Can You Microwave Canned Tuna? Here’s How!

I love canned tuna. It’s a quick, healthy, affordable protein source I can keep on hand when I need it. But when a cold tuna salad doesn’t satisfy me, I need to figure out what else to do with it. If you’re the same, don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. In this article, I’ll walk you through all the ways you can reheat canned tuna. Whether you want to microwave it, heat it on the stove, or even serve it cold, I’ve got you covered. So, can you microwave canned tuna?

You can microwave canned tuna, but you can also heat it on the stove. Microwaving the tuna is the quickest way, as it will take only approximately a minute or two, depending on the power of your microwave.

I was so excited to find a quick and easy way to heat my canned tuna. I was unsure if I was supposed to heat it, but it worked perfectly. I will definitely be using this method in the future!

How to Microwave Canned Tuna?

Canned tuna is a type of fish that has been cooked and then sealed in a can, and you can usually find it in the canned fish section of the supermarket. This affordable and convenient meal is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your health. [1]

Canned tuna can come in several different forms, but the most common type is chunk light tuna. While it is an excellent option for quick, easy meals, many often wonder whether they can put it in a microwave and avoid always eating it cold. 

As you have seen above, you can do that, and here’s how: 

• Open the can of tuna, drain the liquid, and remove the lid.
• Place the tuna in a microwave-safe bowl.
• You can also add a tablespoon of water to the bowl because, in that case, you will ensure that the steam from the water will provide moisture and keep the tuna from drying out.
• Microwave for one to two minutes, depending on the power of your microwave.
• Remove from the microwave and enjoy!

Is Canned Tuna Supposed to Be Heated?

The short answer is usually not. The longer answer is a little more complicated.

Many manufacturers don’t put any instructions for heating. Canned tuna is a convenient food, and it’s already cooked. All you have to do is heat it up or just eat it as it is because heating it is absolutely unnecessary. This makes it an excellent option for a quick and easy meal, especially when you’re short on time.

But not all canned tuna is created equal. While most brands of canned tuna are pre-cooked, some are not. If your can of tuna says “Ready to Eat,” then you are 100% safe to ho, while if your can of tuna does not say “Ready to Eat,” then you could heat it up before you eat it, just in case.

Heating your canned tuna helps kill any harmful bacteria that may be present in the food. It also enhances the flavor and makes it more enjoyable to eat.

When manufacturers do that, they then perform the canning process to seal the tuna entirely and prevent any bacteria from entering the can. So, while your canned tuna is safe to consume the moment you open it, this is not the case if you end up with a damaged or improperly canned can.

Here you can see how canned tuna is made.

How Else to Reheat Canned Tuna?

Deciding to microwave your canned tuna has one significant disadvantage: the smell. If you choose to heat tuna this way, you will face breaking down the fat in the fish, which causes a fishy smell that most people don’t find comfortable. In addition, this may also linger in the microwave for a long time if not properly cleaned. 

Or, if you don’t have access to a microwave, another option is to heat canned tuna on the stove. 

You can do this either by using either a pan or a skillet. If you’re using a pan, place the tuna in the saucepan and turn on the heat to medium-high. I then usually cook the tuna for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until it is heated through. 

Then, you can choose to place the saucepan into your oven on low heat for about 10 minutes. This method allows you to get a wonderfully crisp texture while still ensuring that your canned tuna is heated thoroughly. It’s a great way to ensure that you cook your tuna evenly – just be sure to keep an eye on it while it’s in the oven so it doesn’t get burned!

If you’re using a skillet, place the tuna in the skillet and turn on the heat to medium-high. Cook the tuna for 2-3 minutes per side or until it is heated through.

Another way to heat tuna in a pan is to ensure a pot with a lid big enough to cover the tuna can. Then, add water to the pot and bring it to a boil before adding the tuna can. Let it boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, carefully remove the can from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes before opening.

My favorite quick way to heat up canned tuna is by using hot water directly from the tap. Simply fill your sink with hot water, then place the canned tuna in and let sit for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

And finally, if you don’t want to cook canned tuna, you can also just serve it cold. It will work!

How to Serve Canned Tuna?

Canned tuna can be served in so many different ways. The possibilities are really endless! Some of my favorite ways to serve canned tuna are with pasta, in wraps or salads, or as sandwiches. You can also heat it up and make some delicious tuna melt sandwiches or tuna patties.

If you’re looking for something even better, why not add canned tuna to some freshly steamed broccoli or spinach? I also like adding it to a lentil-based soup or stew for some extra protein.

If you’re looking for a canned tuna breakfast option, you can also make eggs and tuna spread out of boiled eggs and canned tuna. You can spread it over a slice of bread if you’re in a hurry or serve it with toasted bruschetta sprinkled with some chopped fresh parsley. 

Canned tuna is also a great way to add some extra flavor to homemade burgers, veggie patties, and even pizza toppings. You can also just eat cans of tuna cold with some crackers on the side. 

And if you’re looking for another cold option, you can always just serve canned tuna straight from the can. I like to add some diced onions, tomatoes, and capers to mine for a little extra flavor, and turn it into a salad.

Whatever you decide, I recommend having some fun and getting creative with it! Also, I look forward to finding out about your creative efforts in the comments below!