The arepa de atún (tuna arepa) is one of the most popular weekday lunch options in Venezuelan homes. It's fast to prepare, uses pantry staples, and is genuinely satisfying. The tuna salad gets Venezuelan flair from avocado, corn, and a squeeze of lime. In California, this has become a favorite among Venezuelan families and arepa converts looking for a quick, protein-rich lunch.
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⏱ COOK DETAILS
🕐 Prep: 10 min
🍳 Cook: 8 min
🍽 Yield: 4 arepas
🌶 Cuisine: Venezuelan
🔥 Calories: ~310
⭐ COMMUNITY RATING
4.6/5
Based on 52 reviews
📋 Ingredients
- 2 cups Harina PAN
- 2½ cups warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cans (5 oz each) solid white tuna in water, drained
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ¼ cup corn kernels (canned or fresh)
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt, black pepper, hot sauce to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
- Make the arepa dough: Mix Harina PAN, warm water, and salt. Knead until smooth. Shape 4 arepas.
- Cook arepas in preheated arepa maker 8–9 minutes until golden.
- Make the tuna filling: In a bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, red onion, corn, and lime juice. Mix gently.
- Fold in diced avocado last — don't overmix or the avocado will turn mushy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste.
- Open hot arepas and generously fill with the tuna mixture. Serve immediately.
💡 Pro tip: For a Venezuelan touch, add a tablespoon of sofrito (onion, garlic, tomato sautéed in oil) to the tuna filling. It elevates a simple pantry meal to something special.
🍳 Make This Recipe With the Right Tool
Ready to make this recipe? An electric arepa maker is the fastest, most consistent way to cook authentic arepas at home. Millions of Venezuelan and Colombian families in California swear by the Holstein and IMUSA models.
🛒 Shop Holstein Arepa Maker on Amazon
Compare all 2026 models →
🔗 More recipes: Browse all 40+ arepa recipes →