Barbecue Tuna(Lo-Cal)

Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

A flavorful, low-calorie barbecue tuna dish with smoky chili and tangy vinegar, perfect for light lunches or healthy dinners with bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 4 or 6 oz. tuna
  • 8 oz. tomato juice
  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar substitute
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. onion flakes
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
  • Texas Pete hot sauce to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer until celery and bell pepper turn color, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of smoked paprika to the mix. If you're short on time, canned tuna can be a great substitute for fresh tuna. Be mindful of the cooking time; overcooking can make the tuna tough, so keep an eye on the vegetables for that perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Barbecue Tuna pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or whole-grain bread for a light meal. Consider serving it alongside a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete barbecue experience. You can also enjoy it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, making it versatile for lunch or dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. For a quick option, you can microwave it, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture and prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Tuna(Lo-Cal) contains roughly 129 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.

129 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 1g 1% DV
Carbs 23.1g 8% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 17.2g 34% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 401.4mg 17% DV
Potassium 380.8mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 4.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 96.3mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 45.8mg 51% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 64.9mg 5% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Fish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fish instead of tuna?

Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for tuna, you can easily substitute it with other firm fish like salmon or even canned sardines. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for fresh fish, to ensure it cooks through without becoming dry.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To amp up the heat, consider adding more chili powder or incorporating diced jalapeños into the mix. Additionally, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce like Texas Pete can elevate the spiciness. Taste as you go to find your perfect level of heat.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Barbecue Tuna is an excellent option for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge, and the flavors actually improve after a day. Just store it in portioned containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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