Croquetas de Atún (Tuna and Potato Croquettes)
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these croquetas de atún (Tuna and Potato Croquettes) are made with seasoned mashed potatoes and tuna, then fried until golden brown. A simple and delicious appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 12 croquettes
Calories: 243kcal
Equipment
- 1 Shallow bowls (for breading)
Ingredients
- ¾ pound red potatoes (340 g), peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt (6 g), divided
- 5 ounces tuna, drained (about 2 small pouches or 1 can)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1.5 g)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (1.5 g)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (0.5 g)
- 2 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped (12 g)
- 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (about 140 g), divided
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 1 cup oil for frying (240 ml)
Instructions
- Place the potatoes in a medium pot and cover with water. Add ½ teaspoon of the salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until fork-tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the tuna, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, green onion, 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, and 1 egg. Mix until fully combined.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape into small oval or cylindrical croquettes. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Beat the remaining egg in a shallow bowl. Place the remaining breadcrumbs in a separate dish. Dip each croquette into the egg, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
- Place the breaded croquettes on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes, or until firm.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the croquettes in batches, without overcrowding, until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with your creamy cilantro dipping sauce for the best flavor pairing.
- If using canned tuna, make sure it is well drained before mixing.
- You can substitute red potatoes with russet potatoes for a smoother texture.
- For extra flavor, you can add finely diced ají gustoso or bell pepper to the mixture.
- If the mixture feels too soft, add a little more breadcrumbs, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds its shape.
- To add a cheesy center, stuff each croquette with a small piece of mozzarella or another melty cheese before shaping. This is optional but adds a delicious, gooey filling.
- Make sure the oil is not too hot, or the croquettes will brown too quickly without heating through.
Nutrition
Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg