Tuna Loaf With Creamy Egg Sauce
A savory tuna loaf with a creamy egg sauce, combining tender tuna, bread crumbs, and tangy pimentos, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease well an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, flake the drained tuna.
- Stir in bread cubes, eggs, minced onions, lemon juice, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 2 tablespoons drained pimentos until blended.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Meanwhile, prepare the egg sauce using the remaining sour cream and pimentos.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Make sure to use stale bread cubes for better absorption of flavors. If you don't have pimentos, diced bell peppers or olives can work as a substitute. Adding a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor profile, too. This tuna loaf pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tuna loaf warm, drizzled with the creamy egg sauce. It’s perfect alongside roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes or serving it with a side of crusty bread. This dish also works well as part of a seafood recipes spread for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the tuna loaf and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for quicker reheating, but be careful not to overcook them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Loaf With Creamy Egg Sauce contains roughly 1326 calories, with 23g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna if you prefer, but you'll need to cook it first. Poach or grill the tuna, then flake it before mixing with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary, so ensure the loaf is cooked through before serving.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the soft bread cubes with gluten-free bread. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the sour cream and pimentos, are labeled gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
What can I do with leftover egg sauce?
Leftover egg sauce can be used as a dip for vegetables or crackers, or drizzled over baked potatoes for extra creaminess. It can also complement other seafood dishes or be served with a simple grilled chicken for added flavor. Just store any unused sauce in the refrigerator for up to two 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).