Tuna is a versatile and healthy protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you want to make a classic tuna salad sandwich, tuna pasta, or get creative with tuna patties or melted tuna sandwiches, it’s easy to make tasty tuna recipes at home In this article, we’ll explain step-by-step how to prepare tuna and share tips for making the most of this budget-friendly fish.
Choosing and Preparing Tuna
When buying tuna, you can choose between cans or pouches of tuna packed in water or oil. Water-packed tuna is lower in calories while tuna packed in oil has more omega-3 fatty acids. Both work well in recipes. Skipjack, yellowfin, and albacore are common varieties.
To prepare tuna, open the can or pouch and drain off any excess liquid if desired. Use a fork to break up the tuna into flakes. If using oil-packed tuna you may want to drain it thoroughly to remove excess oil.
For an extra flavor boost, season the tuna with lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs, or a dash of hot sauce. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes before using.
Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Tuna salad makes for an easy, tasty sandwich filling The basic process is
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In a mixing bowl, combine drained tuna with mayonnaise, chopped celery, minced onion, diced pickle or relish, lemon juice, and seasonings.
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For creamier tuna salad, increase the amount of mayonnaise. For flavor additions, try minced garlic, dill, parsley, diced apple, or hard-boiled eggs.
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Season with salt, pepper, celery seed, or other spices.
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Mix well and taste, adjusting seasonings as desired.
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Use the tuna salad as a sandwich filling, in lettuce wraps, over a salad, or served with crackers.
Some tips for excellent tuna salad sandwiches:
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Use good quality bread or rolls that won’t get soggy. Ciabatta, croissants, and toasted bread work well.
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Spread a thin layer of mayo or mustard on the bread to create a barrier from the tuna salad.
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Top with lettuce, tomato, sprouts, or other veggies for crunch.
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For variety, use different seasonings or mix-ins like lemon-pepper or chopped olives.
Tuna Melts
For an easy hot sandwich, try tuna melts. The method is simple:
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Make tuna salad as described above.
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Spread tuna salad on one side of bread slices.
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Top the tuna with cheese slices like cheddar, Monterey jack, or Swiss.
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Broil open-faced in the oven 3-5 minutes until bread is toasted and cheese is bubbly.
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Optional additions are sliced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, caramelized onions, pesto, or avocado.
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Serve tuna melts with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna also pairs well with pasta. To make a tasty tuna pasta salad:
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Cook pasta according to package directions, rinse in cold water and drain well.
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In a large bowl, mix together tuna salad made with mayo, celery, onion, pickle, and seasonings.
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Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat.
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Consider adding diced tomatoes, cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, olives, peppers, or herbs.
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Toss with Italian dressing, lemon juice, or an oil-based vinaigrette.
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Chill tuna pasta salad for 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Tuna Casserole
For a nostalgic, comforting dish, tuna casserole is a classic:
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Make a basic white sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour to make a roux, adding milk, and cooking until thickened.
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Stir in tuna, peas, cooked pasta shells or egg noodles, and seasonings.
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Transfer to a casserole dish and top with crushed potato chips or buttered breadcrumbs.
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Bake at 375°F until bubbly and topping is crisped, about 30 minutes.
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Grate some cheese over the top for the last 5 minutes of baking for extra flavor.
Tuna Cakes or Patties
To transform tuna into flavorful cakes or patties:
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In a bowl, mix together tuna, minced vegetables like celery and onion, chopped parsley, eggs, bread crumbs or panko, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices.
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Form into patties about 1/2-inch thick and 3-4 inches wide.
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Pan fry in olive oil or canola oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
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Serve tuna cakes on buns with tartar sauce and lettuce, or over salad greens.
Baked Tuna Meatballs
Make baked tuna meatballs with this method:
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Combine tuna with egg, bread crumbs, grated parmesan, lemon zest, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper.
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Form into 1-2 inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until firm and lightly browned.
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In a skillet, heat marinara sauce and add baked tuna meatballs to coat.
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Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles for a tuna “meatball” sub.
FAQs About Making Tuna
How long does tuna salad last in the fridge?
Tuna salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator 3-5 days. Keep chilled at 40°F or below.
Can I freeze tuna salad?
Yes, tuna salad can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure it is tightly sealed in an airtight container with no air pockets to prevent freezer burn.
What can I mix with tuna?
Some ingredients that pair well with tuna are mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, onion, celery, bell pepper, parsley, dill, lemon juice, garlic, eggs, pasta, rice, beans, tomatoes, olives, and cheese.
How do you take the fishy taste out of tuna?
Adding acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar helps reduce fishy odors in tuna. Fresh herbs and spices also help mask fishy flavors.
Can I substitute canned chicken or salmon in tuna recipes?
Yes, you can swap canned chicken or salmon for tuna in most recipes. Adjust seasonings to complement the different proteins.
Get Creative with Tuna Dishes
Tuna’s mild flavor and meaty texture make it an adaptable ingredient for many dishes beyond classic tuna salad. With simple ingredients on hand, you can quickly prepare tuna melts, tuna pasta, crunchy tuna cakes, or zesty tuna meatballs at home. Experiment with different seasonings, mix-ins, and cooking methods to enjoy tasty tuna creations any night of the week.