Tuna Barbecue

Cuisine: American

A flavorful tuna barbecue sauce with tangy ketchup, pineapple, and spices, perfect for quick sandwiches and casual gatherings, appealing to seafood and barbecue lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cans tuna
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup dried minced onions
  • 2/3 cup tomato juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons mustard
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple
  • 1/3 cup white wine

Instructions

  1. Mix together all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until warmed through.
  3. Serve on buns as a tuna barbecue sandwich.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. If you don't have dried minced onions, fresh chopped onions can be used, but be sure to sauté them first to soften their bite. This dish is versatile; feel free to swap in canned salmon or other canned fish for a different take. Browse more American recipes for inspiration.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tuna barbecue on toasted buns for a delicious sandwich. Pair with coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal. A side of corn on the cob or chips can also complement this dish well. For a twist, serve it over a bed of greens for a lighter option.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop to maintain the texture and flavor of the tuna. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tuna Barbecue contains roughly 304 calories, with 11g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 740mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

304 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.2g 22% DV
Total Fat 1.9g 2% DV
Carbs 53g 19% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 40.1g 80% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 740.3mg 32% DV
Potassium 683.4mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 14.4mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 337.1mcg 37% DV
Vitamin C 49.8mg 55% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 161.9mg 12% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% 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 fresh tuna instead of canned?

While canned tuna makes this recipe easy and convenient, you can use fresh tuna if you prefer. Simply grill or pan-sear the tuna until cooked through, then flake it into the sauce mixture. This adds a fresh flavor and a different texture to the dish.

What can I substitute for ketchup?

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to ketchup, try using homemade tomato sauce or a mixture of pureed tomatoes with a bit of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. This will change the flavor slightly but can provide a delicious twist to your tuna barbecue.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this tuna barbecue is perfect for meal prep! You can make a large batch and portion it out for the week. Just store the mixture separately from the buns to keep them fresh. This makes it easy to grab a quick lunch or dinner during busy days.

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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