Tuna melt
Tuna melt 🥪 is a easy Asian‑American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Andy Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 44 min
Cost: $10.63 total, $2.66 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breast (Boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size strips)
- 2 each Bell Peppers (Mixed colors, sliced into strips)
- 2 cup Broccoli Florets (Fresh, cut into small florets)
- 1 large Carrot (Peeled and thinly sliced)
- 0.25 cup Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium)
- 3 clove Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (For slurry)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (Neutral oil, such as canola or sunflower)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (Adds nutty flavor, optional)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Trim the chicken breast and slice into bite‑size strips. Slice bell peppers, cut broccoli into florets, peel and slice the carrot, and mince the garlic.
Time: PT15M
Make Sauce Slurry
In a small mixing bowl combine soy sauce, 2 Tbsp water, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth; set aside.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil
Add vegetable oil to the wok and heat over medium‑high heat until it shimmers.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 375°F
Stir‑Fry Chicken
Add the chicken strips to the hot wok. Stir‑fry for about 5 minutes, or until the pieces are 80 % cooked through and no longer pink.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Add minced garlic, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrot. Stir‑fry for another 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp‑tender.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Finish with Sauce
Stir the prepared slurry, pour it over the chicken and vegetables, and toss to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 375°F
Cool and Portion for Freezing
Transfer the stir‑fry to a wide plate and let it cool to room temperature (about 5 minutes). Divide into 4 equal portions, place each in a freezer‑safe zip‑top bag, squeeze out excess air, label with date, and freeze.
Time: PT5M
Clean Up
Wash all used utensils, bowls, and the wok. Dry and store them for next use.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (use tamari), Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey Breast
- Instead of Bell Peppers: Frozen stir‑fry vegetable mix
- Instead of Broccoli Florets: Frozen broccoli
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Wok or Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Freezer‑Safe Zip‑Top Bags
- Small Saucepan (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Stir‑fry chicken until just underdone to avoid overcooking after sauce addition
- Add sauce and allow it to thicken, coating all ingredients
- Cool the dish completely before sealing bags for freezer storage
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end for extra aroma
- Use a high‑smoke‑point oil like grapeseed if you prefer a cleaner flavor
- For extra heat, stir in a pinch of red‑pepper flakes with the garlic
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too watery after reheating
Add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water and heat briefly until thickened
Vegetables are soggy after freezing
Blanch broccoli and carrots briefly (1‑2 minutes) before stir‑frying to preserve texture
Chicken is dry
Do not overcook the chicken in step 4; it should be just underdone before the sauce finishes cooking
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3‑4 days
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; reheat before serving
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool the stir‑fry completely before bagging to prevent condensation
- Label bags with date and reheating instructions
- Portion in single‑serve sizes for quick microwave meals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of stir‑fry dishes in Asian‑American cuisine?
Stir‑frying originated in China as a fast cooking method for busy households, and it was adapted in the United States by Chinese immigrants who combined local ingredients with traditional techniques, creating the popular Asian‑American stir‑fry we know today.
What are traditional regional variations of chicken stir‑fry in Chinese cuisine?
In Cantonese cooking, chicken stir‑fry often features light sauces and crisp vegetables, while Sichuan versions add bold spices like doubanjiang and peppercorns. The recipe here reflects a milder, Western‑friendly style.
How is a freezer‑friendly stir‑fry traditionally served in Asian households?
Many Asian families prepare large batches of stir‑fry to store in the freezer, then reheat quickly in a wok or microwave for a fast, nutritious meal, often served over steamed rice or noodles.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken stir‑fry associated with in Chinese culture?
Stir‑fry dishes are common for everyday family meals and are also served during Lunar New Year celebrations as a symbol of prosperity and abundance because the quick cooking method represents a swift start to the new year.
What other Asian‑American dishes pair well with this freezer‑friendly chicken stir‑fry?
Serve the stir‑fry alongside steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or simple cucumber salad with rice‑vinegar dressing for a balanced meal.
What makes this chicken stir‑fry special compared to other freezer meals?
It uses a quick cornstarch slurry to create a glossy sauce that reheats well, and the vegetables stay crisp because they’re cooked just until tender before freezing.
How has the practice of freezing stir‑fry dishes evolved in modern American kitchens?
With the rise of meal‑prep culture, home cooks now portion stir‑fry into individual freezer bags, label them, and reheat in the microwave, making it a convenient, health‑focused option for busy weekdays.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this freezer‑friendly chicken stir‑fry?
Overcooking the chicken, not cooling the dish before bagging, and using too much sauce that can become watery after freezing are the top errors. Follow the critical steps to ensure texture and flavor remain optimal.
Why does this recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of a pre‑made thickening sauce?
A slurry allows precise control of sauce thickness and prevents the dish from becoming overly salty or heavy, which is important for maintaining quality after freezing and reheating.
Can I make this chicken stir‑fry ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, cool the cooked stir‑fry completely, portion into freezer‑safe bags, label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet or microwave until piping hot.
What does the YouTube channel Andy Cooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Andy Cooks focuses on practical, everyday recipes that are quick to prepare, budget‑friendly, and often include make‑ahead or freezer‑storage tips for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Andy Cooks' approach to Asian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Andy Cooks emphasizes straightforward techniques, minimal equipment, and clear instructions for batch‑cooking and freezing, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate plating or specialty ingredients.
Last updated: August 30, 2026






