7 Tuna Substitutes to Try [Vegan and Non-Vegan]

Tuna, whether canned or fresh, is now one of the world’s most popular fish. Several tuna species, however, have become endangered owing to overfishing. Moreover, many individuals absolutely avoid eating animal products. So, what tuna replacements are available for folks who want to avoid eating tuna?

Tuna alternatives include salmon, halibut, sardines, and trout. You may purchase them canned or whole and prepare them yourself. Chickpea salad sandwiches, vegan tuna melts, and wraps are all wonderful vegan and vegetarian choices that substitute tuna with other veggies.

If you have the correct components, you may substitute a certain meal while still making comparable dishes and get equivalent nutrients. And in this post, we’ll look at the many ways you may replace tuna for vegan and non-vegan diets.

Non-vegan Tuna Substitutes

Tuna does not appeal to everyone. Although tuna offers numerous health advantages, it may potentially contain harmful quantities of mercury. Hence, if you want to replace tuna with another fish, here are some great choices to consider:

Sardines

When most people think of canned fish, they think of canned tuna or canned sardines. Sardines therefore compete with tuna in the canned fish sector.

Yet, more crucially, sardines may compete with tuna in many other ways. Both are saltwater fish that are consumed on a regular basis by people all around the globe. Moreover, both are excellent providers of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function. Therefore substituting sardines for tuna will not deprive you of this crucial ingredient.

Sardines, like tuna, are heavy in fat and low in carbohydrates. Hence, with a keto diet, you may simply substitute sardines for tuna. Sardine is also a good option for bodybuilders since it contains a lot of fat and protein while being low in carbohydrates.

Sardines have an edge over tuna in terms of minerals. Sardines have a higher mineral content than tuna.

Sardines are available commercially in all of the same forms as tuna, including frozen, fresh, smoked, and tinned. Sardines in cans are often accompanied with vegetable oils such as olive or soybean.

Sardines, in particular, are an excellent replacement for canned tuna.

Salmon

Salmon is an essential ingredient in every seafood dish. And it may effectively replace tuna in your lunch. Salmon has a delicate taste character. As a result, it will not dominate the meal or overshadow other elements. As a result, you may simply include salmon into a tuna recipe without significantly altering the flavour or seasonings.

You may substitute salmon for tuna steak in a dish. Salmon flesh is solid yet succulent. As a result, it is great for pan-searing, baking, and broiling. You may also deep fry battered salmon to produce fish fries. For these meals, wild Alaskan salmon is an excellent option.

People usually think of fresh or frozen salmon served with broth or veggies. Canned salmon, on the other hand, is a popular sort of tinned fish. Canned salmon may be used to create burger patties, seafood spaghetti, and quiche. If you want to try canned salmon, Wild Planets wild sockeye salmon is a good place to start.

Trout

Smoked trout is another wonderful tuna substitute. Freshwater trout, like salmon, has a moderate taste profile and delicate texture. Saltwater trout have a little more taste punch than freshwater trout.

But, the parallels to salmon do not stop there. Smoked trout may also be purchased in a can, fresh from the store, or straight from a fishmonger.

Smoked trout’s flavor and texture make it an excellent addition to soups and noodles. Or, prepare a lovely serving of spaghetti with flakes smoked fish and cream cheese. Flakes smoked fish complements salads and baked potatoes wonderfully.

Halibut

Halibut refers to three separate saltwater flatfish species found in the Northern Atlantic and Northern Pacific.

Halibut flesh is solid, which means it will not fall apart when grilled or pan seared. As a result, you may safely substitute it for tuna in a grilled tuna steak dish. Halibut flesh has a similar texture to tilapia when cooked.

It has a natural, moderately sweet flavor that pairs well with heavy spice. This implies that halibut will not conflict with other ingredients in your tuna dish.

Vegan Tuna Substitutes

Of course, many individuals avoid eating meat and fish completely, so tuna is not a choice for them. Fortunately, you can consume tuna while being vegan or vegetarian. This is how.

Chickpea of the Sea Sandwich

Lunchtime favorites include tuna salad sandwiches with mayonnaise. Nevertheless, you can simply make a vegan version of it using chickpeas.

You’ll need 1 can chickpeas, pepper, salt, whole grain mustard, seeds, umeboshi vinegar, vegan mayo, and protein bread for this dish. The umeboshi vinegar adds a seafood taste to the meal. To improve the flavor of the fish, add toasted nori sheets.

The mayo serves to bind all of the ingredients together, just as it does in a typical tuna sandwich.

Vegan “Tuna” Sushi

Sushi, which originated in Japanese cuisine, is another popular method to consume tuna. Yet, in a vegan variant of that notion, you utilize tomatoes and kelp to construct sushi that tastes similar to the real thing. The kelp provides a lovely ocean taste to the meal.

You start by making the sushi rice. Sushi rice, sugar, salt, and vinegar are required. Chop up the tomatoes and combine them with the kelp powder.

Add a slice of avocado on top. Lastly, delicately roll the nori sheet with the tip of your fingers. Place a clean table or cutting board on top of the plastic wrap. Put the necessary number of nori sheets one by one. Cover the nori sheet with a uniform layer of rice. Finally, on top of the rice, spread the tomato mixture. Cucumber slices, thinly sliced

Faux Tuna Meat

Here’s an easy recipe for canned tuna substitution. This recipe calls for textured vegetable protein (TVP), salt, water, kelp flakes, and oil. Kelp is back to provide that classic fishy or marine flavor.

Cook the kelp flakes, salt, oil, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Turn off the heat when it reaches boiling point. Now add the TVP and let it absorb the water. This might take 5 to 10 minutes. And it’s finished.

You may now utilize this fake tuna flesh in the same way that you would actual canned tuna. With this tuna substitute, you may make vegan tuna melts, veggie wraps, or tuna casserole.

To summarize, eating tuna is not for everyone, whether due to flavor or nutritional choice. Thankfully, there are various tuna substitutes that do not sacrifice taste or nutrients.