Skillet Tuna Bowl: Easy Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes!

Skillet tuna bowl perfection is attainable, even on the busiest weeknights! The skillet tuna bowl is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a solo lunch or a family dinner. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a flavor packed experience. Think crispy edged tuna, vibrant veggies, and your favorite grains all coming together in one delicious bowl.

Growing up, my grandmother always had a can of tuna on hand, ready to whip up something amazing. This skillet tuna bowl is my modern take on her tuna creations. It's customizable, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes. The smells alone are enough to bring back cherished memories. I hope this skillet tuna bowl recipe brings as much joy to your table as it brings to mine!

Why You Will Love This skillet tuna bowl Recipe

This skillet tuna bowl is more than just a quick meal; it's a hug in a bowl. Seriously, after a long day, nothing beats the ease and comfort of this recipe. The tuna gets wonderfully crispy in the skillet, giving it a satisfying texture that complements the soft grains and fresh vegetables. I love how easy it is to customize with whatever I have on hand.

I love how this recipe came about completely by accident one hectic Tuesday night. I was starving and staring into my pantry, and the thought of ordering takeout was tempting. Instead, I challenged myself to create something delicious with what I had. And that’s when this flavorful tuna bowl was born. It is fast (ready in under 30 minutes), family friend and has minimal clean up.

Ingredients Needed for This skillet tuna bowl Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible skillet tuna bowl. These are pantry staples for me, so I can always throw his one together whenever I want.

For the Tuna:

• Two 5 ounce cans tuna in olive oil, drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa (or rice, barley, couscous)
• 1 cup chopped broccoli florets (or other vegetables)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Avocado slices
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce

How to Make This skillet tuna bowl Recipe

Here's how to make your very own skillet tuna bowl for dinner tonight. It’s so simple.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
2. Add the drained tuna, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet.
3. Cook, breaking up the tuna with a spoon, until the edges are crispy and golden brown, about 5 7 minutes. Be sure not to overcook; you want the tuna to get crispy but not dry.

4. While the tuna is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Steam or lightly saute the broccoli florets until tender crisp.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa (or your grain of choice), steamed broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
7. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss to combine.

8. Divide the quinoa mixture into bowls.
9. Top each bowl with the crispy skillet tuna.
10. Garnish with avocado slices, everything bagel seasoning, or a drizzle of Sriracha (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy! If you like this you might also love our Skillet Tuna Rice Bowl.

How to Serve This skillet tuna bowl Recipe

This skillet tuna bowl is a complete meal but here are some fun ways to enjoy it:

• Serving Tip: Serve immediately while the tuna is still crispy.
• Pairing Idea: A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad complements the bowl perfectly.
• Topping Recommendation: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch.
• Plating Idea: Use a colorful bowl to make the dish even more appealing.

How to Store This skillet tuna bowl Recipe

Here is the best way to store the components of your delicious tuna bowl.

• Refrigeration Instructions: Store the tuna and grain/vegetable mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Guidelines: We don’t recommend freezing the tuna, as it can become mushy. The cooked grains can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Tips: Reheat the tuna in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Reheat the grain mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Shelf Life Information: The tuna will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The grain/vegetable mixture will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Tips to Make This skillet tuna bowl Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks to help make your skillet tuna bowl even better:

• Ingredient Swaps: Use canned salmon or chickpeas instead of tuna. You can also swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand.
• Success Tip: Don't overcook the tuna it should be crispy on the edges but still tender.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Make sure to drain the tuna well before cooking. The extra moisture can make the tuna soggy instead of crispy.
• Pro Tip for Best Results: For added flavor, try marinating the tuna in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before cooking.

Helpful Notes for This skillet tuna bowl Recipe

Here are some extra notes and ideas to remember while making your flavor-packed bowl.

• Extra Clarifications: If you don't have fresh lemon juice, use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.
• Ingredient Details: High quality olive oil makes a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
• Equipment Recommendations: A good quality non stick skillet will prevent the tuna from sticking.

Variation of This skillet tuna bowl Recipe

Here are a few ways to customize this recipe to your liking and change it up a bit.

• Seasonal Twists: In the fall, add roasted butternut squash or sweet potato to the bowl. In the spring, add asparagus or peas.
• Optional Versions: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess and tang. Enjoy your Skillet Tuna Salad bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Creative Modifications: Try adding a drizzle of tahini sauce or a sprinkle of za'atar spice for a Middle Eastern twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this quick and delicious skillet tuna bowl as much as I do! It's a perfect way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you! So grab your skillet and let's make this amazing skillet tuna bowl together.

Skillet Tuna Bowl: Easy Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes!

A quick, easy, and satisfying skillet tuna bowl recipe perfect for a weeknight meal. Crispy tuna, vibrant veggies, and your favorite grains come together in one delicious bowl.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Pescatarian

Nutrition:

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 25g

Ingredients

• Two 5 ounce cans tuna in olive oil, drained\n1 tablespoon olive oil\n1/2 teaspoon garlic powder\n1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)\nSalt and pepper to taste\n2 cups cooked quinoa (or rice, barley, couscous)\n1 cup chopped broccoli florets (or other vegetables)\n1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved\n1/4 cup sliced red onion\n1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley\n2 tablespoons lemon juice\n1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.\nAdd the drained tuna, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet.\nCook, breaking up the tuna with a spoon, until the edges are crispy and golden brown, about 5 7 minutes.\nWhile the tuna is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Steam or lightly saute the broccoli florets until tender crisp.\nIn a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa (or your grain of choice), steamed broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.\nIn a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.\nPour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss to combine.\nDivide the quinoa mixture into bowls. Top each bowl with the crispy skillet tuna.\nGarnish with avocado slices, everything bagel seasoning, or a drizzle of Sriracha (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• You can customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and grains.\nFor a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.\nStore leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.