Canned Tuna Dan Dan Noodles

Written by
Todd Coleman
Updated 05/19/20
Tuna Dan Dan Noodles

The Spruce / Todd Coleman
  • Total: 12 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 2 mins
  • Serving: 1 serving
  • Yield: 1 serving

This riff on the Chinese-inspired dan dan noodle—typically made with ground beef—substitutes canned tuna for a quick and satisfying meal. Incorporating soy sauce, peanut butter, the spice of chili paste, and pasta, it's a great way to combine ingredients you may already have on hand, but in a new way.

If you can't find chili paste, Sriracha is also a good substitute .

3:14

3 Surprising Ways to Use Canned Tuna

Ingredients

  • For the Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 pound leftover cooked spaghetti (reheated in the microwave with a little water)
  • For the Spicy Tuna:
  • 1 (5-ounce) can oil-packed tuna, not drained
  • 1 tablespoon hot paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chili paste (such as Sambal Oelek)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • Garnish: thinly sliced scallions

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Whisk together, in a large bowl, the peanut butter, water, sesame seeds, soy, sesame oil, and vinegar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  3. Add the re-heated cooked spaghetti and stir to amply coat the noodles. Set aside.

  4. Place tuna in a small bowl, and break into small pieces using a fork. Add the paprika, sambal, oil, soy and sesame oil and stir vigorously to make a chunky sauce. 

  5. To serve, divide the spaghetti into a bowl and spoon over the spicy tuna. Garnish with scallion and sesame seeds.Â