Satisfy Your Cravings: Easy-to-Make Tuna Recipe with a Twist
Welcome to my Israeli style tuna recipe! As an Israeli chef, I have a deep appreciation for fresh and vibrant flavors that reflect the richness of my heritage. This tuna salad recipe is inspired by traditional Israeli cuisine, featuring the Mediterranean flavors of olive oil and lemon juice.
One of the keys to this dish is using high-quality tuna in olive oil. The combination of creamy tuna with tangy lemon juice creates a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds sing. I’ve created a simple recipe that can be easily adjusted to suit your tastes and preferences.
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal, you’ve come to the right place. This dish is perfect for those following the Mediterranean diet or anyone who wants to enjoy a refreshing summer meal. It’s also great for meal prep, so you can make a big batch and eat it throughout the week.
So let’s get started! Follow along with me as we create one of the best couscous tuna salads you’ve ever tasted. You won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you searching for a delicious and healthy recipe to add to your regular meal rotation? Look no further than my Israeli Style Tuna Recipe! This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition that is sure to be a hit with your taste buds and your body.
Firstly, this recipe features canned tuna in olive oil, which adds an abundance of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, by using chunk light tuna instead of white albacore, you’ll be able to have the same great taste without as much mercury.
The addition of Israeli couscous brings a welcome texture to the dish, while also providing fiber and protein. The Mediterranean-inspired ingredients of lemon juice and zest give a bright zing of flavor, and the use of olives and preserved lemon gives a unique twist on typical tuna salad recipes.
Not only is this recipe great for your health, it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it as a lunchtime salad or as a side dish with dinner. Even use it as filling for a tasty tuna melt or stuffed in a grilled tuna steak.
And let’s not forget just how easy this dish is to prepare. In under 20 minutes, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready for yourself or guests.
In short, my Israeli Style Tuna Recipe is full of health benefits without sacrificing delicious flavor. Plus, its versatility makes it perfect for any meal of the day. Try this recipe today and I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Israeli Style Tuna Salad Recipe:
- 2 cans of chunk light tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
- 2 cups of Israeli couscous
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of lemon zest
- juice of one lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can of preserved lemon
- 1 tablespoon of filtered water
- mediterranean tuna salad (optional)
- egg salad (optional)
- spicy tuna (optional)
Most ingredients for this recipe can be found at a local grocery store. If you can’t find preserved lemons, substitute them for fresh lemons or lemon peel. The dish can be personalized with toppings such as mediterranean tuna salad, egg salad, or spicy tuna. Also, try making the israeli couscous with the best couscous recipe by Kim Zsilverfish!
The Recipe How-To
Now that I’ve shared the reasons why you’ll love this recipe, let’s get started with how to make this delicious Israeli Style Tuna Recipe.
Ingredients
First, let’s gather our ingredients:
– 2 ounce cans of tuna in olive oil, drained
– 1 cup Israeli couscous
– 2 cups water
– ¼ cup olive oil
– Juice of one large lemon (approximately 2 teaspoons)
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Cooking the Couscous
The first step is cooking the Israeli couscous. Bring two cups of water to a boil and add one cup of couscous. Stir for a few minutes until you see the tiny pasta balls are cooked; it typically takes around eight to ten minutes max.
Preparing the Tuna Salad
Next, take a large bowl and mix together two cans of chunk light tuna and your cooked Israeli couscous. Then, add ¼ cup of olive oil, freshly squeezed juice from a large lemon, a teaspoon of kosher salt and black pepper each (more or less according to taste), along with a tablespoon of lemon zest (optional). Use a fork to blend everything together and make sure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
Serving the Salad
You can serve the salad warm or cold – it’s up to your preference. The recipe will yield approximately five ounces or four servings. Top it up with extra veggies, like cherry tomatoes or arugula leaves, for an added crunch! Serve immediately as either an appetizer or a main dish.
Enjoy making this delicious Israeli Style Tuna Recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about cooking is the endless possibilities when it comes to substitution and variation. The Israeli Style Tuna Recipe is no exception. Here are some ideas on how to make it your own:
1. Swap out the type of tuna: If you’re not a fan of chunk light tuna, try using deli-style tuna, Italian tuna, or even canned salmon. Each type of fish will give the dish a slightly different flavor profile, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
2. Use a different grain: If couscous isn’t your thing or you don’t have any on hand, no problem! Substitute with your favorite grain like quinoa, rice, or bulgur. You will get a different texture and taste but still an amazing result.
3. Add some heat: I love spicy food, so adding some jalapenos or red pepper flakes make it spicier and more flavorful.
4. Swap the dressing: If you’re not feeling the lemon juice and olive oil dressing, try using balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar instead. Alternatively, mix in preserved lemons for a tangy twist.
5. Mix up the veggies: If you don’t have cucumber or cherry tomatoes handy you can also add avocado for a creamy touch or roasted bell peppers for a smoky flavor.
