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A plate with a pile of golden brown Tuna Croquettes.

Tuna Croquettes

Tuna croquettes mixed with onions and herbs in a creamy sauce then rolled in panko and deep fried can be made as a main course or scaled down and served as hor d'oeuvres.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 38 minutes
Author: Hezzi-D

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 c. chopped onions
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 3/4 c. flour divided
  • 1 3/4 c. milk
  • 10 oz. tuna in water drained
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 c. panko breadcraumbs

Instructions

  • 1. In a medium saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it is hot add the onion and saute for 3-4 minutes.
  • 2. Stir in the garlic.  Add 1/2 cup of flour and reduce heat to low.  Whisk constantly until the flour is lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes
  • 3. Slowly stir in the milk and cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture is smooth and begins thickening.  This will take 3-4 minutes.
  • 4. Remove from heat and stir in the tuna, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, half the salt, and half the pepper.
  • 5. Pour into a mixing bowl and let cool 10 minutes.  Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
  • 6. Remove the mixture from the refrigerate and roll into 2 inch balls (about 12).   Flatten and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.  Freeze for 30 minutes.
  • 7. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven so that it is at least 1 inch deep.  Heat over medium high heat.
  • 8. Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a shallow bowl.  Place the panko in another bowl and the remaining flour seasoned with remaining salt and pepper in a third bowl.
  • 9. Dredge the frozen croquettes in the flour mixture, dip into the egg, and then roll in the panko. 
  • 10. Place in the hot oil and fry for 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.  Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain.
  • 11. Sprinkle with salt and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Food&Wine April 2021