Tuna Casserole Chinese
A comforting Chinese-inspired tuna casserole featuring crispy vegetables, savory mushroom soup, soy sauce, and crunchy chow mein noodles. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that combines flavors and textures—ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners craving a nostalgic, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix diced onion, celery, mushroom soup, milk, tuna, soy sauce, and most of the chow mein noodles together in a bowl.
- Save some noodles to put on top, or use 1/3 cup cashews on top if desired.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour until vegetables are crisp.
- Serve hot, garnished with reserved noodles or cashews on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute fresh mushrooms for the canned mushroom soup, adding a bit of sautéed garlic for extra flavor. If you're looking for a crunchier topping, crushed crispy onions can be used instead of chow mein noodles. This dish pairs wonderfully with other Chinese recipes like Crab And Cheese Wontons.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with the reserved chow mein noodles or cashews for added texture. Pair it with a light salad, such as a Chinese Noodle Salad With Shrimp, to balance the richness of the casserole. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a simple stir-fry.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil, warming in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Casserole Chinese contains roughly 964 calories, with 33g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 you'll need to cook it first. Poach or grill the tuna until fully cooked, then flake it into the casserole mixture. This will provide a fresher taste and texture compared to canned tuna.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free chow mein noodles or rice noodles as a substitute. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauce is labeled gluten-free, or use tamari as a gluten-free alternative. This way, you can enjoy the casserole without gluten.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn to enhance flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as some vegetables may require a bit more time to become tender.
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).