Skillet Tuna Rice Bowl: Easy Dinner in 30 Minutes

skillet tuna rice bowl is the comfort food I didn't know I needed! This simple yet satisfying dish instantly transports me back to my grandmother's kitchen, where resourceful cooking was an art form. This one pan wonder brings together pantry staples like canned tuna and rice with fresh veggies, creating a flavorful and nutritious meal in minutes. You'll find this skillet tuna rice bowl quickly becomes one of your go to recipes.

Why You Will Love This skillet tuna rice bowl Recipe

This skillet tuna rice bowl recipe is pure comfort food simplicity. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, flavorful enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, and easy enough for beginner cooks. I love it because it reminds me that creating delicious food doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s all about using thoughtfully sourced ingredients and a little bit of creativity. Plus cleanup is a breeze with just one skillet! This healthy recipe reminds me of Salmon Quinoa Bowls.

Ingredients Needed for This skillet tuna rice bowl Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious skillet tuna rice bowl:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• Two 5 ounce cans tuna in water, drained
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

How to Make This skillet tuna rice bowl Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful skillet tuna rice bowl:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the cooked rice and drained tuna into the skillet. Break up any large chunks of tuna with a spoon.
4. Add frozen peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are heated through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and ground ginger.
6. Pour the sauce over the tuna and rice mixture in the skillet. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
7. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the mixture is heated through.

8. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve This skillet tuna rice bowl Recipe

This skillet tuna rice bowl is fantastic served hot, right out of the skillet. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of steamed edamame or a crisp cucumber salad. You can also add a fried egg on top for extra protein and richness. The presentation is simple: scoop the tuna rice bowl into individual bowls, garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with a smile!

How to Store This skillet tuna rice bowl Recipe

Leftover skillet tuna rice bowl should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two, stirring occasionally, until heated through, or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Freezing is not recommended, as the rice can become mushy upon thawing.

Tips to Make This skillet tuna rice bowl Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your skillet tuna rice bowl is a success:

• Use leftover rice! This is a great way to use up rice from a previous meal.
• Don't overcook the tuna. Tuna can become dry and rubbery if overcooked, so be sure to heat it through gently.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, sesame oil for richness, or rice vinegar for tanginess.

Helpful Notes for This skillet tuna rice bowl Recipe

For the rice, you can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Some of our readers have also enjoyed incorporating a dash of chili oil.

Variation of This skillet tuna rice bowl Recipe

For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms. For a seasonal twist, try adding some chopped fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley. Craving something different? Check out my Protein Cookie Recipe for a sweet treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skillet Tuna Rice Bowl: Easy Dinner in 30 Minutes

A quick and easy skillet tuna rice bowl recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This one pan meal combines canned tuna, rice, and vegetables for a flavorful and nutritious dish.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian inspired
Diet: Pescatarian

Nutrition:
Calories: 350
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 15g

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• Two 5 ounce cans tuna in water, drained
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the cooked rice and drained tuna into the skillet. Break up any large chunks of tuna with a spoon.
4. Add frozen peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are heated through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and ground ginger.
6. Pour the sauce over the tuna and rice mixture in the skillet. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
7. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the mixture is heated through.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
9. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For a spicy tuna rice bowl, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Use low sodium soy sauce to lower the salt content. For a vegetarian option, substitute the tuna with chickpeas or lentils.