This easy tuna fried rice is a little bowl of perfection as it strikes a balance between nutritious and delicious. It’s a great option for a family dinner, and you can prepare it within fifteen minutes.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say you can easily level up the basic fried rice recipe to make a bowl of scrumptiousness.
Prepared with a few pantry staple ingredients to include a mild tantalizing flavor, this tuna fried rice is one you should try and you will not regret it!
What is Tuna Fried Rice?
Tuna fried rice is a savory dish made from cooked white rice, canned tuna, and various vegetables and seasonings.
It is a popular dish in many parts of the world, especially in Southeast Asia and Japan.
The fried rice is nutritious and filling. This meal provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
It can be served on its own as a main course or as a side dish to accompany other dishes. All in all, this tuna fried rice recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal.
Don’t go cheap on the tuna – Canned Tuna in Water vs. Oil
There was a time when canned tuna was unheard of. Not until 1904, canned tuna started becoming popular in America.
As a matter of fact, it was considered trash fish. Fast forward to today, we now have an endless amount of tuna and various brands to choose from.
A tuna from a 6.5-ounce can when drained from being packed in oil, can have as much as 317 calories. Tuna that was packed in water with the same amount of ounce can have about 150 calories, according to the USDA.
Although, tuna is highly mentioned when speaking of healthy heart health. This is because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Don’t skimp on the tuna. Purchase a good quality tuna. Canned tuna in oil is way tastier, it also helps to boost your vitamin D or selenium according to the USDA. Although you can make it with spring water tuna or brine tuna. But I find that tuna in oil, particularly in olive oil is tastier.
How To Make Tuna Fried Rice
To make tuna fried rice is simple. The dish is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
It is also a versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables and seasonings to suit individual tastes.
Cook the white rice first. You can also use day-old rice.
In a hot large skillet or wok, heat up the oil. Next, add the sliced green onions. Add in the sweet peas and carrots.
Stir well to combine and cook for about 1 minute over medium-high heat. Next, spread the ingredients aside and add the canned tuna with oil.
Mix well to combine. Spread the ingredients aside; leaving the middle free, add in the eggs.
Scramble the eggs, and once the eggs form (scrambled) mix the eggs and the rest of the ingredients together.
Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning at the bottom.
Add the rice a little at a time, and mix well after each addition.
Then add the soy sauce and the rice vinegar, season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well to combine, without breaking the tuna.
The dish is “cooked” until all the ingredients are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
What Is So Unique About This Dish?
Unlike our Mango fried rice that’s cooked with bite-size chicken breast, this tuna fried rice uses canned tuna as a source of protein.
While fried rice dishes often feature meat, such as chicken or pork, tuna is a less common ingredient that provides a distinct flavor and texture to the dish.
The unique combination of canned tuna, vegetables, and rice makes this rice a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare, economical, and easy to customize.
Pairing Suggestions
Tuna fried rice is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.
It can be paired with steamed veggies, salad, and edamame (don’t forget to saute them). In fact, you can enjoy it with miso soup and seaweed salad if you like comforting meals.
How To Store Your Fried Rice?
Store any leftover Tuna fried rice in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It can be refrigerated for three to four days.
You can also freeze it for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.
MORE RICE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
After trying this Tuna Fried Rice recipe, we recommend you try this Haitian Black Rice next, this Dill Rice, this sausage dirty rice, this Ghanaian Jollof Rice, This Instant Pot Haitian Rice and Beans, and this Instant Pot Pigeon Peas Rice.
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15-Minutes Tuna Fried Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Large Wok; Or large skillet
Ingredients
- 2 Green Onions; roughly chopped
- ¼ Cup Soy Sauce
- 1 Lb. Frozen Carrots and Peas; thawed
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- ¼ Cup Rice Vinegar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 10 Oz Can Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil; Calabrian Chili flavor – 2 cans; 5 Oz. each
- ¼ Cup Olive Oil
- 6 Cups Cooked Rice
Instructions
- In a hot large skillet or wok, heat up the oil. Next, add the sliced green onions. Add in the sweet peas and carrots.
- Stir well to combine and cook for about 1 minute over medium-high heat. Next, spread the ingredients aside and add the canned tuna with oil. Mix well to combine. Spread the ingredients aside; leaving the middle free, add in the eggs.
- Scramble the eggs, and once the eggs form (scrambled) mix the eggs and the rest of the ingredients together. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning at the bottom.
- Add the rice a little at a time, and mix well after each addition. Then add the soy sauce and rice vinegar, season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well to combine, without breaking the tuna.
- The dish is “cooked” until all the ingredients are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
TAYLER ROSS says
I made this fried rice for dinner last night and it was delicious! Loved the addition of tuna, too!
Mirlene says
Thank you. I am glad to hear that.
Vicky says
I love fried rice but have never tried it with tuna before. This meatless variation is yummy and filling. I make it as a main dish and like to add some sweet and sour sauce.
Liz says
Loved this recipe! It was a nice way to add some easy protein to my fried rice. Yum!
Janessa says
This tuna fried rice made for a perfect easy dinner last night!
Mirlene says
Very glad to hear that, Janessa. Thank you.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
I have everything I need for this dish, can’t wait to make it this weekend! My family is going to love this!
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
This is a nice recipe to use when it seems as though the cupboard is bare! Great use of canned tuna.
Mirlene says
Thank you!
Toni says
Everyone at my house loved it! I will definitely make it again!
dina and bruce miller says
Love the idea of tuna in fried rice! A winning dish!
Kate says
I had never thought to put tuna in fried rice, and it’s such a tasty twist. Love it.
Shashi says
I haven’t had tuna fried rice before and this looks and sounds delicious – cannot wait to make a batch of this!
Mirlene says
Hope you enjoy it. Thank you, Shashi.