Bean Sprout Tuna Chow Mein
A savory stir-fry featuring tender tuna, crisp bean sprouts, and crunchy vegetables, flavored with soy and bouillon for a quick, satisfying Asian-inspired meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the chicken bouillon cube in water.
- Add soy sauce to the bouillon mixture.
- Stir in cornstarch until well combined.
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat.
- When hot, toss in the celery and sliced onions.
- Stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add bamboo shoots, sliced mushrooms, and bean sprouts to the wok.
- Stir the bouillon mixture and add it to the vegetables.
- Add the drained tuna, stir well, and cook until hot and the sauce is clear.
- Serve over hot rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the tuna with cooked chicken or tofu. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can enhance the dish's texture and flavor. Remember to keep the heat high while stir-frying to achieve that perfect crispness, similar to Chicken Chinese dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chow mein over steamed rice for a complete meal. It pairs well with a side of crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also drizzle some sesame oil on top before serving for added flavor. This dish is a great addition to any Asian-inspired spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for best results, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, but make sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean Sprout Tuna Chow Mein contains roughly 425 calories, with 8g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 904mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the stir-fry. Canned tuna is convenient as it’s already cooked, but fresh gives a different texture and flavor that can be very enjoyable.
What can I substitute for bean sprouts?
If you can't find bean sprouts, you can use shredded cabbage or snap peas for a similar crunch. Both will add a fresh element to the dish while being an excellent substitute.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the tuna with chickpeas or a plant-based protein like tempeh. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon will make this dish entirely vegetarian while still delivering great flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).