21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (2024)

Notice how canned tuna is almost always on the top 10 list of everyone’s most valuable pantry staples. Not only is tuna a cheap and convenient source of protein, it’s also SOOOO versatile. Canned tuna is also low in calories and fat and full of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. And thanks to TikTok, tinned fish is having a bit of a moment as one of the top food trends of 2023.

You can make everything from tuna sandwiches to tuna melts to tuna risotto and more. And after the icky news about fake sushi, you may even want to try your hand at making your own sushi stacks and sushi burgers at home too. Here are our favorite canned tuna recipes that are so tasty, they’ll make you look at the humble can or jar of tuna with new respect.

Harissa-Spiced Tomato, Kalamata Olive, and Tuna Pasta

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (1)

If you haven't tried pairing canned tuna with your favorite pasta dish, you're seriously missing out. We love this Fishwife recipe that leverages their smoked albacore tuna and a delicious array of Italian ingredients.

Sriracha Tuna Salad Wraps

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (2)

When you’re wracking your brain for what to do with canned tuna that will travel well to the office for lunch, don’t overlook the humble wrap. The Sriracha mayo is the star of this show — it really takes tuna salad to the next level. (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)

Tuna Stuffed Avocados

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (3)

Live Eat Learn

For a light and satisfying lunch, try remixing this vegan chickpea "tuna" salad recipe with your go-to canned tuna. This dish also makes a for perfect appetizer or side dish as you can stuff the avocados with a variety of fillings to delight your guests. (via Live Eat Learn)

Tuna “Sushi” Stacks

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (4) This isn’t really sushi, since the tuna isn’t raw, but it definitely curbs the sushi craving. Pro Tip: Tuna packed in pure olive oil holds the stack together well and gives everything a rich, fresh fish flavor. (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)

Spicy Tuna Fishcake With Cucumber Salad

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (5) This Thai take on the tuna fishcake packs a spicy punch. Big flavors of lemon grass, ginger and chili go — POW! — right in the taste buds. (via Krumpli)

Avocado Tuna Bagel Melts

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (6)

Wondering whatever happened to the open-faced bagel sammie? It’s still around, and looking yummier than ever thanks to this simple canned tuna recipe. Let’s be real — sometimes, you just NEED cheesy, carby, comfort foods right now. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Spicy Tuna Roll

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (7) If you have rice, nori sheets, canned tuna and mayo, you’ve got the fixin’s for spicy tuna sushi rolls. This is the recipe to have on hand during nighttime Netflix binges when the *hangries* come calling. (via Pickled Plum)

Albacore Buddha Bowls

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (8) This big bowl full of yum calls for leftovers you probably have in your fridge and pantry. The lemon vinaigrette ties everything together with a real zing. (via The View From Great Island)

Asian Tuna Melt Nachos

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (9) An Asian take on nachos? Believe it! Nutty sesame oil in this tuna salad pairs AH-MAZINGLY well with cheesy, crunchy homemade corn tortillas. (via Healthy Nibbles & Bits)

Fried Tuna Po’Boy

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (10) This Cajun take on a tuna sammy is absolute genius. There’s nothing like fried seafood on a hoagie with a drizzle of remoulade to fill your belly in the most satisfying way. (via Eatin’ on the Cheap)

Tuna Sesame Patties

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (11)

These Asian-inspired tuna patties come together quickly in the food processor. Coated with nutty sesame seeds and pan-fried to crisp perfection, they are SERIOUSLY tasty. (via Sugar et al)

These Canned Tuna Recipes Are So Easy & Delicious

Sheet Pan Sourdough Tuna Melts

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (12) These toasty melts are oozing two kinds of cheese. Baking them on a sheet means you can easily turn a batch out for a crowd at your next gathering. (via Aberdeen’s Kitchen)

Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (13) Get ready to ride the foodie time machine, because this tuna noodle casserole will really take you back. This recipe is adapted for adult tastebuds, so prepare to meet your new fave throwback recipe. (via 2Teaspoons)

Thai Tuna Power Bowl

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (14) If you’re into the big cook-up for the week, you can’t go wrong making power bowls for lunch because they keep so well. The Thai peanut dressing is the pièce de résistance, bringing MAJOR umami to your bowl. (via A Cookie Named Desire)

Rice With Spring Onion Pesto and Tuna Meatballs

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (15) You’ve never tasted meatballs like this before! Stuffed with pesto rice, they’re so good that your taste buds will be doing the happy dance for sure. (via Sugar et al)

Tuna and Veggie Stuffed Zucchini Boats

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (16)

These veggie boats come together quickly and call for just five ingredients that you probably have on hand. This canned tuna recipe is a perfect meal for those nights when you have to work late and come home ravenous. (via The Blond Cook)

Tuna Melt Mini Quiches

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (17) These bite-sized tuna quiches look sophisticated, but they’re super easy to make and are so very impressive. They’d be a perfect appetizer for a special-occasion brunch or reception, but your game night gang would also gobble them up. (via The Flavor Bender)

Tuna Melt Stuffed Peppers

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (18)

This low carb canned tuna recipe will be ready in just under 30 minutes. If you're cooking for one, this is a great dish to meal prep for a week of lunches as well. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Savory Rice and Tuna Fish Cakes With Chipotle Aioli

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (19) This chili pepper aioli may be the best thing to ever happen to canned tuna. And the risotto inside fries up so light and puffy — they’re like little pillows of delicious goodness. (via Girl and the Kitchen)

Spicy Chunky Tuna Sandwich

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (20) Sometimes you just crave the comfort of a tuna sammy — amiright? This one is destined to become your new fave. That nice crusty roll holds the mandatory tasty mayo SOOOO fabulously. (via Two Purple Figs)

Homemade Tuna Sushi Stacks with Mango Salsa

21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (21)

These sushi stacks are fancy AF, but super-easy to pull off. Everyone at the table will be so impressed.

