Hate Tuna! Need Help Spicing it up a bit!!!

bookstar · 01-24-2005, 03:16 PM

Hello,
I hate Tuna with a passion, but I also know it is one of the cheapest and best protein sources out there for a cutting diet.
I am on a weight loss diet right now and I am looking for ways of getting more protein and less carbs.

Anyway, I am wondering if anyone can help me with making Tuna taste better.
I realize we can put in on bread, pasta and rice, but I am wanting to stay away from carbs right now, so i am wondering if anyone know of some good sauces or something to help take the Tuna taste away and make it really good alone?
Also, I am looking for lower fat/ sugar recipes. I figure there are many others out there that also hate tuna and have figured out ways of making it so it actually is tolerable. But like I said, I want to stay away from breads, pastas etc.... with the tuna so I am looking for a sauce or something where I can actually eat it alone or with another protein source.

Thank you again everyone. You all have been great help for me!!!!!

mikesteg · 01-24-2005, 04:16 PM

A couple of threads:

http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/sh...t=tuna+recipes (** 100 ** Tuna Recipes)

This one might be a bit more directly what you're looking for:
http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/sh...t=tuna+recipes (*~ The make my TUNA edible game ~*)

Just remember: hot sauce is the answer to everything. If you can't taste it, you can't hate the taste!

Emma-Leigh · 01-24-2005, 04:21 PM

Lots of things... And cause I am lazy I'll just quote myself from other posts!

Summary:

Quote:

Try these -
1. Add black pepper, lemon juice and some low salt tamari (concentrated soy sauce so you do not need much) plus some wasabi for a taste of japan
2. Add some garlic, pepper and mint
3. Add some crushed chilli, ginger and coriander for a thai flavour
4. Add some bulsamic vinegar and pepper
5. Add fat free creamed cottage cheese (just like cream cheese) and chives.
6. Add fat free salsa, some mustard or some other condiment.
7. Buy the flavoured tuna
8. Buy real tuna and cook it yourself with any number of combinations of herbs or spices
9. Buy salmon instead

More detailed, and if you are a little less 'strict' with your diet:

Quote:

I like the taste of tuna by itself as it is... so I can eat it no problem!

But I also have these little tubs of herbs and spices that are the best things invented!! Some of them are pastes (have to keep them in the fridge) while others are just like normal dried spices so I can mix and match and get creative and add LOTS of combinations. For example -

Japanese tuna: Black pepper, lemon, salt-reduced soy sauce (with or without wasabi)
Thai tuna: Chilli, lemon grass, ginger and coriander leaf
Chinese tuna: Ginger, soy and chilli
Italian tuna: Pepper, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar
Indian Tuna: Cummin, garam masala, ground coriander seeds

I usually add these to a huge warm bowl of steamed vegetables - things like broccoli, cauliflower, red cabbage, brussel sprouts, baby spinach, zuchini, water chestnuts, chinese vegetables etc. It is especially yummy if I steam them to be infused with the same, or complimentary, flavours.

Or I add them to a big bowl of fresh salad - things like mixed lettuce, fresh baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, shredded beetroot, bean sprouts, cucumber, asparagus, celery and mung beans and then top it all with a good dose of fresh black pepper. You can also add a scoop of cottage cheese or a handful of something like almonds, walnuts or sunflower seeds.

Another suggestion is to make a tuna and egg-white omlette with grilled eggplant, tomatos and mushrooms. You use plain tuna in this. All you do is get a non-stick pan and fry some garlic and onions. Add some tomato and mushroom and when they are golden brown add some lightly beaten egg whites. Let this cook until it is nearly done and then add the tuna (you don't need to cook the tuna, you just need it to be heated up) with some pepper. While you are waiting for the onions to fry and the egg whites to cook, under the broiler/grill of your oven (or, you could even roast it in a hot oven) put some thinly sliced eggplant. Cook this until it is golden and then take it out, let it cool a little and then slice it into straws. Add this to the egg whites when you add the tuna. Then, let it finish cooking, fold it in half and serve! You have a high protien, very delicous tuna meal!

Also tasty for the plain tuna is to take some sprouted or pumpernickel bread and toast it lightly then add tomato, tuna, mushroom, fat free cheese (I like fat free cottage cheese or some low salt, fat free fetta) and some pepper and then put it back under the grill/broiler until the cheese is melted. Some avacado also goes really well on these if you don't mind the little bit of fat.

