Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy, Tuna Doria is a delightful fusion dish that brings together Japanese comfort food and Western-style gratin. This oven-baked casserole features layers of fluffy rice, savory tuna sautéed with garlic and onion, and a luxuriously smooth béchamel sauce, all topped with a golden crust of melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The subtle hint of nutmeg in the sauce adds an aromatic depth, while the bake transforms humble pantry staples like canned tuna and rice into a decadent, crowd-pleasing dinner. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish recipe not only satisfies cravings but also delivers on simplicity and flavor. Pair it with a crisp side salad, and don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant finishing touch.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium-sized oven-safe baking dish with a little olive oil.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the drained canned tuna, breaking it up slightly with a spatula. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Set aside.
In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the béchamel sauce for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat.
Spread the cooked rice evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Layer the sautéed tuna mixture on top of the rice.
Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the tuna and rice layers, ensuring everything is well-coated.
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Remove the Tuna Doria from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Serving size | 1192.8 grams (1192.8g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1889 |
Total Fat 97.80g | 125% |
Saturated Fat 52.90g | 265% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.50g | |
Cholesterol 300mg | 100% |
Sodium 4424mg | 192% |
Total Carbohydrate 155.40g | 57% |
Dietary Fiber 4.20g | 15% |
Total Sugars 20.30g | |
Protein 105.80g | 212% |
Vitamin D 278IU | 1388% |
Calcium 1763mg | 136% |
Iron 9mg | 47% |
Potassium 1391mg | 30% |
Source of Calories