Chinese Friday
A flavorful Chinese-inspired casserole featuring shrimp or chicken, crunchy vegetables, and noodles, baked to perfection with cashews for added texture and taste. Ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with Chinese noodles.
- Saute chopped celery, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, pimientos, and water chestnuts; then place on the noodles in the pan.
- Mix mushroom soup with water and cooked shrimp or cubed chicken breasts, then pour the mixture over the vegetables and noodles.
- Add more Chinese noodles on top and sprinkle with chopped cashews.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic and ginger with the vegetables. You can substitute the shrimp with tofu for a vegetarian option or use leftover chicken for a quicker meal. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try adding some chopped water chestnuts or cashews just before serving. To enhance the dish further, serve it with a side of Chinese Fried Rice With Shrimp And Eggs.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served hot and can be garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor. Pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Oriental Seafood Salad for a delightful feast. Consider serving it with extra soy sauce or chili sauce on the side for those who like a little heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Friday contains roughly 232 calories, with 16g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just bake it as directed, allowing for a few extra minutes in the oven if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can make a homemade cream sauce using a roux of butter and flour, then add vegetable broth and cream. Alternatively, a can of cream of chicken soup can also work well in place of mushroom soup.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the shrimp or chicken with tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. Using vegetable broth in place of the mushroom soup will also keep the dish vegetarian-friendly while maintaining 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).