Lazy Microwave Canned Tuna & Instant Freekeh in Minutes!

Craving a nutritious meal but short on time? This lazy microwave canned tuna and instant freekeh recipe is your new best friend. Ready in under 10 minutes with zero stovetop mess, it’s the ultimate “I can’t adult today” lifesaver.

We’ve cracked the code for turning pantry staples into a protein-packed, fiber-rich dish without sacrificing flavor. Bonus: your microwave does all the heavy lifting while you binge-watch your latest obsession.

Below, we’ll break down how to nail this lazy gourmet hack—from tuna safety to freekeh flavor boosts.

What is Instant Freekeh?

Instant freekeh is cracked, roasted green wheat that’s pre-steamed for quick cooking. Think of it as quinoa’s smoky, nutty cousin with Middle Eastern roots. Unlike traditional freekeh (which simmers for 40+ minutes), the instant version microwaves in 5-7 minutes—perfect for lazy meals.

My dad George first encountered freekeh at my uncle Peter’s 50th birthday bash, where it was served in a fancy pilaf. “Freekeh? Sounds like something you’d yell during dodgeball!” he joked. But one bite of its chewy, slightly charred flavor convinced him—and now it’s our go-weeknight grain.

Can You Microwave Canned Tuna Safely?

Yes, but with caveats. Canned tuna is already cooked, so microwaving it simply warms it through. We recommend draining the liquid first and mixing tuna with a splash of water or lemon juice to prevent Sahara-level dryness. Always use a microwave-safe dish—never nuke the metal can itself (unless you fancy sparkler shows). A great way to enjoy tuna is by making a cheap microwave tuna melt mug. This quick meal is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.

Oil-packed tuna works better than water-packed here—its fats keep the fish moist during reheating. Stick to 30-45 second bursts at 50% power, stirring between zaps. Pro tip: cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to trap steam and minimize that “fish office lunch” aroma. If reheating fish in the microwave, ensure it’s evenly heated to preserve its flavor and texture. Microwaving is a quick and convenient way to enjoy leftovers without losing taste.

Ready to see how these two pantry heroes team up? Let’s explore the flavor magic (and optional upgrades) next. With a few tweaks, microwave cooking can deliver delicious results that mimic your favorite takeout meals.

What Does Microwave Tuna and Freekeh Taste Like?

Imagine smoky campfire notes from the freekeh tangoing with the tuna’s oceanic savoriness. It’s like a beach bonfire in your mouth—minus the sand in weird places. The freekeh’s chewy texture balances the tuna’s flakiness, while lemon zest or chili flakes can amp up the zing. This delightful combination can also be transformed into a quick meal by pairing it with lazy microwave canned tuna and instant buckwheat. With just a few steps, a wholesome meal is ready in minutes, perfect for those busy days.

My roommate once dubbed this “hipster tuna casserole” during our Netflix marathon nights. We’ve since upgraded it with kimchi or furikake, but the core combo remains: earthy, protein-packed, and unapologetically lazy. For an even quicker meal, consider pairing it with lazy microwave boxed rice and canned tuna for a satisfying dish that takes just minutes to prepare.

Also See: Easy Microwave Mug Lasagna: Ready in Minutes!

Ingredients for Microwave Tuna and Freekeh

Grab these MVP players: 1 can tuna (5 oz), 1 packet instant freekeh (2.5 oz), lemon juice, olive oil, salt. That’s the barebones version—but we’ll jazz it up later. Use a 12-16 oz microwave-safe bowl (trust me, portion control matters). A quick and easy meal idea to try out is lazy microwave canned tuna instant couscous, which combines convenience with great taste. This dish only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.

Canned Tuna Alternatives and Substitutes

No tuna? No panic. Try these swaps:

• Canned salmon (pricier but richer in omega-3s)
• Shredded rotisserie chicken (for a poultry pivot)
• Rinsed chickpeas (vegan hack—mash slightly for texture)

Oil-packed tuna adds more flavor, but water-packed works if you’re cutting calories. Just add 1/2 tsp olive oil post-microwave to avoid dryness. When it comes to cooking tuna, microwaving tuna is a quick and convenient option that can enhance its taste. Many prefer to microwave tuna for a quick meal, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful with the right preparation.

Instant Freekeh Swaps and Add-ins

Freekeh MIA? These grains work in a pinch:

• Instant couscous (cooks in 3 minutes)
• Pre-cooked quinoa (cold from the fridge? Nuke 1 minute)
• Bulgur wheat (soak in hot water 10 minutes)

Boost flavor with mix-ins: sun-dried tomatoes, chopped pickles, or a dollop of harissa. My cheat? A sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning—it’s life-changing. Have you ever considered warming up your bagels in the microwave? It’s a quick way to enjoy a delicious snack that pairs perfectly with these mix-ins.

Also See: Bluefish Recipe in Microwave – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

How to Make Lazy Microwave Tuna and Freekeh

This isn’t rocket science—it’s lazy science. But follow these steps to avoid “sad desk lunch” vibes.

Step-by-step Microwave Instructions

1. Prep freekeh: Empty packet into bowl. Add water per instructions (usually 1:1.5 ratio). Microwave 5 minutes.
2. Fluff & mix: Stir freekeh with fork. Drain tuna, add to bowl. Drizzle 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp oil.
3. Reheat tuna: Cover with damp paper towel. Microwave 30 seconds at 50% power. Stir. Repeat if needed.

Total hands-off time? 7 minutes max. Your future self will high-five you.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Soggy freekeh? You used too much water. Drain excess liquid post-cooking, then stir in tuna. Fishy smell lingering? Add a vinegar-soaked paper towel to the microwave and heat 1 minute—it’s like a spa day for your appliance. It’s just one of those lazy microwave meals that require extra care.

Tuna too dry? Always mix with a fat (mayo, olive oil) after microwaving. My 2 a.m. dorm-room hack involved mixing in a laughing cow cheese wedge—no shame here. A quick and easy way to enjoy canned tuna is by making a lazy microwave canned tuna casserole. This simple dish combines all the flavors you love without taking much time to prepare.

Now that you’ve nailed the basics, let’s tackle storing leftovers without turning them into rubber—because even lazy meals deserve second chances. With a few clever microwave tricks, you can elevate those leftovers into gourmet meals that feel fresh and exciting.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

Microwaving canned tuna with instant freekeh gives us a protein-packed meal in under 5 minutes—no stovetop required. The nutty freekeh balances the savory tuna perfectly, while microwave steam keeps everything moist.

Give this lazy recipe a spin and tweak it with your favorite spices or veggies. We’d love to hear how your quick microwave tuna freekeh turns out—share your creations with us!