Delicious Tofu Noodle Tuna Casserole Recipe
Are you tired of the same old tuna noodle casserole? Are you on a budget but still want a delicious, healthy meal? Look no further, my friend! I present to you my tofu noodle tuna casserole recipe.
This recipe is perfect for those who want a light and low-calorie dish that is still full of flavor. The noodles used in this recipe are made with tofu, which makes them chewy and adds an extra dose of protein to your meal.
But don’t let the word “tofu” scare you away if you’re not a fan. The combination of the noodles, albacore tuna, frozen baby peas, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese gives this dish a satisfying texture and taste that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Not only is this casserole budget-friendly, but it’s also easy to make and perfect for reheating as leftovers. So let’s get started on this delicious tofu noodle tuna casserole recipe and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This scrumptious dish is a game-changer for all tuna lovers! Brace yourselves for my take on the classic tuna noodle casserole recipe. However, put the extra calorie-loaded noodles aside and welcome Tofu Noodles to your kitchen. Trust me; this dish will have you going back for seconds or even thirds!
But why should you try this recipe? It’s packed with tons of nutrients but still budget-friendly, making it an easy way to keep yourself healthy without breaking the bank. And let’s not forget about the chewy baked tofu, which substitutes meat protein in this vegan-friendly meal. The contrast between the soft and slightly sweet caramelized pineapple and crispy fried tofu provides you with different textures to munch on in every bite.
For all those out there following a low-calorie diet, this recipe is perfect for you as it has minimal amounts of dry fat and is free from gluten and dairy products. And if that’s not enough to win you over, wait until you see just how easy it is to prepare in minutes! If you’re short on time or energy, simply cook it ahead of your party and don’t worry about reheating because it’s almost as delicious cold!
But don’t just take my word for it. Be sure to try out this unique Tofu Noodle Tuna Casserole today by following our simple steps, and I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Main Ingredients:
- Tofu Noodle: 8 ounces of tofu noodle
- Albacore Tuna: 1 can (5 oz) albacore tuna fish, drained and flaked
- Frozen Baby Peas: 1 cup frozen baby peas
Casserole Base:
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Onion Powder: 1 tsp onion powder
- Black Pepper: ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt: ½ tsp salt
Optional Add-ins:
- Cauliflower florets
- Chickpea noodles
- Fried tofu cubes
- Crispy tofu skin
Notes:
This recipe can be tailored to your taste preferences by switching up the ingredients in the optional add-ins list. Additionally, for a vegan version of this recipe, you can use vegan chicken or marinated tofu instead of albacore tuna. Also, other noodle types such as udon noodles or rice noodles can be used instead of tofu noodles.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get cooking with this palatable Tofu Noodle Tuna Casserole Recipe. Are you ready to create something that is healthy and budget-friendly? Here’s a recipe that has a unique twist of using tofu noodles. You might say, “tofu noodles? What are those?” Don’t worry; it’s just pasta made with tofu rather than wheat. I promise you; this casserole won’t miss the wheat-based pasta at all. So let’s get to it, and here’s how to make the Tofu Noodle Tuna Casserole.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces tuna
- 8 oz Shirataki tofu noodles
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup frozen baby peas
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Step 2: Prepare the Tofu Noodles
Open a package of shirataki tofu noodles, then drain out the liquid completely.
Step 3: Cook the Tofu Noodles
Microwave the tofu noodles in a glass bowl for one minute and drain out any residual moisture.
Step 4: Heat up tuna and vegetables
Heat up tuna and vegetables in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 5: Prepare the Casserole
Pour some marinara sauce on the bottom of an oven-safe dish. Then, mix together the cooked tuna mixture with the cooked tofu noodles. Top the ingredients with cheddar cheese on top of it. Add a layer of marinara onto the top layer along with parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Cover dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for approximately one hour or until bubbly.
Congratulations! You’ve made a grand Tofu Noodle Tuna Casserole!
If you’re short on time, you can prep this recipe ahead of time by storing each portion in separate containers before assembling your casserole later. This recipe is also ideal for freezing, so take advantage of making multiple batches when you have downtime or before hosting your next dinner party!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to mix things up with this recipe? Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations:
– Cheese: While cheddar and parmesan cheese add a delicious, savory flavor to this dish, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. Mozzarella, feta, or Swiss could make for tasty additions.