Another suggestion which is really tasty is to go and get yourself (or, if you can be bothered then make yourself) some no-fat vegetable soups. I like thick and chunky soups like wild-mushroom and chive, garlic roasted vegetables, sweet potato and ginger and lentil and vegetable soups. I then add a can of tuna and heat it all up in the microwave. It makes a really yummy stew type thing. Just be carefull about the soups if you buy them. Make sure they are made with minimal or no added fat/sugar/salt or other nasty things.

Other things you can add -
Mustard
Fat free hommus
Cottage Cheese

Du · 01-24-2005, 04:30 PM

Just dump a bunch of Tobasco in in. That is what I do, and it tastes real good.

bookstar · 01-24-2005, 10:20 PM

Wow guys, thanks for the info. A real help!!! ;-)

nikegurl · 01-25-2005, 12:54 PM

a slice of tomato and 1/2 slice of mozzarella (40 calories, 2.5 grams fat) on top then placed under the broiler for a moment and you have a "tuna melt".

one more thing...what kind of tuna do you buy? the light tuna can be really fishy and smell worse than cat food

solid white is a bit more expensive but a LOT more edible. i like geisha (brand) myself and stock up when it's on sale.

Du · 01-25-2005, 12:56 PM

There is also a big difference between chunk tuna and albacore tuna.

nikegurl · 01-25-2005, 12:57 PM

chunk light is nasty. solid white albacore is way way better.

Du · 01-25-2005, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikegurl

chunk light is nasty. solid white albacore is way way better.

I hate albacore, but love chunk light. Go figure.

nikegurl · 01-25-2005, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by du510

I hate albacore, but love chunk light. Go figure.

sorry! i shouldn't have spoken like it was a clear cut answer.

let's just say (like you did before i stuck my nose in it) that there's a difference and if you don't like one - you might like the other.

Du · 01-25-2005, 02:34 PM

LOL, no need to apologize.

Youre from Stamford, Ill let it slide.

nikegurl · 01-25-2005, 02:37 PM

lilduba13 · 01-25-2005, 03:13 PM

crush up the tuna and throw some franks red hot sauce on it. if thats still too plain for you, then put that on a low card wrap with some fat free cheese and pop it in the mic for a few

Smoo_lord · 01-27-2005, 07:52 AM

I usually chop up a half a raw onion, and maybe a spoon of ultra hot chilli sauce.

After eating this, the fishy taste/smell is flamed. plus i will drink a crapload of water, both during and after consumption.

Pylon · 01-27-2005, 08:00 AM

There are some good foil pack options out there now, with good nutri values and low prep time. Bumblebee just brought out 4 oz albacore fillets in hickory, lemon pepper, and ginger soy flavors. Chop up, mix with 1 c. brown rice and 1/2 bag frozen veg (green beans, spinach, broc, etc.) and you got a stew goin!

onamission · 01-28-2005, 10:58 AM

I mix a half can in my morning eggs, and if Im not feeling tuna in the evening, i just cook up 1 or 2 more eggwhites and mix them with it. I hate eggs, and I hate tuna, but for some reason if you mix the 2 together, they taste ok.

Tha Don · 01-28-2005, 02:56 PM

i'm so glad i LOVE tuna, i can eat it straight out of the can no problem, or tastes awesome in a sandwich or with brown rice/pasta

peace

Cheyenne Press · 01-29-2005, 12:51 AM

Just FYI: the albacore has higher concentrations of mercury in it than does the chunk light.

I prefer albacore, but I opt for chunk light given the above. Oh well, you learn to live with it. I used to try to dress it up. Now I just slam the can back and gulp down a bunch of water.

aggies1ut · 01-31-2005, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by du510

Just dump a bunch of Tobasco in in. That is what I do, and it tastes real good.

Garlic tabasco or Frank's new Chili Lime Red hot sauce.

sara · 01-31-2005, 06:09 PM

Go buy bagged cole slaw salad mix, add the tuna, and some walden's farm calorie free dressing

or any low cal dressings

aggies1ut · 01-31-2005, 06:14 PM

Spicy Tuna Salad
1/3 C. mayo
2 T. diced jalapenos OR 2 T. sweet relish
1 T. lemon juice
I can tuna
1/2 C. celery
1/4 C. green onion

Southwest Tuna Salad
1/4 C. mayo
2T. salsa
2 cans tuna
1/2 C. celery

juggernaut · 01-31-2005, 07:30 PM

try low sodium tuna-it doesnt have that salty disgusing taste to it and some mustard with celery seed

juggernaut · 01-31-2005, 07:31 PM

or a tbsp of pancake mix, 1 egg white and throw it in the griddle-tastes like crab cake!

