Oriental Tuna Casserole
A flavorful Asian-inspired tuna casserole featuring tender pea pods, water chestnuts, and savory dough squares, perfect for a comforting and unique family dinner.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. pkg. frozen Chinese pea pods ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 6 1/2 oz. can tuna, drained
- 1/2 c. sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diagonally sliced celery ⓘ
- 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. Bisquick baking mix ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. margarine, melted ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sesame seed ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Rinse pea pods under running cold water to separate and drain.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, mix pea pods, cream of mushroom soup, milk, drained tuna, sliced green onions, sliced celery, and drained water chestnuts.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and keep warm.
- In a separate bowl, mix Bisquick baking mix, water, and soy sauce until soft dough forms; beat vigorously 20 strokes.
- Gently shape the dough into balls on a well-floured cloth-covered board.
- Knead the dough 5 times.
- Roll the dough into 5-inch squares and cut into 1-inch squares.
- Pour the hot tuna mixture into an ungreased 1½-quart round casserole dish.
- Top with the dough squares and spread with melted margarine.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
- Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of fish sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder to the tuna mixture. If you're short on time, you can use fresh snow peas instead of frozen Chinese pea pods. You could also substitute the tuna with canned salmon or chicken for a different protein option. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free baking mix.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed rice for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or a light vegetable stir-fry for added crunch. For a more Asian-inspired theme, complement it with mandu (Korean dumplings) to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, but the texture of the dough may be softer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Tuna Casserole contains roughly 535 calories, with 20g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1581mg per serving (69% 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 vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh Chinese pea pods and any other vegetables you prefer. Just make sure to blanch them briefly before adding to the casserole to ensure they cook properly during baking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick to your casserole, consider mixing in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of sriracha sauce to the tuna mixture. You could also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tuna mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the casserole with the dough squares on the day you plan to bake it for the best texture.
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).