Lazy Microwave Canned Tuna and Instant Spelt Recipe

Hungry but short on time? This lazy microwave canned tuna and instant spelt recipe transforms pantry staples into a satisfying meal in under 5 minutes. No pots, no fuss—just quick fuel for busy days.

Perfect for students, work-from-homers, or anyone craving a nutritious meal without the cleanup. Tuna packs 20g of protein per can, while spelt offers 5g of fiber per cooked cup—a combo that’s both filling and wholesome.

We’ll walk you through selecting the best canned tuna, cooking instant spelt flawlessly in the microwave, and customizing your bowl with zesty add-ins.

Can You Microwave Canned Tuna?

Absolutely! Canned tuna is already cooked during processing, making it microwave-safe for quick reheating or mixing into dishes. Just drain it first—unless you want a soggy spelt situation. John once skipped this step during a midnight snack mission, and our kitchen smelled like low tide for hours.

Stick to 30-second bursts on medium power if adding tuna to hot ingredients. This prevents overcooking, which can turn tender flakes into rubbery confetti. For oil-packed tuna, pat it dry with a paper towel to avoid greasy spills.

Can You Microwave Instant Spelt?

Yes—instant spelt thrives in microwaves! Unlike traditional grains, it’s parboiled and dried for faster cooking. Use a 1:2 ratio of spelt to water (½ cup grain + 1 cup water) in a deep bowl. My grandpa’s 80th birthday proved this: when the stove broke, we microwaved spelt for 12 hungry guests in 8 minutes flat. This experience reminded me of how certain foods just taste better when microwaved, like lazy microwave canned tuna and instant spelt.

Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stir, then another 2-3 minutes until water absorbs. Let it sit 1 minute post-cooking—this “steam rest” plumps the grains. At 1100W, ours hits al dente perfection at 5:30 total. Adjust by 15-second increments if your appliance runs hotter. With a little experimentation, you can use a simple trick to microwave corn on the cob perfectly as well. This method allows the corn to steam efficiently, preserving its sweetness and crunch.

Now that we’ve nuked the basics, let’s talk about making this duo actually taste good.

What Does Tuna and Spelt Taste Like?

Imagine a deconstructed tuna casserole with a nutty twist. Mildly briny tuna pairs beautifully with spelt’s earthy, wheat-like flavor—think al dente grains with subtle hints of hazelnut. Together, they create a texture party: tender flakes meet chewy spelt pearls, especially when lazy microwaved with instant grains.

My college roommate called this “fancy struggle food” during finals week. We’d jazz it up with whatever condiments lurked in our fridge—sriracha packets, stolen diner relish, even that mystery cheese slice from last month’s pizza night. On particularly lazy nights, we’d whip up a quick microwave frozen pizza roll salad, tossing in whatever leftovers we had. It’s a fun, effortless dish that combines the nostalgia of frozen snacks with a fresh twist.

Also See: Cheap Microwave Ramen With Canned Corn

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Tuna and Spelt

Grab these staples for your 5-minute culinary adventure. Customization is key—this recipe thrives on improvisation. Plus, incorporating the microwave in this process can save even more time. Professional chefs often rely on microwave shortcuts to enhance their cooking efficiency without sacrificing flavor.

Canned Tuna Options and Substitutes

• Water-packed tuna (low sodium preferred): 5 oz can = 25g protein
• Oil-packed tuna (olive or sunflower): Richer flavor, 190 calories vs 100 in water-packed
• Substitutes: Canned chicken (60% less mercury), mashed chickpeas (vegetarian)

Instant Spelt Alternatives

• Quinoa: Cooks similarly, adds complete protein
• Couscous: Softer texture, 2-minute microwave time
• Quick oats: Savory oatmeal base (trust us)

Recommended Seasonings and Add-ins

Essential	Optional Upgrades
Lemon juice (1 tsp)	Diced avocado (+75 cals)
Garlic powder (¼ tsp)	Frozen peas (¼ cup)
Black pepper	Shredded cheddar (28g)

Pro tip: That half-empty jar of capers? Yes. Those stale croutons? Crush ’em on top.

