Nothing tops off a struggle meal like tinned tuna. Whether during my student years or those long, taxing weeks experienced in January (because feeling festive beats being frugal in December!), tuna has kept me full when my bank balance was low. It’s one of those budget-friendly pantry staples that is easy to prep, nutritious and super tasty.

Tinned Tuna Recipes

If you need dinner ideas that match your budget, try these 5 easy tinned tuna recipes.

Tuna Salad

Busy day ahead? You can’t go wrong with tuna salad. If you’re not into mayo, let honey mustard work its magic. Add fresh goodness with chopped cucumber, red onion, celery and herbs (parsley, basil or coriander). For a no-fuss serving, enjoy with baby spinach, rocket or fill gem lettuce cups. For a filling salad, top it with jammy-boiled eggs, seasoned and drizzled with olive oil for a glossy finish. Want something more substantial? Enjoy your tuna salad with Melba toast, multigrain savoury biscuits, crackers or rice cakes.

Try this recipe for Tuna Salad.

Classic Tuna Melt

I’ve never been a ‘tuna on plain bread’ gal, but I’ll take a tuna melt any day! Herby tuna mayo topped with melty white cheddar on buttery, pan-toasted bread with burnt cheese edges – yes, please! Most kids and adults will love this classic.

Serve it with potato crisps and sweet baby gherkins on the side for an American-style serving. For a local twist, try it with perinaise instead of mayo. Not your deal? Grate garlic into your mayo for a cheat’s aioli. Take a big bite and let the flavours melt in your mouth.

Take your tuna melt to the next level with this Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe.

Zesty Tuna Fish Cakes

Not a fan of fish cakes? Maybe you haven’t met the right one. This recipe is exactly that! The zesty, creamy mayo mellows the sometimes pungent tuna flavour, while chives and dill add a lovely, fresh herbiness. The crispy exterior is everything and more. For extra zing, squeeze fresh lemon over these tasty morsels before you tuck in.

Try this recipe for Zesty Tuna Fish Cakes with Chives & Dill.

Tuna and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Got a family to feed? Tuna pasta bake is perfect if you’re craving something comforting, but your budget is ‘broke’. Depending on how big your household is, add a couple of tins of tuna to a creamy bechamel, seasoned with nutmeg, paprika, oregano, salt and garlic, and toss some roughly chopped broccoli or baby spinach to sneak in some veggies and protein. Combine it with your cooked pasta.

Conchiglie is ideal in this creamy pasta bake – it carries the sauce beautifully. Fusilli is also a classic choice for this local favourite. Sprinkle some grated cheddar or gouda over the top and bake until the edges are brown and the dish is bubbling hot.

Not a fan of broccoli? Try this Creamy Tuna and Spinach Conchiglioni Bake.

Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna

Inspired by the Nobu restaurant favourite, this dish is an easy way to elevate tinned tuna and take it to insanely delicious heights. It’s spicy, crispy and moreish! In the classic version, fresh tuna chunks are used, but tinned tuna works just as well. This midweek marvel is especially great if you have leftover sticky rice.

To make the crispy rice, flatten the cooked sticky rice on parchment paper greased with sesame oil and cut it into small or medium-sized squares. Let it chill in the freezer for 3-4 hours or until solid. Once ready, shallow-fry the rice pieces in a neutral oil. The exterior should be golden brown and super crispy. For the topping, mix the tinned tuna with some mayo, sriracha, grated garlic, sliced spring onion, finely chopped green chilli and a drizzle of sesame oil. Mix until combined and serve on top of the crispy rice ‘cakes’.

More Meals with Tinned Fish

Whether enjoyed during skint months or any day of the week, these dishes taste great with tinned fish. Bulk them up with smoked mussels, tuna or sardines for a savvy supper.

Cheesy Hashbrown Bake

Toss a tin of tuna in this creamy and cheesy hashbrown bake for a delicious dish.

GET THE RECIPE

Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce Pasta

For a taste of the Med at a modest cost, swap Parmesan for canned sardines in this fresh tomato marinara sauce pasta.

GET THE RECIPE

Roasted Red Pepper & Mussel Tagliatelle

This dish will make you feel as happy as a clam. Instead of fresh mussels, use tinned smoked mussels and make homemade red pepper sauce for a creamy, comforting dish.

GET THE RECIPE

Fish Bites & Sweet Potato Wedges

Trade the smoked snoek and hake for tinned tuna in this restaurant-worthy dish. Whether shared with guests or as a solo snack, it’s sensational.

GET THE RECIPE

Want more? Try these easy and healthy budget meals for January.
Follow us on Instagram for more yummy content.