Go Back

Tuna & Veggie Stir-Fry - Quick, Bright, and Satisfying

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Tuna: 2 cans (5–6 oz each) of solid albacore or light tuna, drained well; or 12 oz fresh tuna steak, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Vegetable oil or avocado oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, finely grated
  • Red bell pepper: 1, sliced into thin strips
  • Broccoli: 2 cups small florets
  • Carrot: 1 large, peeled and sliced thin on the bias
  • Snow peas or snap peas: 1 cup, ends trimmed
  • Green onions: 3, sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: 3 tablespoons
  • Oyster sauce (optional but great): 1 tablespoon
  • Rice vinegar or lime juice: 1 tablespoon
  • Honey or brown sugar: 1 to 2 teaspoons
  • Toasted sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons (optional, for thickening)
  • Water or low-sodium broth: 1/3 cup
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or chili-garlic sauce: to taste
  • Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon, for garnish
  • Cooked rice or noodles: for serving

Method
 

  1. Prep the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and water. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch until smooth. Add chili flakes if you like heat. Set aside.
  2. Prep the veggies and tuna: Drain canned tuna really well and flake lightly with a fork. If using fresh tuna, pat dry and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the pan: Set a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat.
  4. Cook the aromatics: Add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  5. Stir-fry the hard veggies: Add broccoli and carrots. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until they start to soften but still feel crisp.
  6. Add the quick-cook veggies: Add bell pepper and snow peas. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes more. You want bright color and a little bite.
  7. Add the tuna: If using fresh tuna, push veggies to the edges, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and sear tuna pieces 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked. If using canned tuna, gently fold it in now.
  8. Sauce it up: Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over everything. Toss gently to coat and cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the tuna and veggies.
  9. Finish and serve: Sprinkle in the green parts of the onions and sesame seeds. Taste and adjust with a splash more soy sauce, vinegar, or chili. Serve hot over rice or noodles.