Stir fry tuna stew, yes, you heard that right! This isn’t your grandma’s stew. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed explosion of the familiar comfort of stew reimagined with the quick, fresh flair of a stir fry. Stir fry tuna stew is the answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas when you crave something warm and satisfying but are short on time.
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My inspiration for this unconventional dish came from a late night fridge raid. Leftover tuna, some colorful veggies that needed using up, and a desperate craving for a hearty meal sparked this culinary adventure. I realized the principles of a good stew high on flavor and comfort, could be adapted to the quick, easy method of a stir fry. The result? A surprisingly delicious and satisfying meal.
Why You Will Love This stir fry tuna stew Recipe
This stir fry tuna stew is the ultimate weeknight win! It’s comforting, ready in under 30 minutes, and bursting with umami flavor. Forget bland tuna dishes this is about maximizing taste with minimal effort. The hearty chunks of tuna work beautifully with the crisp tender vegetables in a savory rich broth.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables lurking in the fridge. Reduce waste, create something delicious, and nourish your body that’s a triple win! Follow us on Pinterest for more quick tasty recipes!
Ingredients Needed for This stir fry tuna stew Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful stir fry tuna stew:
- Protein:
- Vegetables:
- Broth and Seasoning:
- Garnish:
How to Make This stir fry tuna stew Recipe
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering stir fry tuna stew:
- 1. Prepare the Tuna: Pat the tuna cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely in the pan.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- 3. Stir Fry Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots to the skillet. Stir fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender crisp.
- 4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Stir in the soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- 5. Gently Cook the Tuna: Carefully add the tuna cubes to the simmering stew. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the tuna is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the tuna, as it can become dry. Think of this as a slightly less heavy version of Stir Fry Beef Stew though featuring Tuna instead.
- 6. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. A more robust version is the Stir Fry Turkey Stew, which is worth a look.
How to Serve This stir fry tuna stew Recipe
This stir fry tuna stew is delicious served on its own as a complete meal. But here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- Grain Pairing: Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Noodle Bowl: Toss with your favorite Asian noodles, like udon or soba, for a heartier dish.
- Garnish Galore: Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of sriracha for added flavor and visual appeal. A lighter version is the Stir Fry Turkey Stew 2 which also shows a great presentation.
How to Store This stir fry tuna stew Recipe
Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh and delicious:
- Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much during storage.
Tips to Make This stir fry tuna stew Recipe
Want to take your stir fry tuna stew to the next level? Here are some tips:
- Tuna Selection: Use high quality, sushi grade tuna for the best flavor and texture.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Mushrooms, snap peas, and bok choy are all great additions.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Helpful Notes for This stir fry tuna stew Recipe
A few extra details to ensure success:
- Tuna Doneness: Be careful not to overcook the tuna, as it can become dry and tough. It is best when slightly pink in the center.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Make sure to mix the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the stew to prevent lumps.
- Broth Variation: For a richer flavor, use seafood broth instead of chicken broth.
Variation of This stir fry tuna stew Recipe
Want to put a different spin on this stir fry tuna stew?
- Coconut Curry: Add a can of coconut milk and a tablespoon of curry powder for a creamy, aromatic twist.
- Mediterranean Flair: Incorporate olives, capers, and sun dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean inspired flavor profile.
- Spicy Kimchi: Mix in some kimchi for a spicy, fermented kick.
What is stir fry tuna stew?
Stir fry tuna stew is a reimagining of traditional stew, blending the comfort of stew with the quick, fresh flavors of a stir fry. It’s a one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
How long does it take to make stir fry tuna stew?
This recipe is designed for speed and convenience. It typically takes around 20-30 minutes from prep to plate.
Can I use any type of tuna for this stew?
While fresh tuna is great, canned tuna (in water or oil, drained) works perfectly well and is a convenient option for a quick meal. Use what you have on hand!
What vegetables work best in stir fry tuna stew?
Bell peppers, onions, broccoli, carrots, and zucchini are all excellent choices. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have available in your refrigerator.
Conclusion
This stir fry tuna stew is more than just a recipe its an invitation to get creative in the kitchen. Embrace the unexpected, experiment with flavors, and above all, have fun! I hope you’ll gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of this unexpectedly delicious dish. Let me know what you think.
Stir Fry Tuna Stew: Easy One-Pan Recipe Tonight!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful stir fry tuna stew, perfect for a weeknight meal. Fresh tuna and crisp tender vegetables create a satisfying and healthy dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh tuna steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots to the skillet. Stir fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender crisp.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Stir in the soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Carefully add the tuna cubes to the simmering stew. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the tuna is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the tuna, as it can become dry.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: stir fry, tuna, stew, healthy, quick, easy, weeknight dinner
