10 Tips That’ll Make Cooking With Tuna So Much Better

Whether it’s canned, fresh, or packed in olive oil, tuna is one of the most versatile proteins in the kitchen. But to really make it shine (and not taste like cat food), there are a few tricks you’ll want to know. These 10 tips will take your tuna game from bland to brilliant.

1. Always Drain (and Rinse) Canned Tuna Packed in Water

Canned tuna in water often retains an overly salty taste. Draining it thoroughly makes a difference, but a quick rinse elevates it further.

By removing excess brine, the natural flavors become more prominent. Consider the rinse a simple step that refines your dish.

Even a basic salad improves significantly in taste with this technique.

2. Upgrade With Olive Oil Tuna

For a luxurious touch, choose tuna packed in olive oil. Not only does it offer a richer taste, but it also maintains a moist texture.

Ideal for no-cook dishes, its flavor melds beautifully with fresh salads and pasta.

This subtle upgrade transforms everyday meals into gourmet experiences.

3. Add Acid to Wake It Up

Brighten your tuna dish with a splash of lemon or vinegar. This tip cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing zing.

Acid not only balances flavors but also enhances the overall complexity of the dish.

Explore how this simple addition can reveal hidden flavors you didn’t know existed.

4. Use Fresh Herbs for a Flavor Boost

Transform simple tuna into something extraordinary with fresh herbs. Dill, parsley, or mint can elevate the flavor profile dramatically.

Herbs add a burst of color and a fragrant aroma, making your dish visually appealing and delicious.

This technique is a quick, effective way to impress guests without much effort.

5. Don’t Overcook Fresh Tuna

Fresh tuna steaks should be treated like fine steak. Searing on high heat for a brief period keeps it tender.

Overcooking dries it out, losing its natural juiciness.

A quick sear ensures a succulent bite that retains its delicate texture, making every mouthful delightful.

6. Mash It for Creamier Tuna Salad

Achieve a smoother, creamier tuna salad by mashing it gently. This technique ensures better binding with mayo or yogurt.

The mashed texture allows for a consistent spread, perfect for sandwiches.

It’s a subtle change that alters the texture significantly, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.

7. Add Crunch

Introduce texture with crunchy add-ins like celery or red onion. Each bite brings an exciting contrast to the tuna’s softness.

Potato chips or cucumber can also add an unexpected twist, enhancing the eating experience.

These additions make the dish more dynamic, keeping every mouthful interesting and enjoyable.

8. Spice It Up

Enhance your tuna with a spicy kick—think sriracha, cayenne, or hot mustard.

These spices add depth, reviving the flavors. The heat complements tuna’s richness, creating a harmonious balance.

Experiment with different spice levels to suit your palate, transforming a traditional dish into something extraordinary.

9. Try Mediterranean Mix-Ins

Infuse your tuna dish with Mediterranean flair using ingredients like olives and capers.

These mix-ins add sophistication with minimal effort, turning everyday tuna into a culinary masterpiece.

The bold flavors complement the tuna, creating a dish that feels both exotic and comforting.

10. Think Beyond the Sandwich

Explore tuna’s versatility beyond the classic sandwich. It works wonderfully in pasta, stuffed peppers, or rice bowls.

These creative applications offer new textures and flavors, expanding your culinary repertoire.

Such innovations with tuna enable endless possibilities, reinventing this staple into an exciting main course.