Tuna mayo instantly taste better if you add 65p chef's ingredient to mix
Tuna mayo is a classic dish that can be made in a number of ways but there's one simple ingredient that you should consider adding for an extra boost in flavour - and top chefs agree
The humble tuna mayo is a British favourite, hailed for its simplicity and delicious mix of flavours and textures that suit any occasion, from laid-back picnics to swanky dinner parties. The pantry staple canned tuna offers an affordable and convenient protein fix.
Mayo brings a luscious creaminess to the table, countering the potential dryness of the canned fish. This versatile combo can be slathered on sandwiches, tossed into salads, stirred through pasta dishes, or dolloped atop various meals for an extra kick.
While the basic tuna salad is a cinch to whip up, food enthusiasts are always seeking ways to jazz it up. Candace Nagy, writing for the Eating Well website, divulges top tips from culinary experts for crafting the "best" tuna salad – and they're all singing from the same hymn sheet.
Candace's culinary sleuthing reveals that the key to a moreish tuna mayo lies in your choice of canned fish. "Choose tuna packed in olive oil," she advises readers, echoing the advice of kitchen pros, the Express reported.
Top chefs argue that olive oil not only boosts the overall flavour but also imparts a distinctive taste that water-packed tuna can't match. Chef Michael Proietti, a Food Network finalist, confided to Candace that while water-packed tuna often has a bolder fishy taste, olive oil can soften this intensity.
Another culinary expert, Carla Contreras, also highlighted the superiority of olive oil, as it makes the fish juicier and more tender, providing a great base for her preferred tuna salad additions. However, Candace noted that not all canned fish, whether packed in water or oil, are created equal.
She explained: "Depending on your preference of texture and taste, there are several types that work well for tuna salad, including albacore, which has a firmer, flakier texture; chunk light that will result in a softer, "wetter" tuna salad; and yellowfin tuna for its meaty and velvety texture. Just be sure to look for labels that ensure premium-quality ingredients and ethical practices."
Preparing tuna mayo doesn't require advanced culinary skills. If you're new to making it and unsure where to begin, the NHS has provided a healthy, straightforward recipe for a tuna mayo and sweetcorn sandwich.
Ingredients:
Half a 160g can of tuna in spring water, drained.
One level tablespoon reduced-calorie mayonnaise.
One heaped tablespoon sweetcorn (tinned, or cooked from frozen).
A large pinch of black pepper.
Two thick slices of half-and-half bread.
Mix the tuna with the mayonnaise, sweetcorn, and pepper.
Mix the filling the night before and store it in the fridge to save time in the morning.
Sandwich the mixture between the slices of bread.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners can 'kill ivy for good' with natural solution using just three items
Gardeners are often left frustrated by the rapid growth of English ivy, but there is a simple and all-natural way to get rid of it using just three household items Home gardeners across the UK are all too familiar with the resilience of English ivy, even if they haven't intentionally planted it. This evergreen climber is common throughout the country, notorious for its ability to latch onto walls, fences, and trees, forming dense coverings of leaves. While it does provide some ecological advantages, such as offering shelter for birds and facilitating pollination, its propensity to overwhelm other plants, damage older walls, and block sunlight can be a nuisance for gardening enthusiasts. When dealing with rapid-growing weeds like ivy, one might assume that strong chemicals are the solution. However, specialists at Drip Works propose a homemade remedy using three common kitchen items to permanently eliminate "serious and invasive" ivy. The approach to managing unwanted ivy varies depending on its location within the garden. For ivy-covered walls, Drip Works experts suggest a vinegar-based spray, as reported by the Express. "If you want an ivy-free garden wall, this is an effective and natural way to achieve it," the experts at Drip Works recommend. They advocate for a mixture consisting of apple cider vinegar, salt, and washing-up liquid, which they claim has been "proven to be the best solution to kill ivy", reports Nottinghamshire Live. Preparing this ivy-killing spray is a breeze; simply mix three easy-to-find ingredients in a spray bottle. Blend one gallon of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and about two tablespoons (or one ounce) of washing-up liquid. You can use either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to tackle ivy, with apple cider vinegar possibly packing a bigger punch for some due to its extra compounds beyond acetic acid. The effectiveness of either vinegar in killing ivy depends on the acetic acid concentration, which varies between different types of vinegar. If you don't have any apple cider vinegar at home, you can easily pick up a bottle from your local supermarket. Sainsbury's sells 500 ml of Apple Cider Vinegar for just £2.10. Before applying the mixture, make sure to secure the lid and give it a good shake. It's also crucial to wear gardening gloves, long sleeves, and boots to protect yourself during the process. How to kill ivy plants Irrigation experts recommend letting the vinegar solution coat the ivy plants for at least five days before evaluating its impact. This liquid mixture acts as a natural herbicide, dehydrating ivy leaves and helping break down their protective waxy layer. The team from Drip Works advised: "After five to six days, use garden shears and a pruning saw to remove dead ivy that is clinging firmly to the building." If any leaves resist the herbicide, you may need to repeat the process until the English ivy is completely eliminated. After the leaves have died off, it's vital to physically remove the roots, as ivy is tenacious and will regrow from even a tiny root fragment. Although ivy can offer nesting spaces for wildlife within its thick growth, unchecked spread can threaten trees by adding weight and competing for light and moisture.
