Adobo with tuna head is a creative spin on a beloved national dish, perfect for seafood lovers.

Why Is It Healthy?

• Protein-Rich: Tuna head is a great source of lean protein, promoting muscle health and energy.
• Packed with Omega-3s: The tuna’s gelatinous parts provide heart-healthy fats.
• Ginger and Garlic Benefits: These aromatics have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Low-Calorie Flavor: Despite its bold taste, the dish is naturally low in calories and free from heavy oils.

Why You Should Try It

Adobo Tuna Head is the ultimate comfort dish, marrying the bold flavors of adobo with the tender richness of tuna. It’s an easy, budget-friendly recipe that brings the heart of Filipino cuisine to your table. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will impress with its simplicity, flavor, and flair. Don’t let the tuna head intimidate you —embrace it and enjoy every delicious bite!