Pylon · 01-31-2005, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheyenne Press

Just FYI: the albacore has higher concentrations of mercury in it than does the chunk light.

I actually eat more albacore just for that reason. I'm hoping to get a second job as a thermometer. BA DUM!

bigss75 · 01-31-2005, 10:37 PM

i throw mustard in it and eat it. Its still gross but o well.

cmrapp11 · 02-01-2005, 11:14 PM

i add a tbsp of newmans own balsamic vinagarette light dressing. works WONDERS! (sadly i've gone thru the mcdonalds drive thru claiming "you forgot my dressing" without buying the salad. SHHHH!

they have the packets that are so handy!)

aggies1ut · 02-01-2005, 11:19 PM

Straight Outta The Can Recipes

Lemon Pepper Tuna: Lemon juice and fresh ground pepper or sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning
Balsamic Tuna: Balsamic vinegar and fresh ground pepper
Mustard Dill Tuna: Dill, 1 tbsp mustard, and chopped celery
Southwest Tuna: 1 tbsp non-fat mayo, ¼ of a Anaheim green chile (chopped), black pepper to taste
Honey Mustard Tuna: 1-2 tbsp Honey Mustard
Tuna Fried Rice Saute cooked brown rice, chopped green or yellow onions, and egg whites in pan sprayed with butter flavor non-stick spray. Mix in tuna and serve.
Tuna Stuffed Tomato Mix 1 tbsp non-fat mayo, pepper and tuna and stuff inside a tomato. Top tomato with a slice of mozzarella cheese and bake in oven until cheese melts.
Old El Paso Tuna: 1 heaping tbsp spoon Salsa or 1 tbsp chopped green chiles.
Tuna Italiano: 1 tbsp Italian dressing or olive oil vinaigrette, fresh ground pepper
Tuna Balsamico 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar, a few dashes oregano, ground pepper to taste
Tuna Piccata: 1 tsp capers, lemon juice, ½ tsp parsley, fresh ground pepper
All American Tuna: 1 tbsp fat-free mayo, 1 chopped pickle, ½ stalk chopped celery or onion
Texas Tuna: 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
Tuna Melt: 1 tbsp fat-free mayo, 1 oz cheese melted on top
Tuna Parmesan: Mix in1 tbsp ketchup, tomato sauce, or spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs or a crushed cracker, top with 1 oz. low-fat mozzarella cheese. Cook in microwave or toaster oven until cheese melts.
No-Time Tuna: 1 Fork, 1 glass of water

Tuna Melt Patties - (Makes 2 patties)

Ingredients:

1 6oz. can tuna, drained
1 egg white, beaten
2 tbsp. oatmeal
2 tbsp. onion, diced (or ¼ tsp onion powder)
¼ tsp garlic powder
salt or salt substitute & pepper to taste
2 tbsp. reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (optional)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients except cheese together in a small bowl. Heat a small non-stick frying pan over medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Make two small patties by spooning ½ of tuna mixture into each side of the pan and lightly pressing with fork to flatten into a patty. Cook until both sides are brown. Top with 1 tbsp. cheese and serve alone, on top of light bread, or with sides of choice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories - 146.5
Carbs - 4.5 g
Protein - 25.5g
Fat - 2g
Fiber - .5g

ph8bringer · 02-02-2005, 03:04 AM

You can buy flavoured tuna. I buy garlic and chilli flavoured.

juggernaut · 02-02-2005, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ph8bringer

You can buy flavoured tuna. I buy garlic and chilli flavoured.

I like that too, but they charge more-I'm on a teacher's salary!

sara · 02-02-2005, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juggernaut

or a tbsp of pancake mix, 1 egg white and throw it in the griddle-tastes like crab cake!

