Sweet 'N Sour Tuna
Sweet 'N Sour Tuna combines tender tuna with a tangy, fruity sauce featuring pineapple, peppers, and celery, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a saucepan except cornstarch and tuna. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in cornstarch made into a paste with cold water.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Add tuna and heat to serving temperature.
- Serve over Chinese noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 4 tablespoons. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add an extra tablespoon of sugar or use honey instead. Feel free to substitute canned tuna with canned salmon for a different taste. You can also add vegetables like snap peas or carrots for more texture. This dish pairs well with other Chinese recipes, making it versatile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet 'N Sour Tuna over a bed of Chinese noodles for a delightful meal. It goes well with a side of Garlic Prawns or a fresh salad for added crunch. You can also garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of flavor and presentation. Enjoy as a quick weeknight dinner or a casual lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet 'N Sour Tuna contains roughly 197 calories, with 8g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (135% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2256mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tuna can be used in this recipe. Just ensure it is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the sauce. Sear the fresh tuna briefly in a pan for about 1-2 minutes on each side, then flake it into the sauce to heat through before serving.
What can I use instead of pineapple tidbits?
If you don't have pineapple tidbits, you can use diced mango or peach for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Alternatively, a mix of other fruits like apricots or even apples can work, but adjust the sugar amount to taste as some fruits are sweeter than others.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the tuna with chickpeas or tofu to make a vegetarian version. Simply sauté the tofu until golden or add drained chickpeas to the sauce in the last step, allowing them to heat through. This maintains the dish's essence while making it suitable for vegetarians.
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).