Whether youre jumping on the tinned fish craze or simply trying to burn through pandemic pantry purchases in a (lets face it) Instagrammable fashion, taking advantage of those uneaten cans of tuna clogging your cupboard is the perfect way to save money and give your stovetop some time off during the summer months. But since all tinned tunas arent made equal, knowing how to fix up that preserved fish will elevate your picnics, sandwich fillings, tonnatos, and beyond.
Chances are there are plenty of items already lingering in the back of your fridge or scattered throughout your countertops just waiting to be put to good use. By mixing and matching complementary ingredients, your lonely cans of tuna will get the spa day they deserve before their moment in the spotlight; just remember not to crowd your pallet by pairing uncomplimentary or redundant flavors, and be mindful of how much fluids youre adding to the mixture so that the finished dish isnt (literally) drowning in liquid.
Of course, youll want a sandwich filling to be sturdier than a spread or dip, but the main rule when building your dish is to trust your own taste and pick the ingredients that suit your palate or that of your guests if youre playing host. With that in mind, consider these accompaniments the next time you crack open a can of tuna.
Switch up your spices If you don’t have one of these on hand, just pick a savory spice you enjoy and try adding it to the tuna mixture; anything from garlic powder to coriander, cumin, or sumac will amp up your tuna melt.
Keep it classic with mayonnaise
If in doubt, add mayonnaise! Unless youre averse to a creamy texture, the softness and fat of mayo will harmoniously marry the fatty and oily texture of the tinned fish. In fact, if youre looking to hide a less than ideal can of tunas flaws such as tuna that wasnt canned in big, pleasurable chunks, the mayonnaise will create a cohesive character.
We highly suggest trying the extra-eggy Kewpie Mayonnaise, for an even more velvety mouthfeel. The chef-favorite Japanese condiment gives everyday snacks an extra boost since its made entirely of egg yolks (no whites) and has a wink of a sweet tang thanks to rice or apple cider vinegar.
Whether you go kewpie or classic, mayo acts as a welcome guest for your canned tuna upgrade, especially to provide a textural contrast to the crunch of other additions such as shallots, onion, celery or fennel.
If mayo is a no-go, try sour cream or lebneh
If youre going for a zippy, herb-flecked dip to adorn chips or a crudités platter, opting for sour cream will provide that tart punch youre looking for, plus its reliably versatile for any looser mixtures. Adding this ingredient slowly and conservatively will save you from going overboard and creating a too-wet texture to your dish that youll have to fix later.
If youre going for a sturdier, thicker concoction, opting for labneh, a cousin to Greek yogurt and favorite for any Arabic-influenced mezze spreads, still provides a milky quality but with a little more structure for more of a spread or sandwich filling. Unlike sour cream, its stiff enough that large, quenelle-like dollops of the creamy delight can dot a somewhat deconstructed tuna salad if youre looking to combine another element with your summery mixed greens. Both sour cream and labneh can easily take the place of mayonnaise if youre going for a creamier flavor.
Canned Tuna Patties Recipe!
FAQ
What seasonings go good on tuna?
How do you spice up tuna salad?
To take your tuna salad to the next level, we suggest reaching into your spice rack for a jar of cayenne pepper and mixing it into mayo before combining it with your canned tuna. For the spice-sensitive, we suggest starting with a smaller amount and adding more and more of the ingredient, tasting as you go to avoid overload.
How do you spice up Tuna before cooking?
Rub the mixture onto the tuna before cooking. For the spicy rub, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, coriander, black pepper, ginger, salt, and cinnamon. Rub the mixture onto the tuna before cooking.
How do you add spices to tuna?
When it comes to applying the spices, there are a few different methods you can use. One option is to coat the tuna in soy sauce or GF liquid aminos, as this can help the spices adhere to the tuna. Another option is to make a spice rub, such as the sesame spice crust or spicy rub listed in the search results.
Can you add spices to Tuna casserole?
Tuna casserole is a classic comfort food that graces the dinner tables of many households. This dish has the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and hearty flavors. However, if you want to take your tuna casserole to the next level, incorporating various spices can do wonders.