Hungry but too lazy to cook? We’ve got your back. This microwave tuna and farro bowl takes under 10 minutes and requires zero stovetop skills—just a microwave and a craving for something hearty.
Protein-packed canned tuna teams up with nutty instant farro for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is lazy. Bonus: You’ll dodge dishwashing chaos since everything cooks in one microwave-safe bowl.
Below, we break down everything from nuking tuna safely to turning this basic duo into a flavor-packed masterpiece.
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Lazy Microwave Canned Tuna and Instant Farro
2
5
minutes5
minutes350
kcal10
minutesThis lazy microwave recipe is perfect for those days when you want something filling yet don't want to spend much time in the kitchen. Using canned tuna and instant farro, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to simplicity and flavor.
Ingredients
instant farro
of tuna drained
vegetable broth or water
olive oil
lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
parsley for garnish optional
tomatoes . optional for added freshness
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of instant farro and 1 cup of vegetable broth or water.
- Stir well.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until the farro is tender.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and let it sit for 1 minute.
- Add the drained canned tuna to the cooked farro, along with the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until well combined.
- If using, add halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
- Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired..
Can You Microwave Canned Tuna?
Yes, you can microwave canned tuna—we do it weekly! My mom Linda once famously nuked six cans during a chaotic family reunion when our grill died. The key? Drain the tuna first to avoid oil or brine splatters. Pre-cooked tuna just needs gentle reheating, not full cooking. This convenience makes it a perfect match for lazy microwave meals, like canned tuna with instant rice. Combining these staples allows for a quick, satisfying dish that requires minimal effort.
Safety Guidelines for Microwaving Tuna
Always use a microwave-safe bowl and stir every 30 seconds to prevent rubbery hotspots. Canned tuna averages 140°F when safely reheated. Skip metal lids—they’re not microwave buddies. Pro tip: Add a lemon wedge to cut any lingering fishy aroma.
Direct Vs. Indirect Microwaving Methods
Direct method: Tuna solo in a bowl, covered with a damp paper towel (1 minute). Indirect method: Mix tuna with farro and broth first. The grains absorb excess moisture, preventing dryness. We’re team indirect—fewer dishes, bolder flavor fusion.
What is Instant Farro?
Instant farro is our lazy kitchen hero—parboiled and dried for 10-minute readiness. Unlike traditional farro (45+ minutes simmering), it’s like the express train of ancient grains. Nutty, chewy, and packed with 5g protein per ¼ cup dry. Mom calls it “cheater’s risotto.” For an even easier meal option, pairing it with lazy microwave canned chicken can elevate your dish effortlessly. This combination not only saves time but also ensures a hearty, nutritious meal in minutes.
Can You Microwave Instant Farro?
Absolutely! Combine ½ cup farro with 1 cup water in a deep bowl. Microwave uncovered for 9 minutes—stir halfway. It plumps up like magic. For extra fluff, let it rest 2 minutes post-nuking. Proceed directly to carb-induced happiness. This hearty farro can also be the perfect base for cheap microwave canned soup, creating a quick and filling meal. Instant farro, when paired with your favorite soup, makes for a tasty and nutritious option in a hurry.
Ready to build your bowl? Let’s raid the pantry for tuna upgrades and farro’s best friends…
Ingredients for Microwave Tuna & Farro
Our recipe leans into pantry staples but thrives on swaps. My college roommate once made this with canned salmon during a tuna shortage—it worked shockingly well! If you’re looking for delicious ways to incorporate salmon into your meals, this is just the beginning. Here’s your flexible shopping list:
Canned Tuna Alternatives & Substitutes
Protein pivots: Sardines, cooked chicken, or even rinsed chickpeas work. For vegan versions, marinated jackfruit mimics tuna’s flaky texture. Oil-packed tuna? Use it—just reduce added fats later. Avoid water-packed “light” tuna here—it dries out faster than my enthusiasm for laundry. Speaking of convenient options, a lazy microwave canned tuna casserole can be a quick and satisfying meal. It combines simple ingredients with minimal effort for a delicious dish everyone will enjoy.
Instant Farro Swaps & Add-ins
No instant farro? Quinoa or couscous microwave similarly—adjust liquid ratios (1:1.25 for quinoa). Toss in frozen peas mid-microwave for a veg boost. My go-to add-in: crumbled feta. It melts into salty pockets that’ll make you forget this took 7 minutes. If you’re looking for an easy meal option, a microwave quinoa recipe can be a fantastic choice. It’s quick, nutritious, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
Also See: Microwave Brussels Sprouts Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
How to Make Lazy Microwave Tuna & Farro
I’ve burned more microwave meals than I’ll admit. Through charred trial and error, here’s our foolproof method: It’s interesting how some foods actually taste better when microwaved rather than baked. Learning which foods benefit from this method can save time and enhance flavors.
Step-by-step Microwaving Instructions
- Combine ½ cup instant farro, 1 cup broth, and drained tuna in a deep 4-cup bowl.
- Microwave uncovered 8 minutes. Stir vigorously—farro loves a good whirlpool.
- Add veggies or cheese. Zap 1-2 more minutes until grains are al dente (not mushy!).
Texture Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking tuna turns it into rubber. Mix it in halfway, not at the start. Broth too watery? Use ¾ cup broth + ¼ cup tomato sauce. My 2019 kitchen fire incident taught me: never microwave oily tuna uncovered. Always use a splatter guard or plate. When microwaving tuna, it’s important to monitor the time closely to avoid overcooking. A quick microwave method can yield a delicious and convenient meal.
Also See: Healthy & Easy Microwave Bran Muffins Recipe!
What Does This Tuna & Farro Meal Taste Like?
Imagine a deconstructed sushi bowl met a cozy grain salad. Savory umami from tuna, earthy farro chew, and whatever zingy toppings you raid from your fridge. It’s like meal prepping without the “prep” part.
Flavor Customizations & Recipe Variations
Swap broth for dashi + miso paste (Japanese vibes) or coconut milk + curry powder (tropical twist). Top with furikake, chili crisp, or everything bagel seasoning. My weird-but-winning combo: kimchi + peanut butter. Don’t knock it till you’ve microwaved it.
Now that your bowl’s empty (already?!), let’s tackle storing leftovers without tragic sogginess. When it comes to quick meals, lazy microwave mug omelet leftovers can be a game changer. These simple omelets save time and are easy to reheat, making them perfect for busy days.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve covered everything from microwaving safety to flavor tweaks for your lazy tuna and farro meal. This fuss-free dish proves you don’t need fancy equipment or hours to make something satisfying.
Grab that can opener and microwave-safe bowl—your 10-minute protein-packed lunch is waiting. Let us know which add-ins made your version sing!
