How to Flake Tuna to Perfection: A Step-by-Step Guide

Canned tuna is a pantry staple for many people. It’s affordable non-perishable and versatile enough to be used in everything from tuna melts to tuna noodle casserole. However, the key to getting the right texture in these tuna-based dishes lies in proper flaking technique. So how exactly do you flake tuna perfectly every time?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the steps and tools needed to flake tuna like a pro. You’ll learn the best practices for draining, mashing, and storing your canned tuna so it’s ready to use in any recipe. We’ll also cover how to buy quality canned tuna and share some simple recipes to put your flaky tuna skills to work.

Why Flaking Matters

Flaking tuna is important for evenly incorporating it into salads, sandwiches, casseroles and more. Large, unbroken chunks of tuna simply don’t work well in most recipes. Flaking into smaller bits allows the tuna to combine thoroughly and uniformly with other ingredients like mayonnaise, herbs, and spices.

Proper flaking also gives you better control over the final texture. You can flake the tuna finely for soft tuna melts or keep it in slightly bigger flakes for a heartier tuna noodle casserole Taking the extra time to flake tuna right makes a noticeable difference in the finished dish

Choosing High-Quality Canned Tuna

Not all canned tuna is created equal. To end up with great tasting flaky tuna, be selective in the products you buy:

• Go for chunk light or chunk white tuna – Flakes more nicely than yellowfin or skipjack.

• Select tuna packed in water – Oil-packed tuna can be too moist.

• Avoid pre-flavored tuna – Tuna with spices or flavorings already added will compete with the other ingredients.

• Buy from reputable brands – Higher standards ensure better quality control.

• Check the sell-by date – Fresher canned tuna flakes better.

With quality canned tuna, you’ll have delicious flaked tuna ready to become the star of your next recipe.

Step 1: Drain the Tuna

Draining the tuna properly is the first key step in the flaking process. You want to remove any excess liquid without losing the tender tuna in the process.

Start by opening the can with a manual can opener. Never handle the sharp opened lid! Next, empty the contents into a fine mesh strainer placed over a bowl. Let the liquid drain completely, but don’t press or shake the strainer, which can cause the tuna to fall through.

Once drained, transfer the tuna to a clean bowl, discarding the liquid. Now it’s ready for flaking.

Step 2: Add Mayo and Other Ingredients

Before flaking with a spoon or fork, it helps to add a bit of mayonnaise or oil. This helps moisten and lubricate the tuna, making it easier to separate into flakes.

How much mayo you need depends on how much tuna you’re flaking:

• For a 5 oz can of tuna, add 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
• For a 6 oz can of tuna, add 1 1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise

You can also add other wet ingredients like lemon juice, mustard, hot sauce, or olive oil to achieve your desired flavor.

Step 3: Flake the Tuna with a Fork

Now comes the fun part – using a fork to flake the tuna into perfect little pieces.

Place the bowl of drained tuna in front of you. Start flaking by pressing the tines of the fork down into the tuna, rocking the fork back and forth. Repeat, working from one side of the tuna to the other.

Apply moderate pressure as you rock and twist the fork. You want to break up the tuna without absolutely pulverizing it into mush.

Keep flaking and turning the tuna over with the fork until no large chunks remain. The tuna should be lightly shredded or flaked into pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size.

Step 4: Flake the Tuna with a Spoon

While a fork is the traditional way to flake tuna, using a spoon can be even more effective. The curved surface covers more area to break up tuna quickly.

Simply use the back of a large metal spoon to press, mash, and stir the tuna after draining it. Apply firm pressure and make sure to work in a folding motion to continually turn over the tuna.

In just 30-60 seconds, you can completely flake a can of tuna with a spoon. It does the hard pressing for you!

Storing Flaked Tuna

Once your tuna is perfectly flaked, you can store it for later use:

• Fridge – Place flaked tuna in an airtight container. Keeps 3-4 days.

• Freezer – Freeze flaked tuna in recipe-sized portions in bags or containers. Keeps 2-3 months.

• Canning jars – Store flaked tuna in wide mouth jars with 1/4 inch headspace. Keeps up to a year.

Proper storage keeps your hard work fresh until you need it!

Quick and Easy Flaked Tuna Recipes

Now that you know how to flake tuna like an expert, here are some simple ways to enjoy it:

Tuna Salad

• Flaked tuna
• Mayo
• Celery
• Onion
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Mix together tuna, mayo, and chopped veggies. Season to taste. Enjoy in a sandwich or over greens.

Tuna Melts

• Flaked tuna
• Mayonnaise
• Shredded cheddar
• Bread
• Butter

Combine tuna and mayo. Butter bread, pile with tuna mix and cheese. Grill until toasted and melty.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Cooked egg noodles
• Flaked tuna
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Frozen peas
• Crushed potato chips

Toss noodles with tuna, soup, and peas. Top with chips and bake until bubbly.

In less time than it takes to open a can, you can now flake tuna for any recipe like a professional. Use this easy tuna flaking guide to take your tuna dishes to the next level!