The convenience of a shelf-stable pouch of protein cannot be undervalued. They make easy-to-transport work and school lunches, are fast sources of protein for after-school snacks, and are great for a quick fix when you need something for dinner. Which pouch rules them all? According to the 2023 Allrecipes Community Choice Awards, readers named StarKist pouches — which come in more than 30 varieties, including many flavors of tuna, plus salmon and chicken — their top choice for pouch or canned meat. But these power pouches go beyond the basic grab-and-go. Here are 5 easy, tasty ways to use protein pouches like StarKist in meals all week long.
Rice and Grain Bowls
Rice and grain bowls are hugely popular for a reason. A healthy mix of whole grains, vegetables, and proteins, they are easily adaptable. You can incorporate almost anything into one of these bowls, and even better, they are a terrific way to use up leftovers. Grab a StarKist pouch in a fun flavor and let that guide your bowl. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
- Pair Tuna Creations BOLD Red Curry with Coconut with jasmine rice, snow peas, and scallions.
- Add Salmon Creations Lemon Dill to your bowl and layer in wheat berries, white beans, and grape tomatoes.
Pasta
Simple pastas are one of the easiest meals to put together. And hot noodles combined with a pouch, plus maybe some bonus veggies if you have some lying around, makes dinner as easy as packaged ramen. Even better, you can make the pasta ahead and just toss with a pouch for a chilled pasta salad. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
- Try Chicken Creations Zesty Lemon Pepper with rotini, peas, and a shower of Parmesan cheese.
- Pair Tuna Creations Ginger Sesame with rice noodles, spinach, and chopped peanuts.
Pita Pockets
With these pouches, you are mere garnishes away from really satisfying pocket sandwiches. Just grab your favorite pita, cut in half, fill each half with half a pouch, and top with veggies, crumbled or grated cheese, chopped herbs, salsa, or any other topper. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
- Add Tuna Creations Deli Style Tuna Salad to your pita pocket along with lettuce, dill pickle, and shredded cheddar.
- Add Salmon Creations Mango Chipotle to your pita pocket along with shredded cabbage, chopped tomato, and cotija cheese.
Salads
Often the difference between a basic boring salad and a great one is a creative protein topper. After all, any bed of lettuce and vegetables can become something extra special if you give it some love. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
- Try E.V.O.O. Wild Yellowfin Tuna with Tomato Basil on a bed of romaine lettuce with little boiled potatoes and steamed green beans for a fast Niçoise-style salad.
- Toss a bag of broccoli slaw mix with a pouch of Chicken Creations Teriyaki, a drained can of mandarin orange slices, and some toasted slivered almonds or fried chow mein noodles.
Snacks
Pairing these pouches with a crunchy carb makes for a super satisfying snack. Sure, toasted bread is a great option for an open-faced snacktuation, but we love using these pouches with things like Wasa crispbreads, rice cakes, and crackers. Trying to watch your carbs? Use endive spears or celery ribs as edible spoons, or pile your favorite pouch protein on slices of cucumber, daikon radish, or jicama. Some of the flavors even work well with slices of apple or pear.