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Alan Titchmarsh issues warning over brutal pest that can 'wipe out crops'
Alan Titchmarsh has raised the alarm over the return of a brutal pest, which is said to pose a serious risk to the food industry, after a sighting in Kent in 2023 Gardening pro and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh has warned fellow green-fingered enthusiasts to be on the lookout for one nasty pest. He has warned that this destructive menace, namely the Colorado beetle, can completely 'wipe out crops', with people already wary of other creatures such as slugs, mealybugs, ants and aphids, known for destroying plants. At the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show, Alan warned that the tiny black and yellow-striped pest is one of the biggest threats to the UK's food security, as reported by the Daily Mail. And it could pose a risk to the British potato industry. Colorado beetles were eradicated from British soil 50 years ago following a vigilant campaign in the 1970s. However, larvae from the insects were discovered in a potato field in Kent in 2023, marking the first known return of the species. While quick action by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) and DEFRA meant the situation was kept under control, Titchmarsh still urges the public to be vigilant. He said: 'It devastates potato crops and we need all the crops we can get in this country. It's so savage it'll wipe crops out. It's like locusts – it's that fast.' He added that the most effective way to avoid a disaster is to 'stamp it out before it becomes reality'. However, he later reflected on how the outbreak of the 1970s brought the gardening community together. Colorado beetles are typically between 6mm to 11 mm in size and have distinctive yellow and black stripes on their shells. Meanwhile, their larvae are typically 15 mm long and a reddish colour. In the wild, they can weaken crops, like potatoes and aubergines, and reduce their yield. They are also known to strip the foliage from tomatoes and peppers. The beetle has been known to be imported into the UK on different food items. These include leafy vegetables, salad leaves, fresh herbs, grain and frozen vegetables. Therefore, experts are urging people to check these items. Equally, they also need to keep an eye on any vegetables picked from their gardens and allotments before consuming them. Professor Nicola Spence, the Environment Department's chief plant health officer, said that the Colorado beetle 'poses a significant threat to plants and the wider potato industry'. She also added that the public have an important role to play in helping to protect UK biosecurity. The public have been urged to report suspected sightings to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). They should also include a photo and location details.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Chef explains how to cook 'perfect' poached egg in microwave in 90 seconds
A professional chef has shared his simple recipe for cooking a 'perfect' poached egg in the microwave in just 90 seconds - without the need for a pan or vinegar Poached eggs, praised as a breakfast favourite, often intimidate home cooks due to the risk of them falling apart or turning rubbery when not made correctly. The common tip of adding vinegar to water for poaching eggs might protect their shape, yet can infuse an unwanted acidic taste that many disdain. But a professional chef has let slip the secret to crafting a flawless, "perfect" poached egg using only a microwave. Mike, a connoisseur of ramen and brains behind Mike's Mighty Good range, advocates microwaving poached eggs over traditional methods which can cause the whites to spread too thin, especially when cooked in the same pot as noodles or doused with vinegar. His advice is straightforward: "You can poach [an] egg with nothing more than a mug, a microwave, and a few ounces of water....a microwaved poached egg is one of the simplest foods you'll ever make." Talking through the steps for making the dream poached egg in a microwave, Mike expressed: "Also, make sure the mug is nice and dense. A lightweight mug can get almost as hot as the water inside it." To reduce cooking time, start with warming the water in your chosen mug, but keep some room on top, considering the egg's volume. Although vinegar is optional, he stresses it's truly redundant for this technique, reports the Express. Mike explained: "A lot of poached egg recipes call for a splash of vinegar to help the egg white maintain its shape. In the small confines of a mug, vinegar won't make a noticeable difference, so it's not worth the effort." He also recommends cracking one egg into the mug and cooking them individually to prevent uneven results which could leave you with one overdone and one undercooked. Before microwaving, Mike advises gently piercing the yolk with a fork: "This will allow the yolk to release pressure slowly, not catastrophically. Just in case, it's still wise to put a small saucer or even some cling film over the top of your mug." Adding a protective measure he notes, "On the off chance that your yolk does explode, this will keep the mess inside the mug." The cooking time is roughly 90 seconds, but adjustments may be necessary based on the power of your microwave. Mike emphasised consistency: "Once you've found the perfect cooking time, remember to keep the variables the same. "Use the same amount of water every time, and even the same mug if it's practical. That way you'll get a consistent egg every time." Finally, he suggests leaving the freshly cooked egg in hot water for an additional minute for firmer whites and a creamier yolk. However, if you're a fan of a more liquid yolk, this step isn't necessary. Next, place your egg on a paper towel or give it a gentle dab to dry off any excess water. Your perfectly poached egg is now ready to be enjoyed with a slice of buttered toast.