You can grind some oats in a blender and use it to replace the pancake mix

01-24-2005, 03:16 PM	#1
bookstar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 154	Hate Tuna! Need Help Spicing it up a bit!!! Hello, I hate Tuna with a passion, but I also know it is one of the cheapest and best protein sources out there for a cutting diet. I am on a weight loss diet right now and I am looking for ways of getting more protein and less carbs. Anyway, I am wondering if anyone can help me with making Tuna taste better. I realize we can put in on bread, pasta and rice, but I am wanting to stay away from carbs right now, so i am wondering if anyone know of some good sauces or something to help take the Tuna taste away and make it really good alone? Also, I am looking for lower fat/ sugar recipes. I figure there are many others out there that also hate tuna and have figured out ways of making it so it actually is tolerable. But like I said, I want to stay away from breads, pastas etc.... with the tuna so I am looking for a sauce or something where I can actually eat it alone or with another protein source. Thank you again everyone. You all have been great help for me!!!!!

01-24-2005, 04:30 PM	#4
Du Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 4,087 Photos: 5	Just dump a bunch of Tobasco in in. That is what I do, and it tastes real good. My IronMag Journal

01-25-2005, 12:54 PM	#6
nikegurl Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,641	a slice of tomato and 1/2 slice of mozzarella (40 calories, 2.5 grams fat) on top then placed under the broiler for a moment and you have a "tuna melt". one more thing...what kind of tuna do you buy? the light tuna can be really fishy and smell worse than cat food solid white is a bit more expensive but a LOT more edible. i like geisha (brand) myself and stock up when it's on sale. If you want to achieve things that others can't... You have to do things that others won't.

01-25-2005, 12:56 PM	#7
Du Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 4,087 Photos: 5	There is also a big difference between chunk tuna and albacore tuna. My IronMag Journal

01-25-2005, 12:57 PM	#8
nikegurl Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,641	chunk light is nasty. solid white albacore is way way better. If you want to achieve things that others can't... You have to do things that others won't.

01-24-2005, 04:16 PM	#2
mikesteg Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 8	A couple of threads: http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/sh...t=tuna+recipes ( 100 Tuna Recipes) This one might be a bit more directly what you're looking for: http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/sh...t=tuna+recipes (~ The make my TUNA edible game ~) Just remember: hot sauce is the answer to everything. If you can't taste it, you can't hate the taste!

01-24-2005, 10:20 PM	#5
bookstar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 154	Wow guys, thanks for the info. A real help!!! ;-)

01-25-2005, 02:34 PM	#11
Du Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 4,087 Photos: 5	LOL, no need to apologize. Youre from Stamford, Ill let it slide. My IronMag Journal

01-25-2005, 02:37 PM	#12
nikegurl Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,641	If you want to achieve things that others can't... You have to do things that others won't.

01-25-2005, 03:13 PM	#13
lilduba13 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3	crush up the tuna and throw some franks red hot sauce on it. if thats still too plain for you, then put that on a low card wrap with some fat free cheese and pop it in the mic for a few

01-27-2005, 07:52 AM	#14
Smoo_lord Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Darwin. Australia Posts: 240	I usually chop up a half a raw onion, and maybe a spoon of ultra hot chilli sauce. After eating this, the fishy taste/smell is flamed. plus i will drink a crapload of water, both during and after consumption.

01-27-2005, 08:00 AM	#15
Pylon Squishy Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bottom of the hill Posts: 6,865 Photos: 1	There are some good foil pack options out there now, with good nutri values and low prep time. Bumblebee just brought out 4 oz albacore fillets in hickory, lemon pepper, and ginger soy flavors. Chop up, mix with 1 c. brown rice and 1/2 bag frozen veg (green beans, spinach, broc, etc.) and you got a stew goin! "The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority." - R. W. Sockman

01-28-2005, 10:58 AM	#16
onamission new guy Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: St. louis Posts: 104	I mix a half can in my morning eggs, and if Im not feeling tuna in the evening, i just cook up 1 or 2 more eggwhites and mix them with it. I hate eggs, and I hate tuna, but for some reason if you mix the 2 together, they taste ok.

01-28-2005, 02:56 PM	#17
Tha Don Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nottingham, England Posts: 3,826 Photos: 33	i'm so glad i LOVE tuna, i can eat it straight out of the can no problem, or tastes awesome in a sandwich or with brown rice/pasta peace

01-29-2005, 12:51 AM	#18
Cheyenne Press Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 4	Just FYI: the albacore has higher concentrations of mercury in it than does the chunk light. I prefer albacore, but I opt for chunk light given the above. Oh well, you learn to live with it. I used to try to dress it up. Now I just slam the can back and gulp down a bunch of water.

