What Sauces Go With Tuna & Rice? Tasty Ideas!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Are you a fan of sushi bowls and poke bowls?

Or just fancy making a quick and easy lunch a little more exciting?

Then you know that the sauce is everything!

When it comes to tuna and rice, a good sauce can make all the difference.

From spicy sriracha mayo to zesty citrus dressings, we’ll explore the world of tuna and rice sauces and help you take your bowl game to the next level.

So get ready to mix and match your way to saucy perfection!

What Sauces Go With Tuna & Rice?

Just need the quick answer?

Not a problem! 

Some of the most delicious sauces for tuna and rice include ponzu, teriyaki, sweet and sour, lemon cream, lemon and garlic, sriracha mayo, chilli garlic sauce, and Thai red curry sauce. 

Let’s dive deeper and take a look at some more tasty choices, as well as quick and easy recipes you can make at home using store cupboard staples… 

Soy Sauce-based Sauces

When it comes to pairing sauces with tuna and rice, soy sauce-based options can bring out the best flavours in your dish.

In this section, we will explore some popular soy sauce options such as Ponzu Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, and Sweet and Sour Sauce.

Ponzu Sauce

Ponzu sauce is a delicious combination of flavours that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Made with a mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and citrus juice, this tangy sauce offers a perfect balance for the rich flavour of tuna.

Adding in some freshly grated ginger and green onions can provide a subtle kick to the sauce, creating a delicious dipping sauce or a light condiment to drizzle over your tuna and rice.

To create your own Ponzu sauce:

  • Combine equal parts soy sauce and rice vinegar
  • Add a touch of citrus juice, such as lemon or lime
  • Mix in the grated ginger and green onions for some extra depth

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with tuna and rice.

Made from a base of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, this sweet and savoury sauce can be used to marinate your tuna steak before grilling or frying, or as a glaze to brush onto the cooked tuna.

To make Teriyaki sauce, simply:

  • Combine soy sauce, sugar, and mirin in a saucepan
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened
  • Optionally, add sesame seeds or a touch of sesame oil for added richness

Need to use a few shortcuts? Check out my guide to improving store-bought teriyaki! 

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce is a popular choice for those who prefer something with a bit of tang and sweetness.

Typically made from a base of soy sauce, sugar, ketchup, and rice vinegar, this sauce offers a complex flavour profile that complements the taste of tuna and rice beautifully.

The addition of pineapple chunks or chopped bell peppers introduces even more tanginess, making it a popular choice for a quick, tasty meal.

To create your own Sweet and Sour sauce:

  • Combine equal parts soy sauce, sugar, ketchup, and rice vinegar
  • If desired, mix in finely chopped pineapple or bell peppers for an extra punch of flavour

These versatile soy sauce-based options provide a range of flavours to suit a variety of tastes, making them perfect companions for your tuna and rice dishes.

Creamy Sauces

Lemon Cream Sauce

A delightful option for pairing with tuna and rice is a Lemon Cream Sauce.

With a rich and velvety texture, this sauce adds a zesty brightness to your tuna dish.

To make it, you’ll need:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Onions

For this sauce, simply mix together equal parts mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice, then add minced garlic and finely chopped onions to taste.

The acidity of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the tuna, while the creaminess of the mayonnaise complements the tender fish.

Not only does this sauce taste fantastic, but it is also packed with vitamin C, thanks to the lemon juice.

Sriracha Mayo

Another creamy sauce that goes exceptionally well with tuna and rice is Sriracha Mayo.

With a touch of heat, it brings excitement and depth to any tuna salad.

Making this sauce is easy, and you’ll need:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha
  • Sesame seeds

Blend together equal parts mayonnaise and sriracha for that perfect balance of creamy and spicy.

Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and a subtle nutty flavour.

This sauce pairs wonderfully with tuna, as the spiciness complements the fish’s natural flavours.

Olive Oil-based Sauces

Olive oil is a great base for sauces that pair well with tuna and rice.

Its mild flavour allows other ingredients to shine, whilst providing a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids.

Let’s dive into a couple of delicious olive oil-based sauce ideas: Lemon Garlic Sauce and Herb Vinaigrette.

