Tuna Fish Recipes: Delicious and Easy Ways to Cook Tuna

Oh, tuna! You're the unsung hero of the seafood world, a versatile, affordable, and flavourful fish that can be whipped up into countless dishes. From quick and easy lunches to more sophisticated dinners, tuna always delivers. Today, I'm taking you on a culinary adventure, sharing my favourite tuna recipes, from the simple to the more elaborate. So, grab your aprons, get ready to get creative, and let's dive into the world of tuna together!

(Part 1) Tuna Salad Classics: A Timeless Favourite

Tuna salad is a classic for a reason. It's incredibly versatile, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even just enjoyed on its own with crackers. It's also incredibly easy to make, and you can customize it to your liking. My go-to tuna salad is simple yet flavourful, and it's always a hit.

Simple and Delicious Tuna Salad

This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a casual snack.

1. Gather your ingredients: Start with two cans of tuna in brine or oil. You can use any variety, but I usually go for albacore. Next, grab a handful of celery, finely chopped. Add a couple of spring onions, chopped, and a few tablespoons of mayonnaise. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a touch of brightness, and a pinch of black pepper brings everything together.
2. Get mixing: Drain the tuna and flake it with a fork. Add the chopped celery and spring onions, then mix in the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might need more lemon juice or pepper depending on your taste.
3. Chill and enjoy: Pop the salad into the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. This is important to allow the flavours to really come through. Serve on bread, crackers, or in a lettuce wrap.

Remember, this is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment! Tuna salad is like a blank canvas – you can add your own personal touches and create something truly special.

Twists on a Classic: Add Some Zing to Your Tuna Salad

For a bit of a kick, add some diced red onion or a few chopped jalapenos. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Or, for a lighter touch, swap out the mayonnaise for a creamy avocado dressing. It's lighter but still incredibly delicious.

You can also add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, chopped olives for a briny flavour, or even a handful of capers for a salty kick. The possibilities are endless!

(Part 2) Tuna Pasta: A Hearty and Satisfying Meal

Tuna pasta is a real comfort food, a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's also incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to use up leftover tuna or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Creamy Tuna Pasta

This is my go-to tuna pasta recipe. It's rich, creamy, and cheesy, and it always hits the spot.

1. Start with the pasta: Cook your favourite pasta according to package instructions. I usually go for penne or spaghetti, but any pasta will work. Just make sure it's cooked al dente, with a slight bite.
2. Create the sauce: While the pasta is cooking, melt some butter in a pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of flour and whisk until smooth. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the sauce. Gradually add some milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Don't rush this step, as you want a smooth, creamy sauce. Add some grated cheese, salt, and pepper, and continue to whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
3. Mix it all together: Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Mix in a can of drained and flaked tuna. Stir well to combine and coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
4. Serve hot: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy!

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients. You could add chopped tomatoes for sweetness, mushrooms for earthiness, or even some roasted red peppers for a smoky flavour. You could also substitute the milk for cream for a richer sauce. The key is to let your culinary imagination run wild!

(Part 3) tuna steaks: A More Elevated Option

Now, for those who want to elevate their tuna game, let's talk about tuna steaks. These are fantastic for grilling, pan-frying, or baking, and they’re a true crowd-pleaser. Tuna steaks are a perfect choice for a special occasion or a more sophisticated dinner party.

pan-seared tuna Steaks with Sesame Seeds

This recipe is simple yet elegant, and the sesame seeds add a touch of nutty flavour and crunch.

1. Prep the tuna: Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels. This will help them sear properly and prevent them from sticking to the pan. Season them generously with salt and pepper. I like to use freshly ground black pepper for a bolder flavour.
2. Searing time: Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot but not smoking. Place the tuna steaks in the pan and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to your liking. I prefer my tuna medium-rare, with a pink center.
3. Add a touch of sesame: While the tuna is searing, toast some sesame seeds in a dry pan until fragrant. This brings out the nutty flavour of the sesame seeds. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the tuna steaks before serving.
4. Serve with flair: Serve the tuna steaks with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad. I love to pair them with a light and refreshing salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette.

For an extra touch of citrusy flavour, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pan before searing the tuna. You could also try rubbing the tuna steaks with a mixture of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce before searing for a more Asian-inspired twist.

(Part 4) Tuna Burgers: A Fun and Informal Option

Tuna burgers are a fantastic option for a casual meal or a barbecue with friends. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and always a hit. Plus, they're a great way to use up leftover tuna or to create a fun and flavourful meal on a budget.

Classic Tuna Burgers

This recipe is a great starting point for your tuna burger journey. It’s simple, flavourful, and perfect for beginners.

