Fried Rice with Tuna

/5

PRESENTATION

Sautéed rice with tuna? It's that dish that mixes different flavors and textures, making it a favorite for relaxed spring gatherings. Seriously good. This tuna and rice recipe kicks off with basmati rice—common in Asian and Indian cooking—but here it takes on a Mediterranean flair. Thing is, what really makes this dish special are the bits of tender fresh fava beans and crispy toasted peanuts tossed in. For real, each bite has a perfect blend of soft and crunchy.

And here's the deal, the sautéed rice with tuna comes alive with the savory taste of high-quality tuna packed in olive oil—better than you’d expect from something so easy. Plus, this dish is super versatile; serve it warm or at room temp, and it's awesome for picnics or outdoor lunches. Honestly, folks in Italy might not call it traditional, but it shares that love for simple, seasonal ingredients and food that brings people together.

Looking for an easy tuna rice recipe you can whip up ahead of time? This one’s really forgiving—no need to stress if you don’t have everything exact. The flavors work together nicely. And look, the combo of moist rice, golden peanuts, and the sweet pop from fresh fava beans gives it a fresh, light feel that pairs so so well with spring days. People often serve it in single portions—which is great for keeping things casual, especially if mixing it up with other finger foods.

The tuna fried rice can even handle a bit of extra heat if you like things spicy—like a blend of Mediterranean and Asian favorites. Whether you call it a quick tuna and rice dish or just a go-to for group meals, it makes outdoor lunches and shared snacks more interesting. There's something about the balance of flavors and the tangy hints from the tuna that keeps everyone coming back for more. Every bite has that just-right mix of comfort and excitement, making it an ideal choice for springtime get-togethers and beyond. Cannot go wrong with that.

INGREDIENTS
Tuna in oil 5.6 oz (160 g) - with Calabrian chili peppers (drained)
Basmati rice 1.1 cups (200 g)
Coarse salt 1 tsp
Extra virgin olive oil 2 spoonfuls
Leeks 3.5 oz (100 g)
Fava beans 5.3 oz (150 g) - (cleaned 50 g)
Garlic 1 clove
Carrots 0.8 cup (90 g)
Zucchini ¾ cup (100 g)
Peanuts 0.3 cup (40 g) - unsalted
Soy sauce 3 ½ tbsp (50 g)
Preparation

How to prepare Fried Rice with Tuna

To prepare the fried rice with tuna, first take care of the vegetables: open the pod and shell the fava beans, collecting them in a bowl 1 (if you have already cleaned ones, you will need about 1.8 oz), then remove the outer growth that wraps the seed 2 and set aside. Trim the base of the leek and thinly slice the white part 3.

Peel and trim the carrots, cut them into rounds, and then julienne them 4. Do the same with the zucchini 5. Reserve the vegetables and take care of the rice: place a large pot filled with salted water on the stove, bring to a boil, then add the rice 6, and boil it for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the vegetables: in a large pan, heat a swirl of olive oil with the garlic clove 7, then add the leek, carrots 8, and zucchini 9.

Cover with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce 10 and sauté the vegetables for about 7 minutes; they should remain slightly crunchy. Once cooking is finished, remove the garlic clove 11 and directly drain the rice here 12.

Add the shelled fava beans 13 and the remaining 1.3 tablespoons of soy sauce 14, finally add the drained tuna 15, and sauté the rice over high heat for a minute, stirring.

Once ready, turn off the heat and let it cool down. Toast the peanuts in a pan over medium heat for a couple of minutes 16, then add them to the rice to give a crunchy note 17. Your fried rice with tuna is ready; you can enjoy it warm or cold 18!

Storage

Fried rice with tuna can be stored in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap for a couple of days.

Tip

Want to give your fried rice a more aromatic and fresh touch? Add lemon juice to the cooked rice, some chopped lemongrass in the sauté, or aromatic herbs like chives or fresh oregano.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.