Ham is used instead of carb-heavy wraps in this easy but tasty lunch, which is filled with tuna mayo.
These wraps are perfect for lunchboxes served with a salad or as a snack in between meals.
Tuna and ham may seem like an unlikely pairing at first glance, but these two versatile proteins can make for a surprisingly delicious culinary combination. While not a traditional flavor profile, the distinct tastes and textures of tuna and ham complement each other remarkably well.
In this article, we’ll explore how to successfully integrate tuna and ham in a variety of dishes, from simple sandwiches to elevated entrees. We’ll also discuss the potential health benefits of eating tuna and ham, as well as provide tips for buying quality ingredients.
A Classic Taste Profile with Global Influences
Tuna and ham each have rich culinary histories around the world. Tuna is widely eaten across the Mediterranean, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Ham’s popularity extends throughout Europe and North America. Pairing these two powerhouse proteins opens up possibilities for both new and traditional flavor profiles.
For example, Italian cuisine often combines tuna and pork. A classic dish from the Piedmont region tops crostini with chopped tuna, capers, olive oil, and a hint of garlic. Prosciutto ham makes a perfect replacement for plain pork. The salty, savory ham balances the briny tuna beautifully
Tuna and ham also work well in Japanese-inspired rice bowls and sushi rolls. Alternatively use European flavors like whole grain mustard, cornichons and parsley to give a French twist. The options are endless!
Perfect Partners: Why Tuna and Ham Work So Well Together
Several factors make tuna and ham ideal complements for one another:
Contrasting Textures
Tuna has a smooth, tender texture when cooked just right. Ham ranges from silky to pleasantly chewy. Combining them provides a mouthwatering contrast.
Complementary Flavors
Tuna is rich, meaty, and mild. Ham runs the gamut from smoky to sweet. When paired, these flavors meld together into a complex, crave-worthy taste.
Shared Umami
Both tuna and ham are high in savory glutamates that produce the elusive fifth taste dubbed “umami.” When eaten together, they deliver an exponentially more powerful umami impact.
Nutritional Balance
Tuna provides omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, selenium, and high-quality protein. Ham contains more iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Together, they offer a well-rounded nutritional package.
Simple Ways to Put Tuna and Ham on the Menu
If you’re new to the tuna and ham flavor combo, start simple. Here are quick and easy ways to give it a try:
Tuna and Ham Salad Sandwiches
Flake canned or fresh grilled tuna into a bowl. Bring boiled, baked, or deli ham to a boil and then cut it up into small pieces. Add these to the tuna. Add any other ingredients you want, like diced pickles, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, or anything else you want. Serve between slices of crusty bread or on salad greens.
Tuna and Ham Flatbreads
Spread naan, pizza dough, or other flatbread with pesto or herbed soft cheese. Top with alternating slices or chunks of ham and tuna. Add shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, tomato slices, and fresh basil. Bake until the cheese melts.
Tuna and Ham Lettuce Wraps
Sauté diced ham in sesame oil and soy sauce. Add shredded or chunked tuna and cook just until warmed through. Toss in minced ginger, garlic, scallions, and red pepper flakes. Serve the mixture in small lettuce leaves for a tasty handheld bite.
Elevated Entrees: Gourmet Tuna and Ham Recipes
Once you realize how well tuna and ham complement one another, the possibilities are endless. Here are some elegant yet easy recipe ideas:
Tuna-Stuffed Ham Rolls
Butterfly a ham steak to make a large, thin cutlet. Spread tuna salad evenly over the ham. Roll up jelly-roll style and slice into pinwheels. Chill before serving for pretty spiraled slices.
Tuna Pot Pie with Ham and Peas
Make a creamy sauce with milk, butter, flour, and Parmesan. Stir in shredded or chunked ham, fresh or canned tuna, and frozen peas. Pour into a pie shell and top with flaky puff pastry. Bake until golden.
Mediterranean Tuna-Ham Flatbread
Drizzle flatbread with olive oil and garlic. Layer on roasted red peppers, crumbled feta, sliced ham, tuna chunks, and kalamata olives. Finish with fresh dill and flaky sea salt.
Cilantro Lime Tuna and Ham Tacos
Mix shredded tuna with diced ham, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, and minced onion. Serve in warmed corn tortillas garnished with avocado slices, cotija cheese, and salsa verde.
Ginger Soy Glazed Tuna and Ham
Whisk soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced ginger, and garlic into a quick pan glaze. Sear tuna and ham steaks just until caramelized on the outside while still pink inside. Drizzle with the glaze and garnish with scallions.
Buying Quality Tuna and Ham for the Best Flavor
To make the most of the tuna and ham pairing, start with premium ingredients:
Tuna Tips
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Choose sushi-grade tuna for raw applications like sashimi and poke bowls. Opt for chunk light or Albacore for cooking.
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Check that fresh tuna steaks are deep red with a clean sea smell. Pass on faded, brownish packages.
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For canned, pick tuna packed in water or olive oil over vegetable or soybean oil. Light tuna works well but skip chunk white, which tends to be dry.
Ham Buying Basics
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Seek out artisanal deli hams like prosciutto and serrano over plain sliced ham for peak flavor.
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Check the ingredient list. Quality ham contains just pork, water, sea salt, and nitrites/nitrates. Avoid loads of preservatives.
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For versatility, purchase both cooked and dry-cured raw hams like prosciutto. Raw ham works beautifully with tuna in salads or charcuterie boards.
Health Benefits of the Nutrient-Packed Pairing
Beyond being delicious, tuna and ham offer well-rounded nutrition including:
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High-Quality Protein: Vital for building and repairing muscles as well as keeping you feeling full between meals.
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Heart-Healthy Omega-3s: Help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
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Iron and Zinc: Important for immunity, energy levels, and cognitive function.
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B Vitamins: Aid in converting food into cellular energy and building DNA.
Together, tuna and ham make up a complete protein profile with all nine essential amino acids. The combo also provides anti-inflammatory effects to help reduce disease risk when eaten as part of a healthy diet.
Bringing Together Two Dynamic Proteins
Tuna and ham may not seem like an intuitive pair, but they share complementary flavors, textures, and nutrition. Start with simple combinations in sandwiches and flatbreads. Then expand into elegant composed dishes that highlight these two powerhouse ingredients.
With the right prep and quality ingredients, tuna and ham form a dynamic duo that delivers crave-worthy taste along with health benefits. This versatile protein pairing opens up limitless possibilities in the kitchen.
Tasty Tuna Sandwich | Perfect Breakfast Sandwich
FAQ
What is healthy to eat with tuna?
How do you cook tuna and Ham together?
Meanwhile, put the peeled tomato cut into chunks, chopped onion and the olive oil in a saucepan and cook over low heat until the tomato start to break down. Add the tuna and the ham cut into small pieces and season with a little pepper. Stir and cook about 5 minutes. Add the pasta, mix in the tuna and turn off the heat.
Which is better, salmon or tuna?
Wild salmon is healthier, but it is also harder to find and more expensive. But if we compare farmed salmon with wild tuna, tuna wins.
How do you make hummus with canned tuna?
Spread hummus on a tortilla, top with canned tuna, shredded carrots, and spinach, and roll up for a healthy and delicious meal. Instructions: Dice apple and celery and mix with canned tuna. Mix Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice to make a dressing. Toss dressing with tuna mixture and serve on bread or crackers.
How do you cook tuna ham in a crock pot?
Add the tuna and the ham cut into small pieces and season with a little pepper. Stir and cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the pasta, mix in the tuna and turn off the heat. Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF).