Tuna Spinach Stew
A hearty, rustic stew that comes together in one pot with chunks of tender tuna and fresh spinach simmered in a fragrant garlic-tomato broth. It's a quick weeknight dinner that feels like it cooked all day.
For 4 servings
- prep
Pat the tuna dry and season.
Cut tuna steaks into 1-inch chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season lightly with half the salt and pepper.
TIPChilling the tuna for 10 minutes makes it easier to cut clean cubes. - saute · ~6 min
Sauté the aromatics.
1.Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat.2.Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent (4-5 min).3.Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 sec). - saute · ~4 min
Cook the tomatoes and spices.
1.Add diced tomatoes to the pot and stir well.2.Sprinkle in smoked paprika, chili powder, and remaining black pepper.3.Cook until the tomatoes break down and release their juices (3-4 min).TIPSmash the tomatoes with the back of your spoon to help them melt into the broth. - simmer · ~7 min
Build the broth and add spinach.
1.Pour in the water and bring to a gentle boil.2.Add the chopped spinach and stir until it wilts (2 min).3.Reduce heat to low and let the broth simmer for 5 minutes. - simmer · ~6 min
Poach the tuna in the stew.
1.Gently nestle the tuna chunks into the simmering broth.2.Cover the pot and cook on low heat until the tuna is just opaque and flakes easily (5-6 min).3.Do not stir vigorously to keep the tuna pieces intact.TIPTuna dries out quickly. Check early at the 4-minute mark to avoid overcooking. - garnish
Finish with lemon and parsley.
1.Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.2.Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use fresh tuna steaks rather than frozen for a firmer texture and cleaner flavor.
- 2Pat the tuna chunks very dry before seasoning to help them sear, not steam.
- 3Don't stir the stew vigorously after adding tuna; fold gently to keep chunks intact.
- 4Cook the tomatoes until they fully break down for a richer, thicker broth.
- 5Taste the broth before adding tuna and adjust salt—spinach absorbs seasoning.
- 6For make-ahead: cook the base broth and spinach, then add tuna when reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-carb
Replace the water with unsalted chicken or fish stock for more flavor without extra carbs, and serve with cauliflower rice.
spicySpicy
Add a chopped fresh chili (like jalapeño or serrano) with the garlic for those who want more heat.
dairy free creamyDairy-free creamy
Stir in 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk at the end for a creamy twist that complements the smoky spices.
tomato freeTomato-free
Substitute diced tomatoes with 1 cup diced bell pepper and 1 tbsp tomato paste for a milder, tomato-light version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Tuna provides omega-3 fatty acids, and the olive oil adds monounsaturated fats, both supporting cardiovascular wellness.
Iron-Rich Leafy Greens
Spinach is a good source of non-heme iron, essential for oxygen transport and energy metabolism.
Vitamin C Boost
Fresh lemon juice and tomatoes contribute vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption from the spinach.
High-Quality Protein
Tuna steak delivers lean, complete protein with all essential amino acids for muscle repair and satiety.
Frequently asked questions
It's not recommended. Canned tuna is already cooked and will fall apart into mush. Stick with raw tuna steak for chunk texture.



