Crispy Tuna Croquettes

Tuna seasoned with lemon and fresh herbs is coated with bread crumbs and fried into crispy golden croquettes in this Spanish-inspired recipe.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 11 mins
• Total Time: 41 mins
• Calories: 370 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• vegetable oil for frying
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 dash ground nutmeg
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (5 ounce) can solid white albacore tuna in water (such as Bumble Bee®)
• 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 5 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 pinch Spanish paprika
• 0.25 cup butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup milk
• 0.5 teaspoon lemon zest
• 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Whisk egg yolk, garlic, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a bowl until well-blended. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil and canola oil slowly, whisking constantly, until blended. Drizzle in remaining olive oil and canola oil, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Transfer aioli to the refrigerator.

Step 3

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in flour to make a paste, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk gradually until sauce thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tuna, parsley, chives, dill, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Cook and stir until mixture is the consistency of mashed potatoes, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Spread tuna mixture in a baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and cool in refrigerator, 2 to 3 hours or overnight.

Step 5

Whisk 2 eggs in a small bowl.

Step 6

Pour panko bread crumbs into a shallow dish.

Step 7

Divide chilled tuna mixture into 8 equal portions; shape into cylinders or patties with lightly moistened hands. Dip cylinders into egg wash and roll in bread crumbs to coat. Arrange on a plate and chill until firm, about 1 hour.

Step 8

Fry croquettes in batches until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve alongside aioli.