– Tuna: If you’re not a fan of tuna, or you want to try something different, consider swapping it out for canned salmon or chicken. You could also try using fried tofu, crispy cauliflower or chickpea noodles as vegetarian options.
– Noodles: The recipe calls for tofu noodles, but you can easily substitute other types of noodles instead. Udon noodles, rice noodles and shirataki noodles (low-carb) would make great substitutes.
– Veggies: Frozen baby peas add a touch of sweetness and color to the casserole, but feel free to mix things up with other vegetables. Chopped carrots or broccoli florets would bring in their own unique flavors and textures.
– Baked Tofu : For that added crunch in your dish , try using baked tofu instead of soft canned tuna fish.
– Stir Fry : Love stir fry? You can turn this recipe into a stir fry by removing the chicken broth or milk and instead stir frying vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms and snap peas together with fried tofu cubes.
– Pineapple-marinated tofu: Take advantage of the pineapple marinade as substitute for the canned tuna fish . Whisk together pineapple juice from the can of pineapple chunks in juice with some soy sauce , lemon juice , rice vinegar , cornstarch and garlic powder . Marinate your chunky strips of tofu in this mixture for at least 30 minutes before tossing them into your prepared casserole dish.
With these substitutions and variations, you’re sure to find a new twist on this classic noodle casserole recipe that is perfect for your taste buds or diet preferences.
Serving and Pairing
This tofu noodle tuna casserole recipe makes for a hearty and filling meal by itself, but you can always serve it alongside some complementary sides.
A simple mixed salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would be a great accompaniment to this dish. You could also opt for some roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, to add more color and texture to your plate.
If you want something more substantial or need to feed a larger group of people, you can also serve this casserole with rice or quinoa pilaf on the side. The nutty flavor of these grains pairs well with the savory flavors of the tuna and cheese in the casserole.
For a fun spin on traditional serving options, try serving your tofu noodle casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This will make for an eye-catching presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
As for beverages, a crisp white wine or light beer would pair nicely with this dish. If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, try a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.
Overall, this dish is versatile enough to pair with many different sides and drinks depending on your mood and occasion. Get creative and experiment with your own pairings to enhance your dining experience!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead meals, the tofu Noodle Tuna Casserole Recipe is your best bet. This casserole can be prepared up to three days before you intend to serve it. Once done, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container and placing it in the refrigerator.
When it’s time to reheat the tofu Noodle Tuna Casserole, preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) and transfer the casserole into a baking dish if necessary. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or milk to moisten it up. Cover it with foil and bake for around 30 minutes or so, or until its heated through.
It’s essential to store any leftover portions of the tofu Noodle Tuna Casserole properly. To do this, transfer them into an airtight container and place them in the fridge for up to four days. Remember that reheated casseroles tend to lose their chewiness, so consider adding some fresh ingredients like a salad or roasted vegetables while serving.
If you need to reheat single portions of the crunchy tofu Noodles separately rather than reheating the entire dish at once use the microwave option instead. Cover them with paper towels or a microwavable lid before heating them up for around two minutes.
The tofu Noodle Tuna Casserole Recipe is an incredibly versatile dish that allows for many variations and substitutions according to your preferences—for example adding some fried tofu, crispy cauliflower or chickpea noodles instead of albacore tuna fish can turn this into vegan delight while using shirataki noodles will cater for low-carb keto followers.
In conclusion, this dish is perfect if you’re looking for something that serves as both a midweek dinner and a party meal. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in your fridge so you can devote more time thrilling your guests with other party prep tasks without worrying about serving them hot, healthy low-calorie casseroles!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your tofu noodle tuna casserole turns out perfect every time, here are some tips to follow.
Firstly, when boiling the noodles, make sure not to overcook them. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy and destroy the dish. Cook them for a few minutes less than what’s mentioned on the packet so they have a little bite left.
Secondly, avoid adding too much salt as canned tuna already contains a high amount of sodium. Instead, swap salt with other seasonings like onion powder and black pepper to add flavor to your casserole.