1. Prepare your burger patties: Flake a can of tuna with a fork. Mix it with a chopped onion, a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, and some seasoning. I like to use salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Shape the mixture into burger patties. You can use your hands or a burger press to shape them.
2. Cook those patties: Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the burger patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. You want the patties to be golden brown and cooked to your liking.
3. Assemble your burger: Place the cooked burger patties on buns. Top with your favourite burger toppings. I'm a fan of lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a dollop of mayonnaise. But feel free to get creative!
4. Enjoy! Serve the tuna burgers with your favourite sides, like potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple salad.

Get creative with your tuna burger toppings! You could add avocado slices for a creamy texture and healthy fats, jalapeno peppers for a spicy kick, or even some crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavour. If you're looking for a lighter option, try substituting a whole-wheat bun or even lettuce wraps.

(Part 5) Tuna in a Can: quick and easy meals

Let's face it, sometimes you just don't have the time or energy for a fancy tuna dish. That's where canned tuna comes in handy. You can whip up a quick and easy meal with just a few ingredients and a can of tuna. It's a real lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you need something tasty and satisfying on the table quickly.

Tuna Noodle Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

This is a family favourite that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, especially on a cold evening.

1. Cook your noodles: Cook your favourite noodles according to package instructions. I usually use egg noodles or macaroni, but you can use any noodles you like. Just make sure they're cooked al dente.
2. Make the sauce: While the noodles are cooking, melt some butter in a pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of flour and whisk until smooth. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the sauce. Gradually add some milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine ingredients: Drain the noodles and add them to the sauce. Mix in a can of drained and flaked tuna. Stir well to combine and coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.
4. Top it off: Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping and a generous amount of grated cheese. I like to use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a cheesy and gooey topping.
5. Bake to perfection: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The breadcrumbs should be golden brown and the cheese should be deliciously gooey.

You can add other vegetables to this casserole, like peas for a touch of sweetness, carrots for a bit of crunch, or broccoli for a boost of vitamins. For a richer flavour, try using a cream of mushroom soup base instead of milk. You can also use different types of cheese, like Gruyere or Parmesan, to add a more sophisticated touch.

(Part 6) Tuna Tacos: A Fusion Delight

Tuna tacos are a delicious and unexpected fusion dish that will surprise and delight your taste buds. They're fun, flavorful, and a great way to introduce new flavours to your culinary repertoire.

Spicy Tuna Tacos

This recipe is packed with flavour and is perfect for a fun and casual meal. The spicy kick from the jalapenos and the tangy lime juice create a perfect balance of flavour.

1. Prepare your tuna filling: Flake a can of tuna with a fork. Mix it with a diced red onion, a few chopped jalapenos, a tablespoon of mayonnaise, and a squeeze of lime juice. The jalapenos will add a spicy kick, the red onion adds a sweet and sharp flavour, and the lime juice adds a touch of brightness.
2. Assemble your tacos: Warm some corn tortillas in a pan or microwave until they're soft and pliable. Spoon the tuna filling into the tortillas. Top with your favourite taco toppings, like shredded lettuce for crunch, diced tomatoes for sweetness, cilantro for freshness, and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy touch.
3. Enjoy your fiesta: Serve the tuna tacos with your favourite sides, like salsa for a tangy kick, guacamole for creamy richness, or pico de gallo for a fresh and vibrant flavour.

For a lighter option, try using whole-wheat tortillas or even lettuce wraps. If you want to add a touch of sweetness, try drizzling some honey over the tuna filling. You can also experiment with different toppings, like shredded cheese, black beans, or even pineapple for a tropical twist.

(Part 7) Tuna Pizza: A Creative Twist

Tuna pizza may sound unusual, but trust me, it's a delicious and satisfying combination. The salty tuna and the sweet red onion create a perfect balance of flavour, and the pizza crust provides a comforting base for this unique topping.

Tuna and Red onion pizza

This is a simple and flavourful pizza that's perfect for a casual dinner. It's also a great way to use up leftover tuna or to create a unique pizza experience.

1. Prepare your pizza base: Use your favourite pizza dough or a store-bought base. If you're feeling ambitious, try making your own pizza dough. It's not as difficult as you might think.
2. Spread the sauce: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the pizza base. I like to use a simple tomato sauce, but you can also use a more complex sauce, like a marinara or arrabbiata sauce.
3. Add the toppings: Top the sauce with a layer of drained and flaked tuna. Then, add thinly sliced red onions and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. The onions add a sweet and sharp flavour, and the parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavour.
4. Bake to perfection: Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned.

You can add other toppings to this pizza, like black olives for a salty and briny flavour, capers for a tangy kick, or even some chopped fresh basil for a touch of freshness. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for a sweet and tangy flavour.

