Imagine a dish that transforms humble canned tuna into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with excitement! Susan's Curry Tuna Balls are not just another recipe - they're a quick, easy, and absolutely mouthwatering adventure that brings together the rich, aromatic world of curry with the classic comfort of perfectly fried seafood. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a unique dinner option, or a protein-packed snack, these golden, crispy tuna balls will become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients: 2 cans of drained tuna, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 beaten egg, salt, pepper, and oil for frying.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, curry powder, and the beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to mix again to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball. You should be able to make about 12-16 balls depending on the size.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Ensure there is enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan to allow for even frying.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the tuna balls in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Cook the tuna balls for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently to avoid breaking.
- Once cooked, transfer the tuna balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the curry tuna balls warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy with a dipping sauce or over a bed of rice.
Tips
- Drain the tuna thoroughly to prevent soggy balls - use a fine-mesh strainer or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- For extra crispiness, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) before frying to ensure a crisp exterior and even cooking.
- If you want to make these ahead of time, you can prepare the tuna ball mixture and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying.
- For a healthier alternative, these tuna balls can be baked at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces like yogurt-based raita, sweet chili sauce, or a zesty aioli to complement the curry flavor.
- If you're watching your fat intake, you can use an air fryer set at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes for a crispy finish with less oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg
