Description
These White Tuna Balls are a savory and healthy bite-sized treat, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Made with canned tuna, breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings, they’re easy to prepare and packed with flavor! Serve with a side of dipping sauce or over a bed of greens for a complete dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (5 oz each) white tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the tuna mixture: In a large bowl, combine the drained and flaked tuna, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice (if using). Mix everything together until fully combined. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if it’s too dry, add a bit of water or milk to adjust the consistency.
- Form the tuna balls: With your hands, shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). You should get around 12-15 balls, depending on the size.
- Cook the tuna balls: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the tuna balls in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook the tuna balls for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Once the tuna balls are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, tartar sauce, or a creamy garlic dip.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
- These tuna balls can be baked instead of fried for a healthier option. To bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna ball
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg