10+ Tuna Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Tuna is a convenient and affordable protein that offers a wide variety of delicious recipes. With its versatility, you can create anything from quick snacks to hearty meals that satisfy your taste buds. Whether you have canned tuna or fresh tuna steaks, there are countless ways to prepare this nutritious fish.

In this article, you will discover easy and tasty tuna recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From simple salads to flavorful patties, these dishes are designed to bring out the best in tuna while keeping your cooking experience enjoyable and uncomplicated. Enjoy exploring the wonderful world of tuna in your kitchen!

1) Classic Tuna Salad with Celery and Onion

Classic tuna salad is simple and delicious. Start with canned tuna, which is the main ingredient. Combine it with crunchy celery and sweet onion for great texture and flavor.

You will need mayonnaise to bind everything together. A little lemon juice adds freshness. You can also season it with salt and pepper to taste.

You can enjoy this salad on its own, in a sandwich, or over a bed of lettuce. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-ounce) can tuna packed in water
• 1 rib celery, diced
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon red onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain the canned tuna and place it in a bowl.
2. Add diced celery and finely chopped onion.
3. Stir in mayonnaise and lemon juice.
4. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Mix well and serve as desired.

2) Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna Steaks

Zesty lemon garlic tuna steaks are a delicious way to enjoy this fish. The bright flavors of lemon and garlic make each bite refreshing and tasty. You can cook them quickly on the grill or stovetop.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need fresh tuna steaks, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and some herbs and spices for added flavor.

For cooking, marinate your tuna steaks in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps to enhance the flavor.

Then, cook the steaks on medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C), for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them to be cooked medium-rare for the best taste.

Ingredients

• Fresh tuna steaks
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil in a bowl.
2. Marinate the tuna steaks for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill or skillet to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook tuna steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side.
5. Enjoy your zesty tuna steaks!

3) Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Delight

This Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Delight is a tasty meal that combines simple ingredients. You’ll love the mix of flavors from garlic, olives, and fresh parsley. It’s easy to prepare in just a short time.

Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions. While that cooks, prepare the tuna by flaking it into a bowl.

Next, add some minced garlic, sliced olives, and chopped parsley. Once the pasta is ready, mix it all together in a large bowl. A splash of olive oil can add extra flavor!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 can tuna, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup olives, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Olive oil, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain and flake tuna into a bowl.
3. Mix in minced garlic, sliced olives, and chopped parsley.
4. Combine with pasta and add olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve and enjoy!

4) Crispy Tuna Patties with Herbs

Crispy tuna patties with herbs are a delightful way to enjoy tuna. They are simple to make and packed with flavor. You can customize them with your favorite herbs for an added twist.

To start, mix canned tuna with breadcrumbs, eggs, and your choice of herbs like parsley or cilantro. Adding a bit of lemon zest brings a fresh taste to the patties.

Fry them in a pan until they are golden brown. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side over medium heat, around 350°F (175°C).

You’ll love how crispy the outside is while the inside stays tender. Serve them with a dip or salad for a tasty meal!

Ingredients

• 2 cans of tuna, drained
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix tuna, breadcrumbs, eggs, and herbs.
2. Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into patties.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
5. Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

5) Spicy Asian Tuna Salad

If you’re looking for a flavorful and quick meal, this Spicy Asian Tuna Salad is a great choice. It combines fresh ingredients and a spicy kick to make each bite satisfying.

You’ll mix tuna with crunchy vegetables and a tasty dressing. It’s perfect on its own, in a wrap, or served with crackers.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with protein. Enjoy it for lunch or as a light dinner option!

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna, drained
• 1 cup of diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the tuna, cucumber, green onions, and sesame seeds.
2. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, soy sauce, and sriracha.
3. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

6) Tuna Melt with Swiss Cheese

A tuna melt with Swiss cheese is a tasty and simple dish. It combines the flavors of creamy tuna salad and melty cheese on toasted bread. This meal is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

To make this delicious sandwich, start with good quality canned tuna. Mix it with mayo, celery, and spices for flavor. Then, place the mixture between slices of bread.

Top it with Swiss cheese for a great melt. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden and the cheese is gooey. You can use a skillet or a sandwich press, cooking at medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C) for the best results.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (6 oz) tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped
• 4 slices of bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• Butter, for grilling

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, and celery.
2. Spread the mixture on two slices of bread.
3. Place Swiss cheese on top of the tuna.
4. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
5. Butter the outside of the sandwiches.
6. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
7. Grill the sandwiches until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.

7) Avocado Tuna Salad

Avocado tuna salad is a delicious and healthy choice for lunch or a quick snack. It combines creamy avocado with flavorful tuna and fresh vegetables.

Start by mashing avocado in a bowl. Then, add canned tuna, chopped celery, and red onion. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.

You can also include ingredients like cucumber and cilantro to add freshness. This salad is great on its own or served on whole-grain bread.

Ingredients

• 1 can tuna, drained
• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1/2 cup minced celery
• 1/4 cup minced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the avocado in a large bowl.
2. Add the drained tuna to the bowl.
3. Stir in minced celery and red onion.
4. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge.

8) Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna

Sesame crusted ahi tuna is a delicious and quick dish to prepare. You can have a restaurant-quality meal in less than 15 minutes. The sesame seeds give the fish a crunchy texture while keeping the inside tender and rare.

To start, you can season your ahi tuna steaks with a mix of spices. Then, coat them in sesame seeds for a flavorful crust. When cooking, aim for a high heat to get that perfect sear.

Serve your sesame crusted ahi tuna with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce or a side of honey for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with rice or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 4 (6 ounce) sushi-grade ahi tuna steaks
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your skillet over high heat.
2. Season the ahi tuna steaks with soy sauce.
3. Mix white and black sesame seeds on a plate.
4. Press each steak into the sesame seeds to coat.
5. Sear the tuna for 1-2 minutes on each side.
6. Drizzle with honey before serving. Enjoy!

9) Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Tuna and tomato pasta is a quick and tasty dish that you can whip up in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, it makes for a perfect weeknight meal.

You’ll start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté some garlic in olive oil and add canned tomatoes and tuna. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.

Once the pasta is ready, combine it with the sauce. Mix well to make sure the pasta is coated. Serve hot, and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta
• 1 can of tuna
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add canned tomatoes and drained tuna to the pan.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
6. Drain the pasta, then combine it with the sauce.
7. Serve and enjoy!

10) Lighter Tuna Casserole

You can enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish. Lighter tuna casserole uses fresh ingredients to keep it tasty and nutritious. This recipe combines tender egg noodles, nutritious veggies, and canned tuna in a creamy sauce.

Start with a homemade sauce using simple ingredients. Mix onions, celery, and peas with your tuna for extra flavor. A crispy Panko topping adds a satisfying crunch.

Bake it at 350°F (175°C) until golden and bubbly. This dish is comforting and perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles
• 1 can (5 oz/140 g) tuna, drained
• 1 cup (240 ml) homemade cream sauce
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped onion
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped celery
• 1 cup (100 g) Panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix the tuna, veggies, and cream sauce.
4. Then, combine the cooked noodles with the tuna mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with Panko breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.