Spain By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Spain: Tuna Empanada (Recipe)

Golden baked Spanish tuna empanada with a flaky crust

In this article

Discover Tuna Empanada, a much-loved classic from Spain! These savoury pastry parcels are filled with tender tuna and wrapped in a crisp, golden crust that crackles with every bite. Bursting with sweet peppers, onion and warming spices, they bring a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to any table. Ideal as a snack, party finger food or a relaxed main course, they are the kind of dish that disappears as fast as you can serve it.

About Tuna Empanada

The Tuna Empanada is a classic Spanish dish found across many regions of the country, from bustling coastal towns to inland village kitchens. These savoury pastries are filled with tender tuna and offer a perfect balance of flavour and texture. Equally at home as a snack or as part of a larger meal, the empanada brings real Mediterranean flair to any kitchen. It is a natural choice for sociable evenings, picnics or finger food at parties, where its hearty filling and crisp pastry never fail to please.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

200g tuna (canned, drained)
100g red pepper, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 sheet of ready-made or puff pastry
1 egg (for glazing)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Shopping for the ingredients

If you want to make a proper Tuna Empanada, it is worth sourcing the right ingredients. Visit your local supermarket or market to pick up fresh vegetables and good-quality tuna. Look for tuna that is well preserved, ideally in olive oil, as this gives the best flavour. It is also worth choosing a fresh, fruity olive oil and good spices to deepen the aroma of the filling. Many of these staples are the same ones that turn up in dishes like Paté de Aceitunas.

Preparing the dish

Preparing the Tuna Empanada is simple and straightforward. Begin by washing the vegetables and chopping them into small pieces. In a frying pan with a little olive oil, gently soften the onion and red pepper together until tender. Then stir in the tuna and the spices and let everything simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavours to blend and the filling to come together into a fragrant, well-seasoned mixture.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Prepare the pastry by rolling it out thinly on a floured surface.
Cut the pastry into circles or squares, depending on your preference.
Spoon the tuna filling onto one half of the pastry and fold the other side over.
Press the edges together firmly to seal each empanada.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

The Tuna Empanada is easy to make gluten-free and lactose-free. Swap the traditional pastry for a gluten-free version, which is widely available in supermarkets or can be made at home. With the tuna, simply check that no lactose-containing ingredients have crept into the filling. With these straightforward adjustments, anyone with particular dietary needs can still enjoy these empanadas without missing out.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

To create a vegan version of the Tuna Empanada, you can replace the tuna with a mixture of chickpeas and vegetables. Use spices such as smoked paprika and a squeeze of lemon juice to echo the savoury, sea-fresh flavour of fish. The pastry can still be made entirely without animal products. These variations are not only delicious but also nourishing and satisfying, much like the chickpea-rich Espinacas con Garbanzos.

More tips and tricks

Give your Tuna Empanada a personal touch by experimenting with different additions. Try folding in olives, capers or fresh herbs such as parsley or oregano. For an extra kick of flavour, add a little chilli or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Remember to roll the pastry out thinly so the empanadas turn out properly crisp once baked. Letting the filling cool slightly before assembling also makes the parcels easier to seal.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The Tuna Empanada is wonderfully adaptable and can be changed to suit your own preferences. You might, for example, try different fillings such as chicken or a medley of vegetables. The spices are easy to vary too, opening up new flavour combinations with every batch. Be creative and experiment with regional ingredients to come up with your own individual version of this Spanish favourite.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have a particular ingredient to hand, there are plenty of alternatives for the Tuna Empanada. Instead of tuna you could use other types of fish such as mackerel, or even a plant-based filling. For a gluten-free option, a blend of almond flour and tapioca flour makes a good pastry. Cod-based fillings work beautifully too, as in the well-loved Albóndigas de Bacalao. Substitutions like these let you tailor the dish to whatever you have available.

Drink pairing ideas

The Tuna Empanada pairs perfectly with a range of drinks. A chilled glass of sherry or a crisp rosé makes a refreshing match for the savoury flavours of the pastry. For alcohol-free options, a fruity iced tea or a cooling mint water are ideal companions. Choose the drink that best suits your taste and the occasion, whether it is a relaxed picnic or a lively gathering of friends.

Serving and presentation ideas

The way you present the Tuna Empanada adds a great deal to the overall experience. Serve the empanadas on an attractive plate, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges. You could also offer a simple dipping sauce, such as alioli or a bright salsa, to make the dish even more tempting. A thoughtful presentation whets the appetite and turns a casual snack into something memorable.

A bit of history

The Tuna Empanada has a long history reaching back to the Middle Ages. In many Spanish regions, empanadas are traditionally prepared for festivals and holidays. These savoury pastries first arose out of the need to keep food for longer while making it easy to carry and transport. Today they are a firmly established part of Spanish cuisine and remain hugely popular, enjoyed everywhere from family tables to neighbourhood fiestas.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Tuna Empanada

The Tuna Empanada is a versatile and flavourful dish that brings the tastes of Spain straight into your kitchen. Whether served as a snack or a main course, these savoury pastries are a genuine treat. With so many variations and easy adaptations on offer, the recipe is simple to shape around your own personal taste. Enjoy the cooking and the presentation of this delicious Spanish speciality, and share it with good company.