Are you looking for a quick and easy meal that’s packed with protein and flavor? Look no further than tuna and rice! This classic combination is a staple in many cuisines around the world, and when paired with a variety of spices and seasonings, it can be transformed into a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 different recipes that feature tuna and rice as the main ingredients. From spicy sushi bowls to creamy casseroles, and from Asian-inspired fried rices to Mediterranean salads, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a foodie seeking inspiration for your next culinary adventure, these recipes are sure to hit the spot.
So, let’s dive in and discover the delicious world of tuna and rice!
Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Bowl
A flavorful twist on the classic sushi bowl, this spicy tuna variation combines the freshness of tuna with the warmth of Korean chili flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably Koshihikari)
– 1/2 pound sashimi-grade tuna, sliced into thin pieces
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: pickled ginger slices, wasabi
Instructions:
1. Cook Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
3. Add the tuna slices to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. To assemble the bowls, place cooked rice on the bottom, followed by marinated tuna, green onions, and any desired garnishes (pickled ginger, wasabi).
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including marinating time)
Creamy Tuna and Rice Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna in water (drained)
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine tuna, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
4. Add the tuna-rice mixture to the prepared baking dish.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Asian-Inspired Tuna Fried Rice
Transform leftover rice into a flavorful and protein-packed meal with this Asian-inspired tuna fried rice recipe. A perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 can of tuna in water (drained), flaked
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
3. Add mixed vegetables; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add cooked rice, tuna flakes, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tuna Poke Bowl with Jasmine Rice
Experience the freshness of Hawaii-inspired flavors with this simple and delicious Tuna Poke Bowl recipe, paired with fragrant Jasmine Rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Jasmine rice (cooked according to package instructions)
– Scallions, thinly sliced
– Sesame seeds and pickled ginger for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Add the flaked tuna to the marinade and gently fold until well combined.
3. Cook Jasmine rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
4. Divide cooked rice into bowls.
5. Spoon the tuna mixture over the rice.
6. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger (if using).
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Mediterranean Tuna and Rice Salad
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy-to-make tuna and rice salad, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 (5 oz) can of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cooked rice, tuna, red bell pepper, cucumber, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep) + 30 minutes (refrigeration)
Quick Tuna and Rice Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious meal that’s ready in no time! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together tuna, rice, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pepper with the tuna mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25 minutes or until peppers are tender.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted (if using).
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Garlic Butter Tuna Rice Skillet
A flavorful one-pot dish that combines the richness of garlic butter, tender tuna, and creamy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the butter and let it melt, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the flaked tuna and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Tuna and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed tomatoes, this recipe combines the richness of tuna and rice with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a bowl, mix together tuna, rice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Stuff each tomato with the tuna mixture, mounding it slightly in the center.
5. Place the stuffed tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tuna Avocado Rice Wraps
A refreshing twist on traditional wraps, this recipe combines the richness of tuna with the creaminess of avocado and the nutty flavor of brown rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large tortilla wraps
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, mashed avocado, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Mix well until combined.
3. Add the cooked brown rice to the tuna mixture and stir until well coated.
4. Warm the tortilla wraps by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the tuna-rice mixture onto the center of each wrap, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Fold the bottom half of the wrap up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap up tightly.
7. Serve immediately and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including cooking time for brown rice)
Lemon Herb Tuna Rice Pilaf
This refreshing pilaf combines the flavors of lemon, herbs, and tuna to create a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (6 oz) of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in flaked tuna, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and combine with the tuna mixture.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Teriyaki Tuna Rice Bowl
Elevate your meal with this Japanese-inspired Teriyaki Tuna Rice Bowl, featuring seared tuna, savory teriyaki sauce, and fluffy Japanese-style rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1 cup cooked Japanese-style white rice
– 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Japanese-style rice according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flaked tuna and sear for 30 seconds per side, or until cooked through.
4. Brush the teriyaki glaze all over the tuna, letting it caramelize for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Assemble the bowls by placing the cooked rice on the bottom, followed by the seared tuna, and finishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Teriyaki Tuna Rice Bowl!
Cheesy Tuna and Rice Bake
A comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunchbox addition. This recipe combines the flavors of tuna, cheese, and rice in a satisfying casserole.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 can (5 oz) of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, tuna, milk, and butter. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the tuna mixture.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tuna Kimchi Fried Rice
A flavorful twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the savory taste of canned tuna with the spicy kick of kimchi.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 can of tuna in water (drained and flaked)
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the cooked rice, tuna flakes, kimchi, soy sauce, and salt. Stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps as you go.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
One-Pot Tuna and Rice Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, this one-pot wonder combines tender tuna, creamy rice, and flavorful vegetables in a rich broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 cups of uncooked white rice
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 celery stalk, sliced
– 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little bit of oil until tender.
2. Add the rice, tuna, chicken broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tuna Rice Cakes with Sriracha Mayo
Elevate your snack game with these crispy tuna rice cakes, infused with the spicy kick of Sriracha mayo.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 1/2 can of tuna in water (drained and flaked)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Salt to taste
– Sriracha mayo ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together cooked rice, tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, and egg until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired cake size.
3. Shape each portion into a patty.
4. Coat each patty with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Pan-fry the cakes in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm with Sriracha mayo (mix mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce) on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tuna and Rice Stuffed Zucchini Boats
A creative twist on traditional stuffed zucchinis, these Tuna and Rice Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a flavorful and nutritious meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1 can of tuna in water (drained)
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.
3. In a bowl, mix together tuna, cooked rice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each zucchini boat with the tuna mixture, mounding it slightly.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the filled boats and place them on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Coconut Lime Tuna Rice
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the freshness of lime, the richness of coconut, and the protein-packed punch of tuna. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 can (6 oz) of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cooked rice, tuna, and unsweetened shredded coconut.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Tuna Rice Salad with Mango Dressing
A refreshing twist on traditional tuna salads, this recipe combines the flavors of tuna, rice, and mango to create a unique and delicious dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mango Dressing ingredients: 1 ripe mango, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine tuna, rice, bell pepper, and cilantro.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Drizzle soy sauce and olive oil over the mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. For the Mango Dressing, puree mango, lime juice, and honey in a blender or food processor until smooth.
6. Pour dressing over the tuna salad and mix well.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Summary
Get ready to dive into the world of tuna and rice! This article brings you 18 mouth-watering recipes that combine the simplicity of rice with the protein-packed goodness of tuna. From sushi-inspired bowls to casseroles, salads, and more, there’s something for every taste bud. Discover how easy it is to create a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal with these flavorful recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy, creamy, or Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this collection has got you covered. Dive in and get cooking!