01-31-2005, 06:09 PM	#20
sara INK NOT MINK Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Earth Posts: 7,005 Photos: 5	Go buy bagged cole slaw salad mix, add the tuna, and some walden's farm calorie free dressing or any low cal dressings

01-31-2005, 06:14 PM	#21
aggies1ut NorCal Elite Member* Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, Ca. Posts: 3,580 Photos: 19	Spicy Tuna Salad 1/3 C. mayo 2 T. diced jalapenos OR 2 T. sweet relish 1 T. lemon juice I can tuna 1/2 C. celery 1/4 C. green onion Southwest Tuna Salad 1/4 C. mayo 2T. salsa 2 cans tuna 1/2 C. celery

01-31-2005, 07:30 PM	#22
juggernaut Creator of Chaos Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 5,463 Photos: 2	try low sodium tuna-it doesnt have that salty disgusing taste to it and some mustard with celery seed

01-31-2005, 07:31 PM	#23
juggernaut Creator of Chaos Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 5,463 Photos: 2	or a tbsp of pancake mix, 1 egg white and throw it in the griddle-tastes like crab cake!

01-31-2005, 10:37 PM	#25
bigss75 Let Me See Yo Grill Elite Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 5,125	i throw mustard in it and eat it. Its still gross but o well.

02-01-2005, 11:14 PM	#26
cmrapp11 Not yet content... Join Date: May 2004 Location: dirty south :) Posts: 34	i add a tbsp of newmans own balsamic vinagarette light dressing. works WONDERS! (sadly i've gone thru the mcdonalds drive thru claiming "you forgot my dressing" without buying the salad. SHHHH! they have the packets that are so handy!) "I will continue to climb until I no longer wake up healthy, blessed, and amazingly capable." "It is never safe to look into the future through eyes of fear."

02-01-2005, 11:19 PM	#27
aggies1ut NorCal Elite Member* Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, Ca. Posts: 3,580 Photos: 19	Straight Outta The Can Recipes Lemon Pepper Tuna: Lemon juice and fresh ground pepper or sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning Balsamic Tuna: Balsamic vinegar and fresh ground pepper Mustard Dill Tuna: Dill, 1 tbsp mustard, and chopped celery Southwest Tuna: 1 tbsp non-fat mayo, ¼ of a Anaheim green chile (chopped), black pepper to taste Honey Mustard Tuna: 1-2 tbsp Honey Mustard Tuna Fried Rice Saute cooked brown rice, chopped green or yellow onions, and egg whites in pan sprayed with butter flavor non-stick spray. Mix in tuna and serve. Tuna Stuffed Tomato Mix 1 tbsp non-fat mayo, pepper and tuna and stuff inside a tomato. Top tomato with a slice of mozzarella cheese and bake in oven until cheese melts. Old El Paso Tuna: 1 heaping tbsp spoon Salsa or 1 tbsp chopped green chiles. Tuna Italiano: 1 tbsp Italian dressing or olive oil vinaigrette, fresh ground pepper Tuna Balsamico 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar, a few dashes oregano, ground pepper to taste Tuna Piccata: 1 tsp capers, lemon juice, ½ tsp parsley, fresh ground pepper All American Tuna: 1 tbsp fat-free mayo, 1 chopped pickle, ½ stalk chopped celery or onion Texas Tuna: 1 tbsp BBQ sauce Tuna Melt: 1 tbsp fat-free mayo, 1 oz cheese melted on top Tuna Parmesan: Mix in1 tbsp ketchup, tomato sauce, or spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs or a crushed cracker, top with 1 oz. low-fat mozzarella cheese. Cook in microwave or toaster oven until cheese melts. No-Time Tuna: 1 Fork, 1 glass of water Tuna Melt Patties - (Makes 2 patties) Ingredients: 1 6oz. can tuna, drained 1 egg white, beaten 2 tbsp. oatmeal 2 tbsp. onion, diced (or ¼ tsp onion powder) ¼ tsp garlic powder salt or salt substitute & pepper to taste 2 tbsp. reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (optional) Directions: Mix all ingredients except cheese together in a small bowl. Heat a small non-stick frying pan over medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Make two small patties by spooning ½ of tuna mixture into each side of the pan and lightly pressing with fork to flatten into a patty. Cook until both sides are brown. Top with 1 tbsp. cheese and serve alone, on top of light bread, or with sides of choice. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories - 146.5 Carbs - 4.5 g Protein - 25.5g Fat - 2g Fiber - .5g

02-02-2005, 03:04 AM	#28
ph8bringer Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 91	You can buy flavoured tuna. I buy garlic and chilli flavoured.

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