These tuna tacos are a quick and healthy meal option that combines the savory flavor of tuna with the fresh crunch of red cabbage and carrots. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these tacos are both satisfying and easy to make.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up fresh red cabbage, carrots, and cilantro if you don't already have them on hand. These fresh vegetables add a delightful crunch and vibrant color to your tacos, making them both visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients for Tuna Tacos Recipe
Tuna: Provides the main protein for the tacos, offering a savory and slightly briny flavor.
Red cabbage: Adds a crunchy texture and a pop of color to the tacos.
Carrots: Contributes sweetness and crunch, balancing the flavors.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the other ingredients.
Tortillas: Serves as the base for the tacos, holding all the ingredients together.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the tuna, adding a rich flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of the tuna, consider adding a splash of lime juice and a pinch of cumin while cooking it in the skillet. This will give the tacos a zesty and slightly smoky taste, elevating the overall dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tuna - Substitute with salmon: Salmon has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for fish tacos.
tuna - Substitute with chicken breast: For a non-seafood option, shredded chicken breast can provide a similar protein content and texture.
red cabbage - Substitute with green cabbage: Green cabbage offers a similar crunch and slightly milder flavor, making it a good alternative.
red cabbage - Substitute with lettuce: Lettuce can provide a fresh and crisp texture, though it will be less crunchy than cabbage.
carrots - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant color, similar to shredded carrots.
carrots - Substitute with zucchini: Shredded zucchini can offer a similar texture and a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace the herbal notes of cilantro.
cilantro - Substitute with basil: Basil offers a unique aromatic flavor that can add a different but pleasant twist to the tacos.
tortillas - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps can hold the taco fillings while adding a fresh crunch.
tortillas - Substitute with pita bread: Pita bread can serve as a sturdy alternative, providing a different texture and flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral-flavored oil that can be used in place of olive oil.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a different depth of flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and mineral content, enhancing the overall flavor.
pepper - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a bit of heat and complexity, making the tacos more flavorful.
pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a mild heat and a smoky flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the tacos.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the tuna mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the tacos soggy.
- Store the tuna mixture and the cabbage mixture separately to maintain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables.
- Place the cooled tuna mixture in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For the cabbage mixture, store it in a separate airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- If you have leftover tortillas, wrap them in aluminum foil or place them in a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the tuna mixture, place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to use, thaw the tuna mixture in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the tuna mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos.
- Assemble the tacos by placing the reheated tuna mixture on the warmed tortillas, then topping with the fresh cabbage mixture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the tuna tacos in aluminum foil to keep them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the tuna tacos in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tuna is heated through and the tortillas are slightly crispy.
Microwave the tuna tacos by placing them on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.
Use a toaster oven set to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna tacos on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the tuna is warm and the tortillas are slightly crispy.
For a quick steam method, place the tuna tacos in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture in the tuna and vegetables.
Best Tools for Making Tuna Tacos
Skillet: Used to heat the olive oil and cook the tuna.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro.
Spatula: Used to stir and cook the tuna in the skillet.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Can opener: Used to open the cans of tuna.
Knife: Used to chop the cilantro.
Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the cilantro.
Microwave: Optionally used to warm the tortillas.
Plate: Used to serve the assembled tacos.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare the filling: Mix the tuna, shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro in advance and store in the fridge.
Use pre-shredded veggies: Buy pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save chopping time.
Warm tortillas together: Heat all tortillas at once in the oven wrapped in foil instead of individually.
One-pan cooking: Cook the tuna and warm the tortillas in the same skillet to reduce cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store extra tuna mixture for quick meals later in the week.

Tuna Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Red Cabbage shredded
- 1 cup Carrots shredded
- 1 cup Cilantro chopped
- 8 pieces Tortillas
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- 2. Add the drained tuna to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- 3. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro.
- 5. Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave.
- 6. Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the tuna mixture on each tortilla, then topping with the cabbage mixture.
- 7. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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