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Atún a la Mexicana hits high marks with me. I’m all about EASY meals loaded with lots of flavor.
This Mexican-Style Tuna recipe is just that. It’s ready in no time flat and packed with deliciousness.
Even the pickiest of eaters in my family like it, but the best part is that it doesn’t break the bank.
Have all your ingredients ready. It comes together in a snap!
Atun a la Veracruzana, Tortitas de Papa con Atun, Tostadas de Atun
Ingredients
- Tuna
- Onion
- Tomatoes
- Jalapeno
- Olive Oil
- Salt
This Mexican seafood recipe requires very few ingredients.
It’s already a budget-friendly dish, but there are some substitutions to make it completely pantry friendly and more economical.
Such as:
- Use 1 8-ounce can of tomato sauce instead of fresh tomato.
- Use pickled jalapeno instead of fresh jalapeno.
- Use 1 teaspoon of onion powder instead of fresh onion. OR, serve with pickled onions.
How to Make It
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Saute onion and jalapeno, stirring constantly.
This will only take 1-2 minutes to cook. Once the onion is translucent, go to the next step.
For those of you who like spicy food, add more jalapeno.
Or, if you’re feeding a lot of people, serve this dish with hot sauce and pickled jalapenos to add more spice.
- Add the diced tomato to the skillet.
- This will only take 3-4 minutes.
Any Mexican recipe that refers to “a la Mexicana” will have this combination of ingredients – jalapeno, onion and tomatoes.
Green, white, and red. The colors of the Mexican flag.
You might also see people use serrano peppers instead of jalapenos as the two chile peppers are interchangeable in recipes.
Huevos a la Mexicana, Bistec a la Mexicana, Calabacitas a la Mexicana
- Drain the canned tuna.
- Add the tuna to the skillet.
Cooking this dish will only take 5 minutes from here.
Tuna in water was used in this recipe, but you can also use tuna in oil. Be sure to drain the liquid.
Can you cook canned tuna?
Yes, in this recipe, the tuna is cooked. It works well in several recipes.
- Season with salt.
- Mix all the ingredients to combine.
You can also add a pinch of oregano and a squeeze of lime juice for some added flavor.
What spices go well with canned tuna?
Thyme, Paprika, oregano , Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Basil, Cayenne Pepper
How Long Does It Last?
In the fridge, Atun a la Mexicana will last up to 3 days. Freezing this dish is not recommended.
Serve with saltine crackers, on a homemade tostada, or with a handful of chips.
Or make it a complete meal and serve with:
Pasta
Green salad
Mexican white rice
Refried beans
Atun a la Mexicana is a tasty blend of spicy and delicious. It’s a quick dinnertime WINNER!
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Atún a la Mexicana
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Saute the onion and jalapeno.
- Cook for 1 minute. Stirring constantly.
- Add the tomato.
- Stir to combine
- Cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the drained cans of tuna.
- Season with salt.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
Notes
- Use 1 8-ounce can of tomato sauce instead of fresh tomato.
- Use pickled jalapeno instead of fresh jalapeno.
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder instead of fresh onion.
Thank you for including a list of substitutions for this recipe. Most of the time I have all of these ingredients but here lately I’ve had a hard time finding certain things so its nice to have options.
That’s exactly why I included that list! Hope you try this recipe.
This looks and sounds so flavorful, I am going to have to try this one soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Hope you try it! You will love it.
This is our new favorite way to eat tuna! We love the spices and the flavor! So good!
So glad you liked it! It’s really flavorful
This Atún a la Mexicana looks so wonderful and flavorful. I am really excited to try out this recipe.
It’s delicious. Hope you try this recipe!
I’ve never heard of this dish! It sounds so fresh and heathly!
It is. Sooo refreshing, hope you try it!
What a quick and easy dish! I love that this is served warm as well because it is delicious in colder months as well as warmer.
Easy and delicious!
This dish looks really tasty! My husband is a big tuna fan and I want to make this recipe for him. He will definitely appreciate it!
Then you should definitely try it! It’s really tasty
Yum I never would’ve thought to use tuna in this way but I love how spicy it is!
It is delicious. Hope you try it!
This was such a refreshing change for my weekly tuna lunch! I love that the onions and tomatoes and peppers were all cooked together, it really developed yummy flavor. Thanks for sharing!
Yes! It so is. 🙂
I had this kid dish as a kid in San Diego and completely forgot about it. I already made some and it’s as delicious as I remember it. Thank you for posting the recipe. P.S. My 14 year old son loved it too.
I’m in San Diego! So glad you found this recipe again.
Loved this recipe!! I needed some ideas beyond tuna and mayo and this was perfect!!
Thank you! Hope you like this recipe.
I’m on salt restricted diet so leave out all salt. But enjoyed this very much. Will make again
My mom is on a salt restricted diet. Completely understand. Yes, just omit.