The Top 8 Ways to Use Canned Tuna in Indian Kitchens

May 2nd is observed as World Tuna Day - the perfect way to celebrate the versatility of the most loved fish, tuna! Whether you use fresh or canned tuna, there are innumerable ways to enjoy this delicacy. Foodism is here with tuna fish recipes on this World Tuna Day, with something special for Indian kitchens. 

Why celebrate World Tuna Day in your Indian Kitchen? 

Tuna dishes are not only global favourites but are also protean and adaptable to Indian kitchens too. Whether you crave a comforting tuna casserole to tuna pasta, crispy tuna melt sandwich to simple tuna salad recipe, Indian kitchens will give bold flavours and taste to tuna delicacies. You can enjoy any innovative delight with tuna, like tuna pizza with an Indian twist. Would you like a pizza on a naan base? Let’s explore! 

We are diving into some exciting ideas of making tuna fish in Indian kitchens - 

Simple Tuna Salad Recipe with Mayo

This simple tuna salad recipe with mayo is perfect for a quick snack or a light lunch. Using canned tuna, it comes together in minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tuna can (in water or oil, drained)
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp mustard (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp chaat masala (optional)
  • Fresh coriander (optional)

Method:

To make simple tuna salad recipe with mayo - 

  • Combine canned tuna from the tuna can, mayonnaise, onion, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Mix until everything is well incorporated. Add chaat masala for an Indian twist.
  • Chill and serve as a simple tuna salad recipe with mayo on its own or as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe

A tuna salad sandwich recipe is an easy and satisfying meal. Here's how to make the best tuna sandwich recipe using the classic tuna salad recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 portion of a simple tuna salad recipe with mayo
  • 4 slices of bread (whole wheat or multigrain)
  • Butter or ghee for toasting
  • Lettuce, tomato, cucumber slices

Method:

To make tuna salad sandwich - 

  • Spread the tuna salad recipe evenly on two bread slices.
  • Top with vegetables of your choice.
  • Cover with remaining slices and butter the outsides.
  • Toast on a tawa or sandwich press until crispy.
  • Serve hot—the perfect tuna salad sandwich recipe and truly the best tuna sandwich recipe for tuna lovers!

Tuna Melt Sandwich Recipe

The tuna melt sandwich recipe combines creamy tuna salad, melted cheese, and crispy bread for the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tuna can, drained
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 green chilli, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions
  • 1/4 cup grated cheddar
  • 2 sandwich buns or bread slices
  • Butter

Method:

To make tuna melt sandwich recipe - 

  • Mix the canned tuna, mayo, chilli, onions, and cheese.
  • Spread on bread or buns, and top with another slice.
  • Butter the outside and toast until golden, and the cheese is melted.
  • This tuna melt sandwich recipe is ideal for brunch or dinner!

Tuna Pasta with Indian Twist

This tuna pasta dish balances Italian structure with desi flavours, making it an irresistible tuna meal.

Ingredients:

  • 150g pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 tuna can, drained
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Method:

To make tuna pasta with an Indian twist - 

  • Cook pasta, drain, and set aside.
  • Sauté garlic and onion in oil, add chilli powder and tomato.
  • Add canned tuna and garam masala, mix well.
  • Toss cooked pasta with the tuna fish mixture.
  • Garnish and enjoy this spicy tuna pasta with Indian vibes!

Cheesy Tuna Casserole

This creamy tuna casserole is rich, cheesy, and full of flavour—great for Indian ovens or stovetops.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked pasta
  • 1 tuna can, drained
  • 1/2 cup boiled peas
  • 1/2 cup corn
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup grated cheese

Method:

To make cheesy tuna casserole - 

  • Make white sauce: Melt butter, add flour, whisk, then add milk.
  • Stir until thickened; add salt, pepper, and cheese.
  • Mix in tuna fish, peas, corn, and pasta.
  • Transfer to a baking dish or cook covered in a kadhai.
  • Bake or simmer until bubbly. This tuna casserole is a hit with kids, too!

Tuna Pizza on Naan Base

The fusion tuna pizza is super easy with naan as a base—an Indian twist on a global favourite.

Ingredients:

  • 2 naan breads
  • 1 tuna can, drained
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 green chilli, sliced
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh coriander

Method:

To make tuna pizza on a naan base - 

  • Spread pizza sauce on naan, top with canned tuna, onion, and chilli.
  • Sprinkle cheese and bake at 180°C until golden.
  • Garnish with coriander. This spicy tuna pizza is a perfect World Tuna Day snack!

Fresh Tuna Tikka (Indian Tuna Fish Recipe)

For those lucky enough to get fresh tuna, this fresh tuna recipe is full of bold Indian flavours.

Ingredients:

  • 300g fresh tuna, cubed
  • 1/2 cup hung curd
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt

Method:

To make fresh tuna tikka/Indian tuna fish recipe - 

  • Mix all marinade ingredients and coat fresh tuna cubes.
  • Let it sit for 30 minutes. Skewer and grill or pan-fry until cooked through.
  • This tuna fish recipe makes a delicious, spicy snack or party appetiser.

Tuna Fish Salad

This quick tuna fish salad is fresh, crunchy, and loaded with Indian-style flavours.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tuna can, drained
  •  
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp chaat masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander

Method:

To make tuna fish salad - 

  • Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  • Chill and serve this light tuna fish salad as a side or main course.

Use this World Tuna Day as a chance to be creative in your kitchen and let tuna shine on your palate. Do you love tuna? Which recipe from above would you be trying? We’d love to see your tuna creation. So join Foodism today and share your creations with our lovely food community.