Lemon Garlic Sauce

A lemon garlic sauce is the perfect mixture of tangy and savoury flavours to enhance your tuna and rice dish.

It’s incredibly easy to make and versatile enough to use on various dishes, like a side salad or as a marinade.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
  2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preferences.

This sauce is not only bursting with Mediterranean flavour, but it’s also low in calories.

Just drizzle it over your cooked tuna and rice and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.

(Love rice? You’ll also enjoy what to serve with rice salad!) 

Herb Vinaigrette

Herb vinaigrette is another sauce option that pairs perfectly with tuna and rice.

It’s fresh, flavourful, and contains fewer calories than many store-bought dressings.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup mixed fresh herbs (e.g., basil, parsley, cilantro)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
  2. Finely chop the mixed herbs, add them to the bowl, and whisk to combine.
  3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

To serve, simply drizzle this herb vinaigrette over your tuna and rice.

You may also wish to toss in a side salad for extra nutrients and a burst of colour on your plate.

Spicy Sauces

Spicy sauces are an excellent way to add a kick to your tuna and rice dishes.

These sauces can transform a simple seared tuna and rice meal into an exciting, flavour-packed culinary experience.

In this section, we will discuss two popular spicy sauces that pair brilliantly with tuna and rice: Chilli Garlic Sauce and Thai Red Curry Sauce.

Chilli Garlic Sauce

A delectable chilli garlic sauce can be made using simple ingredients such as sriracha, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.

Not only does it provide heat and flavour, but it also has a lovely texture that complements the smoothness of seared tuna.

To make this sauce at home, mix the following ingredients in a small bowl:

  • 2 tablespoons sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cloves minced garlic

This chilli garlic sauce is ideal for those who enjoy a fiery kick.

Pour it over your cooked tuna and rice, then garnish with some sliced jalapeno peppers for an extra hit of spice and vibrant colour.

Thai Red Curry Sauce

Thai red curry sauce is another fantastic option for livening up your tuna and rice.

This creamy, flavourful sauce lends a touch of exotic flair to your dish, making it stand out amongst other best sauces for tuna steak.

To create this sauce, you’ll need:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos for additional heat

To prepare, heat the oil in a saucepan, then add the red curry paste.

Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently. Next, pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

This Thai red curry sauce offers more than just heat; it also supplies your meal with notable nutritional benefits, such as potassium found in coconut milk.

Pour the sauce over your tuna and rice for a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal.

Additional Tips and Variations

When it comes to making a delicious tuna and rice dish, there are numerous ways to enhance the flavour and mix it up.

In this section, we will explore some additional tips and variations you can incorporate into your meal.

First, let’s talk rice.

White rice is a perfect accompaniment to tuna, but you can boost its nutritional value and flavour by using other types of rice, like brown or wild rice.

To ensure your rice is rich in taste, include a pinch of salt while cooking, or go for a low-sodium alternative if you’re keeping an eye on your sodium intake.

Consider seasoning your cooked rice with simple spices like garlic powder and ground black pepper.

These additions will amplify the flavour and complement the tuna perfectly. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try out other spices like cumin, coriander, or paprika.

A perfectly cooked tuna steak can elevate your dish to another level.

It’s essential to get the balance right between undercooking and overcooking it – nobody wants a dry tuna steak!

Assuming your tuna steak is about 2-3cm thick, sear it on high heat for around 1-2 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish (adjust the time according to your preference).

For a quick tuna and rice meal, canned tuna is a great option.

Ensure you drain it well to get rid of excess oil or brine. You can then incorporate the tuna with your rice, seasoning, and choice of sauce.

Enhance your dish’s visual appeal and flavour by generously sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced scallions over it. These ingredients add a vibrant touch and combine well with both tuna steak and canned tuna.

If you’re a sushi fan, think about integrating sushi-style ingredients such as avocado slices, wasabi, or pickled ginger to your tuna and rice bowl.

You can also utilise Asian sauces like soy sauce, ponzu, or teriyaki sauce to create an exotic, flavoursome fusion.

Incorporating a variety of herbs, spices, and other complementary ingredients allows you to create seemingly endless combinations and variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own personal favourite. Happy cooking!

Before you go, why not check out how to eat tuna without bread, for more creative ways to enjoy tinned fish?