Tuna Pie

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
13 Min Read

Tuna Pie Recipe – Ocean Flavor in Every Bite

Hello! We're going to prepare a delicious, fresh tuna pie with that beloved homemade touch. This dish is simple to make and becomes an excellent option to share with family or friends. With ingredients that highlight the flavor of the sea, this recipe offers a perfect balance between a crispy texture and a juicy filling. Discover how to achieve that Supreme Tuna in your kitchen by following clear and practical steps.

Preparation time

Organize your kitchen and time for a successful result with this quick guide:

  • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Cooking: 30 minutes
  • Total: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the puff pastry

  • 500 grams of fresh puff pastry

For the tuna filling

  • 3 cans of tuna in oil, drained
  • 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper large, cut into thin strips
  • 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • ⅓ cup tomato puree
  • ½ cup sliced green olives
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

If you can't find fresh puff pastry, you can use thawed frozen pastry, or prepare a simple shortcrust pastry for a different touch. Remember that puff pastry provides the characteristic crispy texture, so if you change the dough, you will notice a difference in the final texture.

Utensils we will use

  • Large pan for sautéing
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Rolling pin for spreading the dough (you can use a clean bottle if you don't have a rolling pin)
  • Pie dish (you can use a round mold or an oven-safe container)
  • Brush for egg wash
  • Oven preheated to 180 °C
  • Spoon for spreading the filling

Preparation

1. Sauté the flavor base

  1. Heat the oil: Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped white onion and minced garlic cloves, cooking until transparent and fragrant, approximately 3-5 minutes.

2. Cook the bell pepper and tomato

  1. Incorporate the bell pepper: Add the thin strips of red bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes to soften.
  2. Add tomatoes and puree: Add the peeled and chopped tomatoes along with the tomato puree. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and concentrates its flavors, about 10 minutes.

3. Incorporate the tuna and olives

  1. Add the tuna: Incorporate the previously drained cans of tuna, mixing gently so as not to break up the fish too much.
  2. Add the olives: Incorporate the half cup of sliced green olives.
  3. Adjust seasoning: Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, adjusting salt and pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool before using.

4. Prepare the dough and assemble the pie

  1. Roll out the dough: On a clean and lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry with a rolling pin to a thickness of half a centimeter, forming a rectangle.
  2. Line the mold: Cut the dough in half and use one part to line the mold, removing any excess that hangs over.
  3. Pour the filling: Place the already cooled tuna filling in the mold and distribute it evenly with a spoon.
  4. Cover with the second dough: Place the second half of the dough on top and seal the edges by pressing them with your finger or a fork.
  5. Make cuts for steam: Make small cuts on the top for steam to escape during cooking.
  6. Glaze with egg: Brush the entire dough with beaten egg to give it a golden and appetizing finish.

5. Perfect baking

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes: Cook until the dough is golden and crispy.
  3. Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving so that the flavors settle and it doesn't fall apart when cut.

To finish and serve

Remove any excess dough from the edges before presenting your pie. Serve hot, accompanied by a fresh salad to balance and enhance the Sea Flavor of the tuna.


I want to share these tips with you

  • Keep the tuna drained: This prevents the filling from becoming watery and the dough from getting soggy.
  • Do not press the filling too much: To preserve the juicy texture of the tuna.
  • Use egg for the glaze: This ensures a shiny and golden finish, typical of a professional pie.
  • Bake on the middle rack: This way it cooks evenly and the base becomes crispy.
  • Let the filling cool: Prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy and losing its texture.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Proteins: 22 g
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

These values are estimates per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.


5 keys to making the tuna pie perfect

  • Tip 1: Control moisture: Drain the tuna and puree well to prevent a watery filling.
  • Tip 2: Ingredient selection: Use good quality tuna and olives that complement without overpowering the flavors.
  • Tip 3: Dough technique: Roll out carefully to prevent tearing and ensure a uniform texture.
  • Tip 4: Adjust baking: Watch the color of the puff pastry and remove it in time to prevent burning.
  • Tip 5: Let it rest: Always wait a few minutes before cutting so the juices can stabilize.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This tuna pie is perfect for family dinners or informal gatherings. Its simple and quick preparation makes it ideal for those days when you want something delicious without complicating things. It's also practical to take to work or for summer dinners, accompanying it with a fresh salad. Plus, since you can freeze and reheat it, it's a fantastic ally for organizing your weekly meals without losing flavor or texture.


Comparative table of tuna pies and similar dishes

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Tuna PieTuna in oil, puff pastry, tomatoLight and crispy crust with a juicy and flavorful filling
Tuna empanadasTuna, shortcrust pastry, onionIndividual portions and easier to transport
Tuna pie with vegetablesTuna, mixed vegetables, bread doughMore nutritious due to the extra vegetables and fiber
Biscay-style tunaTuna, tomato sauce, olivesEnriched sauce and no dough, ideal to accompany rice
Tuna quicheTuna, eggs, cream, shortcrust pastryCreamier and with a soft texture, no puff pastry
Tuna pizzaPizza dough, tuna, mozzarella cheeseMore casual flavor with melted cheese topping
Savory tuna and vegetable tartTuna, shortcrust pastry, vegetablesProvides balance with vegetables and a crunchy texture

Do you want to see how it's prepared step by step?

Learning to prepare a tuna pie with the correct technique makes all the difference in the final result. In addition to mastering the basic recipe, you can experiment with ingredients and harmonize flavors with recipes like the tuna in lemon sauce to give a fresh and citrusy touch to your seafood dishes.

Keep enjoying the versatility of tuna with these ideas

Culinary glossary to better understand your tuna pie recipe

  • Puff pastry: Dough composed of several layers made by folding butter and dough, which makes it light and crispy when baked.
  • Brush: Brush a surface, usually the dough, with beaten egg to give it shine and golden color.
  • Drain: Remove excess liquid from a food, in this case, tuna in oil.
  • Tomato puree: Thick sauce made with cooked and blended tomato to use as a base in stews.
  • Seal the edges: Press the ends of the dough to prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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