These 21 *Genius* Canned Tuna Recipes Take Everyone’s Fave Pantry Staple to the Next Level
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
These sushi stacks are fancy AF, but super-easy to pull off. Everyone at the table will be so impressed.
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