Go Back
+ servings
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Tuna Boat Surprise Using Canned Tuna

Here is a canned tuna recipe called Tuna Boat Surprise. This pantry recipe is a delicious vintage school lunch favorite that's loved by young and old alike!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Americana
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 478kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

"Boats"

  • 8 slices Sandwich bread White or Whole Wheat
  • Softened butter Enough to butter both sides of each bread slice.

Filling

  • 4 tbsp Butter, unsalted If using salted butter, omit additional salt. Other fat may be substituted, such as coconut oil, ghee, etc.
  • 1 small Yellow onion, diced
  • 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 cups Whole milk Low fat or fat-free milk can be substituted. Other liquids can also be used, including chicken broth or vegetable broth. Additional liquid can be added to thin filling if necessary.
  • 2 cans Tuna I used two 5-ounce cans, but you do not need to be precise. Use whatever size of canned tuna you have on hand. You can also substitute canned salmon or canned chicken. To make this a vegetarian option, omit the canned fish and increase vegetables by an additional 1-2 cups.
  • 2 cups Vegetables I used frozen peas and cooked diced carrots in my recipe video.

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set the lined baking sheet aside
  • Butter both sides of all your bread slices. Form each slice of bread into a "boat" by pinching the sides together and securing them with toothpicks. (See video.)
  • Place "boats" on the lined baking sheet, and bake in your 350°F preheated oven for 10 minutes until toasted and golden brown.
  • Open canned tuna, drain, and rinse well in a strainer. Set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until translucent. Stir frequently. Stir in flour until well blended, and cook for 2 minutes but do not allow the mixture to brown. Add salt and stir well to incorporate. Gradually stir in the milk and bring the mixture up to a boil. Whisk the mixture until bubbling and thickened. Turn heat to low.
  • Add tuna and veggies to the mixture, and stir well until completely coated and warmed through.
  • Place a ladle full of your mixture into a bowl or onto a plate and place two "boats" on top of the mixture. Ladle additional mixture into each boat. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

You can find this recipe and accompanying video at https://marysnest.com/canned-tuna-recipe-tuna-boat-surprise/
Copyright © 2020 Mary's Nest, LLC, All Rights Reserved

Nutrition

Calories: 478kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 1186mg | Potassium: 621mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 5218IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 302mg | Iron: 4mg