Dive into the delightful world of Mexican cuisine with our irresistible Croquetas de Atún, or Tuna Patties! These golden-brown morsels are not only quick to make, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish, but they also pack a punch of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, these croquetas are a fantastic way to elevate canned tuna into a gourmet treat. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of drained tuna, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, 1 egg, salt, pepper, and oil for frying.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, finely chopped onion, and chopped cilantro. Use a fork to break up the tuna into smaller pieces and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the egg to the tuna mixture. This will help bind the ingredients together. Mix well until the egg is fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the breadcrumbs to the mixture, stirring until the mixture holds together well. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs until it reaches a consistency that can be shaped into patties.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form small patties, about the size of your palm. You should be able to make around 8 patties with the mixture.
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan to ensure the patties fry evenly.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of the mixture into the oil; it should sizzle), carefully place the patties in the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
- Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip them over.
- Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the croquetas de atún warm, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. They pair well with a side of salsa or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Use Quality Tuna: For the best flavor, choose a high-quality canned tuna packed in olive oil or water. Draining it well is crucial to achieving the right texture.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to get creative! Add ingredients like diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swap out cilantro for parsley if you prefer a milder herb.
- Test the Mixture: Before frying all your patties, fry a small test patty first. This will help you adjust the seasoning and ensure the texture is just right.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too cool, and the patties will absorb excess oil.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Enhance your croquetas with delicious dipping sauces like avocado crema, spicy salsa, or a tangy yogurt dip for added flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just shape and fry when you’re ready to serve!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
