Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

COCONUT TUNA - RECIPE FROM TUVALU 🇹🇻

Login to Save
Globetrotter’s Plate
Globetrotter’s Plate
42 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Globetrotter’s Plate to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipe Information

Recipe Available
Video-Specific Recipe

Tuvalu Coconut Tuna

Cultural Context

Originating from the small Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, Coconut Tuna reflects the local reliance on fresh seafood and coconuts. Traditionally, this dish is enjoyed during communal meals and celebrations, showcasing the island's rich culinary heritage. Today, variations can be found in many Pacific Island cuisines, where coconut milk and fresh fish are staples, making it a beloved dish beyond its homeland.

TuvaluanTVmain
45 min
medium
4 servings
Servings4
1 lb. raw, wild caught, Yellowfin or Ahi tuna steaks
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, peeled and rough chopped
1 tbsp. freshly grated ginger root
4 large cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 Scotch Bonnet hot chili peppers, seeds left in, and rough chopped (only 1 if you don’t like super spicy hot dishes, and leave the seeds out for even milder)
1 tbsp. curry powder
12 oz. unsweetened coconut milk
4 green onions
6 oz. sugar snap pea pods (or any green vegetable of your choosing)
Soy sauce, to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

fresh tuna

🥗Healthier: firm tofu

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Tofu provides a plant-based option, while canned tuna is more affordable.

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: coconut cream diluted with water

Light coconut milk reduces calories without losing flavor.

1

In a large skillet or wok, heat up some vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

2

Sauté the onions for a few minutes, until fragrant and translucent.

3

Add in the Scotch Bonnet pepper(s), curry powder, garlic and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until softened and your whole house is filled with the enticing aroma.

4

Stir in the coconut milk, then add the green onions and sugar snap peas.

5

Add the tuna steaks into the mix, and soy sauce to taste—personally I like a lot of soy sauce, it really sets the rest of the flavors off nicely.

6

Cook until the tuna is nicely browned on the outside and as done in the center as you like it.

Cooking Techniques

sautéingsimmeringgarnishing

Equipment Needed

large skillet or wok

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

pescatarian

Allergens

fishcoconut

Also Known As

Coconut TunaTuna in Coconut Sauce

Other Takes on Tuna

(24 videos)

Similar Tuvaluan Videos

(6 videos)

Similar Dishes From Other Cuisines

(20 videos)