Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality and taste during Lent. We’ve put together a collection of mouth-watering Fish Friday recipes that will bring a lot of big smiles to your dinner table – without breaking the bank.
Lent is the perfect time to explore delicious, affordable meal ideas that fit within your dietary commitments. Whether you’re looking for a hearty entree, a quick lunch idea, or a flavorful snack, tuna offers a protein-packed solution that’s both convenient and sustainable. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create wholesome, cost-effective, and perfect meatless meals for observing Lent.
Canned tuna is a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient that can be transformed into countless satisfying dishes. Our albacore and skipjack tuna are sustainably caught using pole and line methods.
Let’s dive into some creative ideas for making your Fish Friday dinners affordable, meaningful, and delicious!
Pasta Puttanesca with Canned Tuna
Pasta Puttanesca is a flavorful and classic Italian meatless meal that comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Traditionally made with key ingredients like ripe tomatoes, olive oil, salty anchovies, briny capers, and a hint of garlic, this recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating sustainably caught tuna. The addition of tuna not only enhances the dish with a rich, savory depth but also provides a healthy source of protein.
This quick and easy meal is ideal for busy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or whenever you crave a vibrant taste of Italy. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Tahini Dijon Tuna Burgers
Craving the comfort of a luscious burger but looking for a healthier and flavor-packed twist? Try this recipe made with Wild Planet tuna, red onions, fresh spinach, and sweet dried cranberries for a unique and delicious combination. These tuna burgers are elevated with a savory, creamy tahini-based sauce that adds a rich and satisfying touch.
Serve these with your favorite burger toppings or on a bed of greens for a low-carb option that is just as delectable. Packed with protein and perfect for quick lunches or family dinners, this recipe will leave you wondering why you haven’t added tuna burgers to your meal rotation sooner. You may never go back to a standard beef burger again! For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding shredded cheese as a topping.
Tuna Ceviche
While traditional ceviche often features raw seafood, this version made with Wild Planet tuna offers a convenient and equally delicious alternative. The dish combines vibrant ingredients like crisp onions, juicy tomatoes, aromatic cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice, creating a symphony of refreshing and satisfying flavors. The zesty lime juice ties everything together, enhancing the natural flavors of the tuna while adding a bright, tangy kick.
This tuna ceviche is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it an excellent choice for meals or appetizers. Try serving it chilled alongside crunchy tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for tostadas for an elevated twist. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a party starter, or a quick snack, this recipe showcases how simple ingredients can yield bold, satisfying flavors that are perfect for any occasion. For an enhanced meal experience, consider serving fresh fruit alongside the tuna ceviche.
Grandma’s Tuna Bowl
Experience the warmth and nostalgia of a comforting dish passed down through generations, shared by one of our loyal fans. Grandma’s Tuna Bowl is a timeless recipe that beautifully blends classic Japanese-inspired flavors with the delicate texture of Wild Planet’s succulent albacore tuna. This dish brings together sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and aromatic cilantro, which infuse the tuna and rice with a harmonious balance of savory and tangy notes. Grandma’s Tuna Bowl is a great option for those looking to eat meat less frequently during Lent.
Served atop a fluffy bed of steamed rice, this humble yet flavorful recipe is both satisfying and versatile, making it perfect for quick lunches, casual dinners, or even as a meal prep option. Enhance the dish further by adding your favorite toppings, such as sliced avocado, a soft-boiled egg, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an even more indulgent experience. Grandma’s Tuna Bowl is not just a meal; it’s a cherished connection to family traditions, reimagined with Wild Planet tuna to bring comfort and joy to your kitchen.
Tuna Bánh Mì
This classic Vietnamese sandwich brings together the best of fresh, bold flavors in a way that is both satisfying and approachable. Similar to a packed deli sub, the Tuna Bánh Mì takes it to the next level with seasoned Wild Planet tuna, tangy pickled carrots, crisp daikon, refreshing cucumber, and a kick of heat from fresh jalapeño. The combination of flavors and textures creates an enticing fusion of savory, tangy, and spicy that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
What truly elevates this recipe is the harmony between the lightly seasoned tuna, complemented by the pickled vegetables and the crunch of baguette bread. Customize your sandwich further with fresh herbs like cilantro, or spread a bit of spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or cream cheese on the bread for an extra layer of richness. This recipe is versatile enough to work as an on-the-go meal idea or a creative twist for a casual dinner night. Bursting with vibrant flavors and easy to prepare, the Tuna Bánh Mì will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Mini Tuna Sweet Potato Cakes
Take your classic tuna cakes to the next level with this creative and wholesome twist, which incorporates nutrient-packed sweet potatoes, shredded carrots, and a burst of brightness from lemon zest. Thanks to the sweet potato, this recipe enhances the flavor profile of traditional tuna cakes and adds a subtle natural sweetness and a satisfying texture. The combination of savory tuna and vibrant veggies makes these cakes a nutritious and delicious option for all ages, ensuring even your youngest guests will find them irresistible and keep coming back for seconds.
These Mini Tuna Sweet Potato Cakes are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even the main event at your dinner table. They pair wonderfully with a zesty yogurt dip, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a tangy mustard sauce for a flavorful finishing touch. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or even atop a bed of quinoa for a well-rounded meal. For added richness and flavor, consider using sour cream as a dip for these cakes.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, meal-prepping for the week, or simply looking for a creative recipe packed with wholesome ingredients, these tuna cakes combine versatility, taste, and hearty nutrition in one easy-to-make dish.
Your Culinary Adventure Starts With These Recipes
The possibilities for Fish Friday dinners with canned tuna are as endless as your imagination. From bold, multicultural twists like the Tuna Bánh Mì to nostalgic family favorites like Grandma’s Tuna Bowl, each recipe is crafted to inspire creativity in your kitchen. These meals are more than just nourishing—they reflect the care and passion that transforms simple, high-quality ingredients into something extraordinary.
We hope these meatless meal ideas for Lent spark your inner chef and encourage you to explore more ways to incorporate sustainable, nutritious, and flavorful ingredients into your everyday meals. Don’t forget to check back often for more tinned fish recipes—our library of options is always growing, and there’s no limit to what you can create. From weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings, Wild Planet is here to help you turn your culinary visions into reality, one delicious dish at a time.!
