rice and tuna recipe

The Best rice and tuna recipe

I’ve been making this rice and tuna recipe for years, and it’s still a family favorite. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time. I like to serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad, but it’s also great on its own or with some crusty bread on the side.

My kids love it when I add some diced veggies like carrots or peas to make it more colorful and fun to eat. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe can be whipped up and how versatile it is – whether I’m serving it at home or packing it in lunches for school or work.

The combination of rice, tuna, and seasonings creates a satisfying and filling meal that’s hard to beat. Plus, the leftovers are always welcome in our household!

As for where this dish comes from, I think it’s safe to say that it’s an adaptation of traditional Japanese recipes that have been passed down through generations of cooks. The original versions often include more elaborate ingredients and techniques, but my version is streamlined to suit modern tastes and cooking methods.

One thing that sets this recipe apart is the use of canned tuna – which might seem like an odd choice, but trust me when I say that it adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get from fresh tuna alone. And let’s not forget about the importance of using short-grain rice in this recipe – its sticky texture helps hold everything together while adding a pleasant chewiness to each bite.

Rice and Tuna Bowl

4.7 from 1988 votes

A quick and satisfying meal combining fluffy rice with savory tuna. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 2Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice

1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Tuna Mixture

1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Optional Toppings

1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Soy sauce to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt.
3Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes.
4The rice is done when all the water is absorbed and the grains are tender.
5While the rice cooks, prepare the tuna mixture.
6In a mixing bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork.
7Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, black pepper, and sliced green onions.
8Stir until well combined.
9If using frozen peas, stir them into the tuna mixture now.
10Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
11Then fluff the rice with a fork.
12Divide the rice between two bowls.
13Top each bowl with half of the tuna mixture.
14Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with soy sauce on the side if desired.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Mixing bowl
Fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

For a lower calorie option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also add diced cucumber or avocado for extra freshness.

Watch Video Of How Rice and Tuna Bowl Works

This recipe has become an old friend in our household – one that never fails to satisfy our appetites while also being incredibly easy on us busy parents. Whether we’re serving it at home or packing it in lunches for school or work, this rice and tuna recipe never fails to impress!

The best part? It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for later use – making it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Rice and Tuna Bowl

Q: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

No, using fresh tuna would change the flavor profile of the dish significantly. While fresh tuna is certainly delicious on its own, its delicate flavor gets lost in the strong flavors of the seasonings and rice. Canned tuna has a higher oil content and a more robust taste that complements these ingredients perfectly.

Q: What type of rice should I use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use short-grain rice like Japanese mochigome or calrose rice.

Q: Can I add other protein sources like chicken or shrimp?

While you could certainly experiment with other protein sources, they might alter the dish too much – after all, tuna is what makes this recipe special!

Q: Is there anything else I can do with leftover cooked rice?

Sure! You can make fried rice with leftover cooked rice by mixing in scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and your choice of vegetables.

Q: How do you suggest storing leftover cooked rice?

Store leftover cooked rice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

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