(Part 8) Tuna and Sweetcorn salad: A Light and Refreshing Option

This salad is a lighter option that's perfect for a summer lunch or a side dish for a barbecue. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavour, making it a perfect choice for a hot day.

Tuna and Sweetcorn Salad with Dill

This salad is a burst of fresh flavours that's sure to please. The sweetcorn adds a touch of sweetness, the dill adds a fresh and herbaceous flavour, and the tuna adds a salty and protein-rich element.

1. Combine your ingredients: In a large bowl, combine a can of drained and flaked tuna, a can of drained sweetcorn, a handful of chopped fresh dill, a few chopped spring onions, and a few tablespoons of mayonnaise. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise depending on your preference.
2. Season to perfection: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing. The lemon juice will help to brighten the flavours of the salad.
3. Chill and enjoy: Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavours to meld and the salad to become chilled.

This salad is incredibly versatile. You can add other ingredients like chopped celery for a crunchy texture, bell peppers for sweetness and colour, or even some chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. For a more filling meal, serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or with some crusty bread.

(Part 9) Tuna with Asian Influences: A Culinary Adventure

Tuna and Asian flavours are a match made in culinary heaven! Think of the amazing sushi dishes with tuna, but we can recreate similar flavours at home. This is where the fun really begins. Let's embark on a culinary adventure and explore the delicious world of tuna with Asian influences!

Tuna Poke Bowl

This is a popular Hawaiian dish that's perfect for a light and healthy meal. It’s bursting with fresh flavours and textures, and it’s a great way to get a healthy dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

1. Marinate the tuna: Mix a tablespoon of soy sauce, a tablespoon of sesame oil, a teaspoon of sugar, a teaspoon of grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add a can of drained and flaked tuna to the marinade and let it sit for about 15 minutes. The soy sauce adds a salty flavour, the sesame oil adds a nutty flavour, the sugar adds a touch of sweetness, the ginger adds a warm and spicy flavour, and the red pepper flakes add a touch of heat.
2. Prepare your bowl: Fill a bowl with cooked rice. I like to use sushi rice, but any white rice will work. Top the rice with the marinated tuna, avocado slices for creamy richness, diced cucumber for freshness, chopped edamame beans for protein, and a drizzle of sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Enjoy the fusion: Serve the poke bowl with a side of seaweed salad for a salty and umami flavour or pickled ginger for a tangy and refreshing touch.

This recipe is easily customizable. You can add other ingredients like mango for sweetness and tropical flavour, pineapple for a tangy and juicy element, or even some shredded nori seaweed for a salty and umami flavour.

(Part 10) Tuna and chickpea salad: A Vegetarian Delight

This salad is a vegetarian option that's packed with protein and flavour. It’s a great option for those who are looking for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal or for a side dish that’s both flavorful and healthy.

Tuna and Chickpea Salad

This recipe is a tasty and healthy way to enjoy tuna and chickpeas. The chickpeas add a creamy texture and protein, and the tuna adds a salty and savory flavour.

1. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine a can of drained and flaked tuna, a can of drained chickpeas, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a few chopped spring onions, and a few tablespoons of mayonnaise. The parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavour, and the spring onions add a sharp and tangy flavour.
2. Add some flavour: Season the salad with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The lemon juice will help to brighten the flavours of the salad.
3. Chill and serve: Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavours to meld and the salad to become chilled.

This salad is a great option for a light lunch or a side dish for a barbecue. You can add other ingredients like chopped celery for a crunchy texture, bell peppers for sweetness and colour, or even some chopped olives for a salty and briny flavour.

FAQs

Now, I know you might have a few questions about all this tuna talk. So, let's get into some frequently asked questions:

1. How long should I cook tuna? The cooking time for tuna will vary depending on the cut and the thickness. For tuna steaks, you want to cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare. For tuna burgers, you'll need to cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a food thermometer into the thickest part of the tuna. It should register between 125°F (52°C) and 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
2. What are the benefits of eating tuna? Tuna is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. It's also low in calories and fat. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for heart health, brain health, and reducing inflammation.
3. What are some good ways to store tuna? Canned tuna can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years. Fresh tuna should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Frozen tuna can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, wrap the tuna tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
4. How can I tell if tuna is bad? If the tuna smells fishy or has a slimy texture, it's likely bad and should be discarded. You should also check for any discoloration or unusual changes in the texture of the tuna.
5. Can I freeze tuna salad? Yes, you can freeze tuna salad. To prevent the salad from becoming watery, freeze it in individual portions. You can freeze the salad in small containers or freezer bags. Thaw the salad in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Well, there you have it, folks! A whole bunch of delicious and easy ways to cook tuna. I hope you've enjoyed this journey through the world of tuna recipes. Remember, get creative, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy!