Tuna Chow Mein
Tuna Chow Mein is a comforting casserole featuring tender tuna, crunchy vegetables, and savory mushroom soup, layered with crispy chow mein noodles. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that appeal to family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a casserole dish and line the bottom with half of the chow mein noodles.
- Mix the drained tuna, chow mein vegetables, diced onion, diced celery, sliced water chestnuts, mushroom pieces, cream of mushroom soup, and soy sauce.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish over the noodles.
- Top with the remaining half of the chow mein noodles.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh garlic or ginger in your vegetable mix. If you want a bit of heat, add a dash of chili sauce or sriracha. You can substitute the tuna with shredded chicken or cooked shrimp for a different protein option. If chow mein noodles aren’t available, spaghetti or vermicelli can work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tuna Chow Mein hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a bit of crunch. It pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Easy Shrimp Fried Rice for a delightful seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Chow Mein contains roughly 267 calories, with 18g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (134% of the Daily Value) and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2615mg per serving (114% 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 casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use a homemade white sauce as a substitute. Just melt butter, whisk in flour, and gradually add milk while stirring until thickened. You can also use a can of cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, Tuna Chow Mein can be frozen. Cool the dish completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).