Next, if you want your casserole to be even more nutritious, try adding some vegetables like frozen baby peas or cauliflower. Not only do they provide vital vitamins and minerals, but they also add texture and flavor.
Fourthly, try marinating your tofu with curry seasoning or soy sauce before baking it in the oven as this will help infuse better flavors in it which complement the overall taste of the casserole.
For a tastier topping to your casserole, mix grated cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese together instead of using just one type of cheese. The two combined will offer a stronger flavor profile and make for an even more mouthwatering dish.
Lastly, if you’re short on time or don’t want to use tofu noodles or shirataki noodles, you could easily substitute with udon noodles or rice noodles without compromising on taste. And if you’re vegan, try substituting canned tuna fish with vegan chicken or marinated tofu instead.
Follow these tips for perfect results every time and enjoy your delicious tofu noodle tuna casserole without any worries.
FAQ
Before we wrap up this recipe article, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions to clear any doubts and make sure you have all the information you need in order to prepare this delicious Tofu Noodle Tuna Casserole Recipe.
What’s the ingredients for tuna noodle casserole?
For a lip-smacking tuna noodle casserole that will leave your guests wanting more, gather two 12-ounce cans of tuna, 6 ounces of egg noodles, 2 cans of soup, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of pimiento, 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs, and 1 tablespoon of butter. After mixing everything together, bake it in a 2-quart casserole dish for 30 minutes or until heated through. Then, give the dish an extra 5 minutes under the heat to get the bread crumb topping nice and crispy.
Why is my tuna noodle casserole dry?
When it comes to making a delicious tuna casserole, it is important to avoid a common mistake — dryness. This often happens when there isn’t enough liquid in the casserole, which the noodles absorb quickly, leaving the dish unpleasantly dry. Another reason for dryness might be the size of the baking dish used. If the dish is too large for the casserole, the moisture will evaporate, leaving the dish dull and unappetizing. Finally, failing to cover the dish with foil during the initial 35-45 minutes of baking can also lead to a dry casserole.
How many days can you keep tuna noodle casserole?
It’s crucial to keep in mind that even with optimal storage conditions, a tuna casserole has an expiration date. After cooking, it’s recommended by Project Meal Plan to keep the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within four days. This ensures that the tuna casserole remains fresh and safe to eat.
What is the origin of tuna noodle casserole?
The origin of Tuna Casserole can be traced back to the 1940s when it was first introduced by the Campbell’s Soup Company. However, the concept of using flaked fish mixed with a white sauce and topped with breadcrumbs or cheese can be traced back to the late 1800s with a dish known as cod a la bechamel.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this tofu noodle tuna casserole recipe is a must-try for all the home chefs out there. It’s a tasty and healthy low-calorie meal that can be made on a budget – perfect for hosting those dinner parties. With an extensive list of vegan, gluten-free, and low FODMAP variations, this recipe can be altered to fit anyone’s dietary needs.
The delicious combination of chewy baked tofu, creamy cheddar cheese, frozen baby peas, and albacore tuna makes for a perfect casserole dish. The optional caramelized pineapple marinade adds an extra touch of sweet and sour that gives it depth of flavor.
So whether you’re looking for a new dish to impress your guests, or just trying something new in the kitchen, this tofu noodle tuna casserole will not disappoint. It’s easy to make and can be modified to your preferences – from stir-fry dishes to noodle bowls, this recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed by all.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to the kitchen and give this recipe a try! Your taste buds will thank you for it.
“tofu Noodle” Tuna Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) package tofu shirataki noodles, Fettuccine shape
- 1/2 cup 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup
- 3 ounces albacore tuna, drained and crumbled
- 2/3 cup frozen baby peas or 2/3 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Optional toppings
- breadcrumbs (optional) or parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Drain tofu noodles. Using a scissors, cut them into 1-2" pieces. Parboil for 2-3 minutes to remove the "Shirataki" aroma from the noodles.
- Preheat oven to 375°F Spray a small casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Mix the noodles, soup, tuna, peas, and seasonings together in the dish. Add breadcrumbs to top if using, and sprinkle with a bit more black pepper.
- Bake, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, until casserole is hot and bubbly.
- If you are adding cheese to the top, sprinkle it on about 20 minutes into baking.
Your Own Notes
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!