Growing up, canned tuna was a staple in our house. It was one of those things we always had in the pantry because it was quick, tasty, and could be turned into so many different dishes. If you’ve ever been to a Filipino grocery store, you know what I mean—there are aisles and aisles of canned tuna in every flavor imaginable. Adobo, menudo, sisig—you name it! There’s just so much variety, and each one brings a different twist to a simple can of tuna.
Now, as a mom, I still keep a stash of canned tuna for those busy days when I need to whip up something fast but comforting. Whether mixed with rice, tossed into pasta, or made into crispy patties, tuna is always a lifesaver. If you’re looking for easy, delicious ways to enjoy this pantry favorite, here are some recipes your family will love!
Asian inspired
Tuna Sisig
This is one of my favorite meals for lunch or dinner. It’s so easy to make yet full of bold, delicious flavors! The combination of tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy makes it so satisfying, especially when served over hot rice. And if you’ve ever been to a Filipino gathering, you’ll know that sisig—whether made with pork or tuna—is a staple when drinking with friends. It’s that perfect pulutan dish that keeps everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small chili (siling labuyo), chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tsp calamansi or lemon juice
- 1 egg (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and chili until fragrant.
- Add drained tuna, soy sauce, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well.
- Mix in mayonnaise and calamansi juice. Stir until everything is well combined.
- If using an egg, push the tuna to one side of the pan and crack the egg in. Let it cook slightly before mixing it in.
- Serve hot, best with rice!
Tuna Okonomiyaki
The first time I tried okonomiyaki was at a ramen shop, and honestly, I was obsessed! That crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside pancake loaded with cabbage and drizzled with umami-packed sauces—it was love at first bite. The best part? It’s so easy to make at home! This tuna version is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some veggies. A few simple ingredients and you’ll have a restaurant-style dish right in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oil (for frying)
- Okonomiyaki sauce (or mix ketchup & Worcestershire sauce)
- Japanese mayo
- Bonito flakes & chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix flour, egg, water, soy sauce, and salt to make a batter.
- Add shredded cabbage and drained tuna, stirring until well combined.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Pour in the batter and flatten slightly.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and mayo, and top with bonito flakes and green onions. Enjoy!
Tuna Lumpia
Nothing will ever beat pork lumpia—I mean, let’s be real! But if you’re looking for something a little lighter and healthier, this tuna version is a great alternative. It’s still crispy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping into sweet chili sauce. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat more fish without them even noticing. Whether as a snack or a side dish, these tuna lumpia are always a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- ½ small carrot, grated
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Lumpia wrappers
- Oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix tuna, carrot, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Lay out a lumpia wrapper, add a spoonful of the filling, and roll tightly, sealing the edge with water.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry lumpia until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with sweet chili sauce.
Spicy Tuna Onigiri
Onigiri is one of those things I love making because it’s simple, filling, and perfect for so many occasions—picnics, kids’ lunchboxes, or even as a quick snack. You can shape them into balls or triangles and wrap them with nori for that perfect bite. They’re easy to pack, fun to eat, and always satisfying!
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp sriracha (or more for extra spice)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 sheet nori, cut into strips
- Salt, for seasoning
Instructions:
- Mix tuna, mayo, and sriracha in a bowl.
- Wet your hands and sprinkle a little salt on them. Take a handful of rice, flatten it, and place some tuna filling in the center.
- Shape the rice into a triangle or ball, sealing the filling inside.
- Wrap with a strip of nori and enjoy!
Tuna Kimchi Fried Rice
This is one of my favorite quick meals! If you have leftover rice and a can of tuna, you’re just minutes away from a delicious, comforting dish. The combination of spicy, tangy kimchi and savory tuna is just perfect. It’s packed with umami, super easy to throw together, and makes a satisfying meal any time of the day. Top it with a fried egg, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy dish at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice (best if day-old)
- ½ cup kimchi, chopped
- 1 tbsp kimchi juice
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 green onion, chopped
- ½ tbsp oil
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add kimchi and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add tuna, rice, kimchi juice, and soy sauce. Stir well.
- Push rice to one side and fry an egg on the other.
- Serve the rice topped with the egg and sprinkle with green onions.
Thai Spicy Tuna Salad
If you love bold, refreshing flavors, this Thai-inspired tuna salad is a must-try. It’s got that perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet, making it so addicting! I love serving this over rice, but it’s just as good wrapped in lettuce or eaten on its own. It’s light, healthy, and so easy to throw together when you need a quick meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- ½ small red onion, sliced
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp sugar
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar until sugar dissolves.
- Add tuna, onion, cucumber, tomato, and chili. Toss well.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve!
Crispy Tuna Balls
I love making these crispy tuna balls when I want something crunchy and snackable. They’re golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect with a dipping sauce. They remind me a bit of fish balls but with more texture and flavor. Whether you serve them as a side dish or a fun finger food, they’re always a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- ½ cup mashed potato or breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix tuna, mashed potato (or breadcrumbs), egg, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into small balls and roll in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with mayo or ketchup.
Pasta Dishes
Creamy Tuna Pasta
A creamy tuna pasta is always a comforting meal, perfect for busy nights when you want something easy yet satisfying. The rich, velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta, while the tuna add a delicious depth of flavor. It’s quick to make and great for the whole family to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 250g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated cheese (parmesan or cheddar)
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Stir in the tuna.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the spinach. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss in the pasta, mixing well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle with cheese and serve warm.
Garlic Lemon Tuna Pasta
This light and flavorful pasta dish is perfect for a quick meal. The fresh lemon juice, garlic, and tuna create a simple but delicious combination that comes together in minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy a pantry-friendly meal that feels fresh and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 250g pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- Grated parmesan for topping
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add tuna and chili flakes, stirring well.
- Pour in lemon juice, pasta water, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a minute.
- Toss in the pasta and mix well until coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with parsley and parmesan before serving.
Sandwich
Classic Tuna Melt
A tuna melt is the ultimate comfort sandwich. Warm, crispy bread with cheesy, creamy tuna filling makes this a family favorite. Whether you use a pan, oven, or air fryer, the result is always golden, gooey, and delicious. Perfect for lunch or a quick snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp mustard (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix tuna, mayo, mustard, and black pepper.
- Spread the tuna mixture onto two slices of bread and top with shredded cheese.
- Place the other slices of bread on top, pressing gently.
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat and grill the sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Slice and serve warm.
Final Thoughts on Canned Tuna Recipes
Canned tuna is such a humble ingredient, but it’s amazing how many ways you can use it. Whether you grew up eating it mixed with rice, stirred into pasta, or stuffed into a sandwich, there’s always a new way to enjoy it. And if you’ve only had it one way, why not try something from this list? Maybe a tuna sisig inspired by Filipino flavors, a creamy tuna pasta like the Italians do, or even a spicy tuna sushi roll for a Japanese twist.
The best part about canned tuna is how easy it is to make it your own. So grab a can (or two) and have fun experimenting—you might just find a new family favorite!
