Tuna Creole Skillet

Tuna Creole Skillet Recipe - A Delicious and Spicy Meal from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: : 4

Introduction

Tuna Creole Skillet is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chunks of tuna with a savory tomato-based sauce, bell peppers, onions, and a hint of spice. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner with friends and family.

History

Tuna Creole Skillet is a classic dish that originated in the southern United States, where Creole cuisine is popular. Creole cuisine is a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences, resulting in a unique and flavorful style of cooking. Tuna Creole Skillet is a modern twist on traditional Creole dishes, incorporating canned tuna for a convenient and budget-friendly option.

Ingredients

0.33 cup chopped onion
1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can peeled whole tomatoes
1 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
1 green bell pepper, cut into 0.5 inch squares
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter or margarine
0.25 tsp hot pepper sauce
0.13 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 tsp salt
2 x 6.5 oz (184 g) cans tuna in water, drained and flaked
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Drain the tomatoes and reserve the juice. Quarter the tomatoes and set them aside.
In a large skillet, cook the onion, green pepper, and garlic in 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add 0.5 cup of the reserved tomato juice, pepper sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
Add the tuna and tomatoes to the skillet and gently mix. Cook until thoroughly heated.
Serve the mixture over hot rice.

Variations

Substitute canned salmon or chicken for the tuna for a different flavor profile.
Add diced celery or carrots for extra crunch and texture.
Stir in a can of drained black beans or corn for added fiber and protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the canned tuna well before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess liquid in the dish.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences. Add more for a spicier dish or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.

- Serve the Tuna Creole Skillet over hot cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce and add a hearty base to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tuna Creole Skillet with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the sauce over medium heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.

- Gently mix the tuna and tomatoes into the sauce to prevent the tuna from breaking apart.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or vegetable oil in place of margarine.

- Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes for a fresher taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the Tuna Creole Skillet up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Tuna Creole Skillet in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Tuna Creole Skillet with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Tuna Creole Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 6g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 40% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains fish (tuna)

Summary

Tuna Creole Skillet is a nutritious dish that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.

Summary

Tuna Creole Skillet is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a savory tomato-based sauce, tender chunks of tuna, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Serve it over hot cooked rice for a complete meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maggie in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Maggie was an excellent cook, and I always looked forward to trying out her delicious creations.

On that particular day, Maggie invited me to join her for lunch. She had prepared a Tuna Creole Skillet, a dish I had never heard of before. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. The flavors were incredible - a perfect blend of spicy and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes and bell peppers.

I begged Maggie for the recipe, but she simply smiled and told me that it was a family secret passed down through generations. However, she did offer to teach me how to make it from scratch. I eagerly accepted her offer and spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, learning the ins and outs of creating the perfect Tuna Creole Skillet.

The first step was to sauté onions and garlic in a skillet until they were soft and fragrant. Next, Maggie added diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and a blend of spices that she had mixed together in a small bowl. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

Once the vegetables had cooked down and the flavors had melded together, Maggie added canned tuna and let everything simmer for a few more minutes. She explained that the key to a good Tuna Creole Skillet was to let the flavors develop slowly, allowing each ingredient to shine on its own before coming together in perfect harmony.

Finally, Maggie served the dish over a bed of fluffy white rice and garnished it with fresh parsley. The first bite was pure bliss - the tuna was tender and flaky, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the spices added just the right amount of heat. I couldn't believe that I had never tried this dish before, and I knew that it would become a staple in my own kitchen.

As I sat at Maggie's kitchen table, savoring every bite of the Tuna Creole Skillet, she told me the story of how her family had come to love this dish. It was originally created by her great-grandmother, who had learned the recipe from a French chef she had worked for many years ago.

According to Maggie, her great-grandmother had modified the original recipe to suit her own tastes, adding in the bell peppers and spices that gave the dish its unique flavor. Over the years, the recipe had been passed down through the generations, with each member of the family adding their own twist to make it their own.

I was fascinated by the story behind the Tuna Creole Skillet, and I felt honored to have been given the opportunity to learn how to make it myself. As I finished my meal, I made a mental note to thank Maggie for sharing her family's secret with me and to pass it on to my own grandchildren one day.

Since that day, I have made the Tuna Creole Skillet countless times for my family and friends, each time adding my own little touch to make it uniquely mine. It has become a beloved recipe in my household, and I always think back to that summer day at Maggie's cottage whenever I prepare it.

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a day filled with laughter, good food, and cherished memories that I will treasure forever. And every time I take a bite of the Tuna Creole Skillet, I am reminded of the love and friendship that goes into every dish we create.