Also See: Beachy Coconut Shrimp: Microwave-fried Flavor!

How to Make Lazy Microwave Tuna and Spelt

Channel your inner microwave wizard with these foolproof steps.

Preparing the Spelt

1. Combine ½ cup instant spelt + 1 cup water in microwave-safe bowl
2. Microwave 3 minutes on high (1100W), stir, then 2 more minutes

Don’t skip the stir! My Aunt Linda once created spelt cement by zapping it uninterrupted. We still find grains in her keyboard. A quick meal option like cheap microwave canned soup, especially with instant spelt, can save time in the kitchen. These soups provide a convenient and hearty alternative when you’re short on time.

Combining Ingredients

1. Fluff spelt with fork
2. Mix in drained tuna, 1 tsp olive oil, seasonings

For creamier texture, add 2 tbsp Greek yogurt before microwaving final 30 seconds. Works wonders with smoked paprika! This technique can also be used when making microwave yogurt, where the same creamy consistency makes the yogurt delightful. Experimenting with different flavorings in your microwave yogurt can bring about exciting new taste combinations.

Microwave Timing Tips

• Total cook time: 5-6 minutes (including rests)
• If adding veggies: +30 seconds per ¼ cup frozen items
• Stop at 4 minutes? Spelt stays crunchy. Go to 7? Enjoy your wallpaper paste.

Our 700W microwave test: 3 min spelt → stir → 3 min with mix-ins → perfect every time.

Even the simplest recipes have pitfalls. Let’s dodge those common tuna-spelt blunders together. When it comes to dinner, a lazy microwave canned tuna casserole can be a quick and delicious solution. This dish not only saves time but also combines flavors nicely without much fuss.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcooking the Spelt

Instant spelt goes from chewy to mushy faster than a snowman in July. Set timers religiously—even 30 extra seconds can turn your grains into glue. My dorm mate once microwaved hers while texting, creating a paste we later used to “fix” a wobbly shelf.

Always use a 1:2 spelt-to-water ratio and stop cooking when grains are tender but still springy. If your microwave lacks adjustable power, try 1-minute increments with stirring between zaps. Burnt on top but raw underneath? Stir deeper and use a wider bowl.

Not Draining Canned Tuna Properly

Resist the urge to skip draining—that leftover liquid is 30% water and 70% regret. Press tuna against the can lid with a fork, then give it a paper towel pat-down. Last week, I rushed this step and my spelt transformed into a maritime swamp. For a quick and hassle-free meal, pairing drained canned tuna with lazy microwave instant freekeh is an excellent choice. This combination delivers both flavor and nutrition without much effort.

Oil-packed varieties need extra attention: tilt the can over the sink and squeeze flakes against the lid. Pro tip: Save 1 tsp of oil for seasoning instead of dumping it all. Your taste buds—and microwave turntable—will thank you. However, reheating oils in the microwave can lead to the formation of toxic fats if not done carefully. It’s essential to monitor temperatures and times to ensure safety while cooking.

Mastered these fixes? Let’s tackle keeping your tuna-spelt creation fresh (yes, leftovers exist—sometimes). Microwaving tuna can be a quick solution for reviving those leftovers. Just be sure to use a microwave-safe container and keep an eye on the cooking time.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

This lazy microwave canned tuna and instant spelt combo proves that quick meals don’t have to sacrifice nutrition or flavor. With just 5-7 minutes of microwave time, you’ll have a protein-packed, fiber-rich meal that’s endlessly customizable with your favorite seasonings and add-ins.

We’d love to hear how your microwave tuna spelt creation turns out! Share your favorite variations – whether you went spicy with sriracha or kept it classic with lemon and herbs. This recipe is all about making wholesome eating effortless, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different canned fish or grain alternatives too.