If your relationship with tuna begins and ends with a salad, consider this your sign to branch out. Tuna is one of the most versatile and hard-working proteins around, prized for its meaty texture, clean flavour and ability to take on everything from bold marinades and fiery spice to delicate citrus dressings. It’s equally at home in speedy pantry meals as it is in restaurant-worthy dishes, whether you’re reaching for a tin or a pristine fillet from your fishmonger.
From crisp tuna nachos and silky tartare to fresh poke bowls, perfectly seared steaks and substantial salads that are anything but an afterthought, our favourite tuna recipes prove there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of this kitchen staple. Here are 25 of our best tuna recipes to add to your hitlist.
Sumptuous and spicy, this spicy tuna tartare from Maison Bâtard takes its cue from jewellery displays.
Inspired by the fusion flavours of Nikkei cuisine, this nacho reboot bursts with vibrant flavours.
This zingy seared tuna salad, topped with citrus vinaigrette and finger lime, is a quick and easy crowd-pleaser.
Photo: Ben Dearnley
(Credits: Ben Dearnley)This Tongan riff on ceviche goes island hopping for fresh ingredients to make it a cooling antidote to summer heat.
Seared tuna with baby spring greens
(Credits: James Moffat)Poke bowls have had their moment. Here’s a vibrant seasonal salad that transcends trends.
Where classic flavours and top-shelf produce combine for a salad that’s ready to devour in 40 minutes.
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Spooned over thinly sliced veal or enjoyed as a dip in its own right.
Taste the rainbow in three simple steps.
Tuna rice paper rolls
(Credits: Craig Wall)A no-cook recipe perfect for meal prep, lazy days or too-hot-to-bear summers.
Avocado and tuna are a match made in heaven. Pair them together for a fresh, easy and healthy bowl.
Tuna steaks add heft to this Sicilian-favourite, ready in under 30 minutes.
Our more substantial variation of a light and zesty Mexican aguachile.
An impressive (and deceptively easy) main ready in 40 minutes.
Preserved tuna and tomato open-faced panini
(Credits: Chris Court)A lesson in killing two birds with one stone: use up your canned tuna in a simple but delicious lunch.
Blood oranges, if they’re around, work beautifully here, but navels or even grapefruit will do the trick.
Tuna, zucchini and pea spaghetti
(Credits: William Meppem)A satisfying pasta dish ready in 10 minutes.
Niçoise salad with albacore tuna
(Credits: Ben Dearnley)Stokehouse Brisbane’s Niçoise salad with albacore tuna makes for a vibrant side salad.
A quick spaghetti that’s full of punchy and fresh flavours.
Tuna Niçoise baguette
(Credits: William Meppem)If you’re looking to add more substance to the traditional Niçoise, this is your sign to add a baguette.
Tuna carpaccio “la zingara”
(Credits: Dieu Tan)A fresh and aromatic tuna carpaccio recipe.
Eugenio Maiale: Peperoni ripieni di tonno (peppers stuffed with tuna)
(Credits: Chris Chen)The crunch of crumb combines with the fleshiness of peppers in A Tavola’s quick and tasty recipe.
Tuna and gremolata farfalle
(Credits: Teny Aghamalian)Quick, easy and satisfying, this pasta bowl leans on pantry staples.
Soba noodles with tuna and black sesame seeds
(Credits: Teny Aghamalian)A 15-minute soba noodle dish that fires on all cylinders.
Tuna recipe FAQs
Canned tuna is one of the hardest working staples in our pantries. When it comes to the high-protein fish, think bigger than a simple garden salad beefed out with a 95g can of the stuff. Try using it in a tonnato instead, poured over veal or as a dip for the next time you’re on hosting duty. Or perhaps tossed through a simple pasta for a fast-as-a-flash dinner for those busy weeknights.
Aside from its meatiness and neutral flavour, the best thing about tuna is how quickly it cooks (if you opt into cooking it at all!). Sear thick pieces of it to add heft and bite to a Japanese-inspired soba noodle salad, or dice it and season it in a no-cook poke bowl, teeming with freshness.
