19 Asian Canned Tuna Recipes for Dinner - Greedy Girl Gourmet (2024)

A can of tuna is a cheap, easy and convenient way to add protein to dishes! Much cheaper than tuna steaks!

Since unopened cans of tuna can be stored at room temperature, it's 1 of the pantry staples that you can always have on-hand. At its simplest, you can add it to gochujang carbonara on busy weeknights or try 1 of the easy Asian canned tuna recipes below!

This versatile ingredient is a convenient and affordable way to enjoy seafood without compromising on your budget, taste or quality. Whether you're a busy professional, a student on a tight schedule, or simply someone who appreciates fuss-free Asian cooking, tinned tuna is a great solution!

Beyond its convenience, canned tuna also has a good nutritional profile. Packed with lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, it is an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy and balanced diet.

Korean

Rolled Gimbap

If you're looking for an easy canned tuna recipe, try this kimbap sandwich, which is a fun party recipe that everyone can make together!

It's also diet-friendly as those who don't eat fish can easily substitute with the tuna with something else like Spam or tofu.

Gimbap Rolls

For those with the rolling skills, try this spicy gimbap recipe! The gochujang paste can be easily substituted with Sriracha or hot sauce.

Pancakes

Also known as Chamchijeon 참치전, these Korean tuna fish pancakes are a doshirak (lunchbox) staple banchan. Perfect for back to school season, paired with gochujang mayonnaise or kimchi aioli!

Jjigae

Instead of the usual soft tofu stew or kimchi jjigae, try tuna jjigae for a change!

Gochujang Salad

Instead of a classic tuna salad, why not try this spicy tuna one? If you don't have Korean fermented pepper paste, you can also substitute it for 1 of these gochujang alternatives.

Add some pasta shells and you get a tuna pasta salad that is a great option for meal prep!

Tip: don't omit the green onions, they add a necessary burst of freshness!

Japanese & Fusion

Sushi Bake

Another easy lunch recipe good for those who don't quite dare tackle rolling sushi is this variation of the classic tuna casserole: baked sushi.

Sushi bake is best made with short-grain sushi rice. (If you can't get it, here are some good Japanese rice substitutes.) Leftover rice can bed used in this rolled kimbap or 1 of these sushi rice dishes!

Or, if you want a change of flavor, try this salmon baked sushi!

Onigiri

If you can't get the seaweed, here are some of the best Nori Substitutes.

Sushi

And if you feel your rolling skills are up to snuff, try these easy spicy tuna rolls!

You can even use the red onion tuna dip below as a stuffing if you wish! (See the section on Singapore.)

Handrolls

Another easy alternative to rolling sushi are handrolls!

They are so versatile: you can follow the ingredients in the recipe or roll the canned tuna with some cucumber quick pickles, hard-boiled eggs and a creamy spicy mayo sauce!

Rice Bowl

Or make this tuna poke bowl, which only takes 5 minutes! Don't forget your 5-a-day, whether in the form of Asian pickled cucumbers or these sweet mango cucumber salad!

And, when tired of tuna, switch your poke bowls with this shrimp rice bowl or imitation crab!

Singaporean

Tuna Dip

This spicy tuna mixture is great for Super Bowl season, or any day really! Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables crudités on the side.

If your guests can't take spice, these cream cheese and garlic or briny olives with cream cheese dips will help relieve the heat. (Dairy is a good way to make spicy foods taste less spicy!)

Filipino

Tuna Sisig goes really well with Filipino toyomansi sauce. (If you don't have calamansi, you can use lemon juice or 1 of these calamansi lime alternatives instead.)

Thai

Fried Rice

Fish Cakes

These fluffy fishcakes go so well with this tangy tamarind sauce! A healthy and delicious dinner all round!

Lettuce Rolls

Looking for a healthy canned tuna recipe?

These Thai-inspired lettuce rolls are stuffed with tinned tuna, crunchy vegetables and a delicious peanut sauce which is sure to delight your taste buds!

Feel free to use carrots, green beans or bell peppers in these tuna lettuce wraps!

Others

Non-spicy Patties

The lemon zest helps add zing to this tuna fritter recipe. For an extra Asian touch, serve it with rice burgers or inside mantou buns!

Tuna Melt

These tuna nachos are delicious, any day of the week! Sure to please your whole family, young and old.

Chow Mein Casserole

If you like tuna noodle casserole, you'll love this chow mein version!

Expert Tips

Tip #1: some brands of canned tuna can be very salty though, so do reduce the amount of seasoning you use accordingly!

Tip #2: tuna in water has less calories but oil-packed tuna is moister! (I recommend olive oil over sunflower oil.)

Tip #3: canned tuna can taste dry, so pair it with sour cream or mayo. Kewpie mayonnaise tastes particularly good!