Easy Ways to Make Canned Meat, Fish, and Beans Taste Amazing

Canned food is often overlooked, but with many of us relying on it for long-lasting meals, it’s time to elevate these pantry essentials. Learn how to turn basic canned goods into fulfilling, flavorful dishes you’ll crave.

Canned Proteins

Canned meats are packed with protein and can be eaten straight from the can in a pinch. However, with a little time and a few extra ingredients, you can easily transform them into delicious meals. While some, like canned chicken, take on the flavor of any recipe you add them to, others, such as Spam, bring their own bold flavor to the table.

Thoroughly drain. To eliminate the 'canned' taste in more subtle canned meats like chicken, make sure to drain off as much liquid as possible before adding the meat to a recipe that’s bursting with flavor. For a tasty idea, try Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup made with canned chicken.

Browning works wonders. For stronger-tasting canned meats like Spam, the best way to enhance their flavor is to brown them in a pan or oven. This caramelizes the meat, bringing out its unique taste and making it even more savory.

Get creative. After browning a canned meat like Spam, take it a step further by combining it with vegetables, rice, or other ingredients to create a complete meal. Check out this simple Spam Fried Rice recipe for a satisfying dish.

Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is a go-to pantry favorite for making everything from tuna salad to tuna casseroles, and it’s also a heart-healthy protein source you can rely on.

Understand your tuna options. Canned tuna comes in various forms: packed in water, oil, or its own fat — with or without added salt. The choice depends on your taste preferences. Tuna in its own fat has the strongest fish flavor, while tuna packed in water offers a milder, less fishy taste.

Think beyond the usual salad and casseroles. Elevate canned tuna by mixing it with eggs, breadcrumbs, onions, mustard, garlic powder, and Sriracha to create Spicy Tuna Fish Cakes, or pair it with hard-boiled eggs, canned beans, and steamed green beans for a Nicoise-Style Tuna Salad with White Beans and Olives.

Canned Beans

Canned beans are rich in protein and fiber, and come in many varieties that can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes.

Stick to simple beans. Opt for canned beans with minimal added seasonings for more versatility in your cooking. While they have their own flavor, canned beans easily absorb the taste of whatever recipe you choose to use them in.

Don't discard the liquid. When using canned chickpeas, keep the liquid known as aquafaba. You can use it to make hummus, whip it into vegan meringues, or even replace eggs in recipes. The liquid from other beans can be added to soups and stews to enhance flavor and provide extra richness.

Make your meals go further. Add canned beans to nearly any savory dish to stretch it and increase the servings. For instance, this recipe for Quick Black Bean Chilaquiles offers a hearty and satisfying meal at any time of day.