Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Tuna Croquettes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 160 reviews

These Tuna Croquettes are crispy, golden-fried bites filled with a creamy tuna and herb mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, they combine a rich béchamel-style base with fresh lemon, parsley, and a hint of cayenne, then are coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Croquette Base

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup whole milk (warm)
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced shallot
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 (5–6 oz) cans tuna in water or oil, very well drained
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
  • A pinch of cayenne

Coating

  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 to 1½ cups fine dry breadcrumbs or panko
  • Neutral oil (canola or peanut), for deep frying

Instructions

  1. Make Roux Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2–3 minutes until it smells lightly nutty but remains pale.
  2. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in warm milk. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens into a dense paste that pulls away from the sides, resembling thick choux dough.
  3. Remove from Heat: Take the roux base off the heat to prepare for flavoring.
  4. Season the Base: Stir in minced shallot, grated garlic, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Taste and adjust seasoning; the base should slightly over-seasoned at this stage.
  5. Combine Tuna and Flavorings: Flake the tuna finely with a fork and fold into the hot base along with Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly and gently.
  6. Chill the Mixture: Spread the mixture in a shallow dish and cover with parchment or cling wrap directly on the surface to avoid drying. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm.
  7. Portion the Croquettes: Using a scoop (an ice cream scoop works well), divide the mixture into 10–12 uniform portions.
  8. Shape Croquettes: With lightly floured hands, shape each portion into small cylinders, the classic croquette shape. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
  9. Prepare Coating Bowls: Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with fine breadcrumbs or panko.
  10. Coat Each Croquette: Dredge each croquette first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
  11. Chill Again: Refrigerate the coated croquettes for 20–30 minutes to help the coating adhere properly.
  12. Heat Oil: Heat neutral oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
  13. Fry Croquettes: Fry croquettes in batches without overcrowding for 3–4 minutes until they are deeply golden brown and crisp.
  14. Drain Croquettes: Remove croquettes and drain on a wire rack to keep the crust crisp instead of paper towels.
  15. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm. Optionally, leave a comment or star rating after trying the recipe.

Notes

  • Ensure the tuna mixture is very well drained to avoid excess moisture in the croquettes, which can prevent proper crisping.
  • Chilling the mixture before shaping and again after coating helps the croquettes hold their shape and ensures a crisp coating.
  • Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut oil, for deep frying.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying; this keeps the oil temperature steady and results in evenly cooked croquettes.
  • Draining on a wire rack rather than paper towels helps maintain the crispiness of the crust.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/tuna-croquettes-recipe/