6. Go Green: Experiment with greens! Try arugula instead of fresh herbs to give your Israeli style tuna salad an extra peppery note.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to substitutions and variations with this recipe. So don’t be afraid to get creative and see what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
Israeli Style Tuna Salad is a versatile dish that can be served and paired with an array of dishes. You can enjoy tuna salad on its own, as a sandwich, wrap, or piled high on crackers for a hearty snack. This light yet filling salad is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that will leave you feeling more energized.
To enhance the flavors of the Israeli style tuna salad recipe, pair it with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and thyme. You can also serve it alongside freshly baked pita bread with a side of hummus and tahini sauce.
For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve this salad over a bed of Israeli couscous and add in some preserved lemon or Greek olives. The bright and tangy flavors will add depth to your meal while still keeping it healthy and satisfying.
For those looking for an extra kick, you can spice up your tuna salad by adding some diced jalapeno peppers or hot sauce. The spiciness pairs well with the herbaceous flavors of the parsley, mint leaves, and lemon juice.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Israeli Style Tuna Salad recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Israeli Style Tuna Recipe is that it can be easily made ahead of time and stored for later use, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. Here are some tips on how to make, store, and reheat this delicious dish.
To make ahead:
You can prepare the Israeli couscous and tuna mixture a day before serving. Simply follow the instructions as outlined in the recipe and store the couscous separately from the tuna mixture. When ready to serve, mix them together and enjoy!
To store:
This recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply give it a quick stir and it’s good to go!
To reheat:
If you prefer your tuna warm, you can easily reheat it in a microwave or on a stovetop over low heat. For microwave reheating, place your desired amount of tuna in a microwavable bowl and cook on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop reheating, simply place your desired amount of tuna in a small pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Overall, this dish is quite versatile in terms of make-ahead convenience and storing flexibility. Plus, since this dish is easily reheated, you can use the leftovers for lunch or dinner without sacrificing taste or quality.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking the perfect Israeli Style Tuna can be a daunting task, but with these tips, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering dish in no time. Here are some tips to ensure the best possible outcome for your tuna salad.
Firstly, when preparing the tuna, use chunk light tuna in olive oil as it has a more delicate texture that is great for salads. Drain off any excess oil and flake it with a fork to achieve the perfect texture.
Secondly, when making the dressing, make sure to add lemon juice and plenty of olive oil for that Mediterranean flavor. The combination of tangy lemon and smooth olive oil act as the perfect base for the rest of the flavors to build upon.
Thirdly, try adding some preserved lemon or lemon zest to the dressing for an extra pop of flavor. The preserved lemon adds a salty-sour taste to brighten up your dish even more.
Another tip is to use Israeli couscous as your base instead of regular couscous. Israeli couscous has a larger, rounder shape which gives it a unique texture that pairs well with tuna.
Furthermore, season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Don’t be afraid to mix in some spicy elements like chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes to give your salad an extra kick.
Lastly, allow your salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will ensure that all the flavors have had time to meld together and develop a deeper taste profile.
By following these tips, you’re guaranteed to have a delicious Israeli style tuna ready to go on your table.
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, I’ve gathered some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that you might have regarding making Israeli style tuna salad recipe with couscous. Let’s dive in and answer them together!
Why is deli tuna so good?
Have you ever wondered why tuna salad from delis tastes so much more flavorful than the one home-made? It’s because the tuna salad sits for a longer time in the deli, allowing the mayo and seasonings to permeate into the celery pieces and other ingredients. This process allows the flavors to fuse more seamlessly, resulting in a smooth and consistent tuna salad taste.
What spices enhance tuna?
When preparing tuna, it’s best to avoid overdoing the salt. Thankfully, the fish has a natural saltiness that can be enhanced with other seasonings and spices. I recommend experimenting with ground cumin, garlic and onion powder. Keep in mind that the addition of pickle relish will also provide a briny, salty flavor, so going for salt-free seasonings is a smart choice.
What tuna does Martha Stewart eat?
In my recipe, I prefer to utilize Italian tuna that is canned in olive oil. I blend it with crisp celery, juicy apple, a portion of shallot, plenty of lemon juice, a modest quantity of mayo, as well as some salt and pepper.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Israeli Style Tuna Recipe is a must-try for any tuna lover out there. The combination of tuna in olive oil, lemon juice, and Israeli couscous makes for a delicious and nutritious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a dinner recipe that’s sure to impress your guests, this recipe has got you covered.
With its versatility and simplicity, the Israeli Style Tuna Recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to add more Mediterranean flavors to their diet while staying healthy. Don’t hesitate to make your own variations according to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
So the next time you’re looking for a tasty and healthy meal idea, look no further than this Israeli Style Tuna Recipe. With its bold flavors, nutritious ingredients, and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s sure to become one of your go-to dishes. Give it a try today and experience the true taste of Israel!
Israeli Style Tuna Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ounces tuna in olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juice of
Instructions
- Place turkish salad in a small sauce pan.
- Cook until just heated through.
- Add undrained tuna and lemon juice.
- Serve with pita bread and matzo.