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Sally Jones

Sally Jones is a writer and editor living in New York City. She has worked at many websites including iVillage, Ladies Home Journal, More, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, The Knot and YourTango, in jobs ranging from editor to COO. Renovation and interior design are her

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21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind (2024)

FAQs

What to mix with canned tuna? ›

Start by doctoring up a can of tuna with mayonnaise, lemon, and cilantro—think spicy tuna with the spice on the side. Then add rice and crunchy seasoned carrots and cucumber for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Serve with your favorite condiments such as soy and hot chili sauce.

How to jazz up tuna? ›

1. Add a little moisture to the mix
  1. Oil. Olive, truffle, and even toasted sesame (which I use in my recipe below) are just a few drool-worthy examples. ...
  2. Mustard. If tang is your thang, a sharp Dijon will mask any sort of fishiness. ...
  3. Hot sauces, vinegars, and salad dressings. ...
  4. Hummus. ...
  5. Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Jun 28, 2021

How to make tuna more interesting? ›

5 Flavor Combos That Keep Canned Tuna Recipes Interesting
  1. Tuna + Pasta. For an instant boost of filling protein in your carb-loaded pasta night, add a can of tuna. ...
  2. Tuna + Cheese. ...
  3. Tuna + Bread. ...
  4. Tuna + Beans. ...
  5. Tuna + Egg.
Mar 18, 2020

How to dress up a can of tuna? ›

Here are some ways I've used the canned stuff successfully:
  1. Tossed with pasta and tomato sauce.
  2. Mixed in a green salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes and radishes.
  3. Formed into salmon cakes, cooked in the pan and finished in the oven.
  4. In a tuna casserole.

What is the healthiest way to eat canned tuna? ›

Healthy tuna recipes
  1. Tangy tuna burgers. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
  2. Spinach omelette. A star rating of 2.8 out of 5. ...
  3. Tuna & butterbean salad. A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. ...
  4. Storecupboard tuna bean salad. ...
  5. Spicy tuna quinoa salad. ...
  6. Tuna Niçoise protein pot. ...
  7. Healthy tuna pasta. ...
  8. Asparagus & tuna salad.

Should I rinse canned tuna before using? ›

Canned foods in particular usually contain high levels of sodium. One way to reduce your salt intake with canned food, like tuna for example, is washing. Studies show that rinsing reduces the amount of sodium in canned tuna by 80%.

What is good to mix with tuna other than mayonnaise? ›

Best tuna salad without mayo

This tuna salad recipe is made without mayo. Instead, we use a combination of Greek yogurt, lemon, and Dijon mustard to mimic the tangy flavor of mayo with half the amount of calories. This healthy tuna salad is light, simple, and easy to make.

What is the best seasoning for tuna? ›

Best Organic Individual Spices for Making Tuna

Use smoked paprika for a more grilled flavor. Organic Black Malabar Pepper: A classic pairing for a simple seared tuna steak. Organic coriander Powder: Offers a lemony, floral note, excellent for an exotic twist.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook tuna? ›

To sear both tunas:

Place your cast iron skillet on the grill, and add your choice of oil. Let the oil get nice and hot. Let the oil get to its smoke point and then gently place the Tuna. Cook for about 45 seconds per side to get that sesame layer nice and crispy.

Can dogs eat tuna? ›

It's generally safe to feed your dog small amounts of cooked tuna as an occasional treat, but it should not be a regular part of their diet. Never give tuna to dogs that are small, young, or have any health problems.

What sauce goes well with tuna? ›

11 Best Sauces For Tuna Steak (Sauce For Tuna Steaks)
  • Condiments.
  • • 1 Garlic herb sauce.
  • • 1 Honey soy sauce.
  • • 1 Lemon caper sauce.
  • • 1 Lemon dijon cream sauce.
  • • 1 Mayo sauce, Spicy.
  • • 1 Peppercorn sauce.
  • • 1 Punzu sauce.

How to enhance a can of tuna? ›

If you're not interested in a formal recipe, you can bring a can of tuna to life using this simple formula: Simply swap your regular mayo for a combo of mustard and Greek yogurt and use a fork to mix it with your tuna. Next, throw in any salty (capers or chopped pickles, anyone?) or sweet (grapes, perhaps?)

What to avoid in canned tuna? ›

Skipjack and canned light tuna, which are relatively low in mercury, can be eaten as part of a healthy diet. However, albacore, yellowfin and bigeye tuna are high in mercury and should be limited or avoided.

What seasonings taste good on canned tuna? ›

Some basic seasonings to use for canned tuna include salt, black pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro.

How do you mask the taste of canned tuna? ›

Add a squeeze of lemon juice

The tart quality of a healthy squirt of lemon is a welcome addition to virtually any seafood-centric dish, and that includes canned tuna. No matter the application, freshly squeezed lemon juice shouldn't be missing from the equation.

Do you need to do anything to canned tuna? ›

This means that they are always fully cooked in the sealed can and may be eaten straight from the can without the need for additional cooking. However, you can warm them up if that is how you like to eat them.

What to add to tuna when canning? ›

Canning Tuna

Tuna may be canned either pre-cooked (bake/steam) or raw. If you pre-cook it, you will need to add water or oil to jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. You do not add any liquid to the jars if you process raw tuna. You may add ½ teaspoon of salt per half-pint or 1 teaspoon of salt per pint, if desired.

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