Tuna Balls Recipe
Overview:
Ready in just over an hour, these delightful Tuna Balls are a perfect fusion of flavors and textures, marrying the richness of mashed potatoes with the savory goodness of tuna. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a South American-inspired appetizer, these deep-fried delights are bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
- Preparation Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 tuna balls
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 can tuna
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 3 eggs, separated into yolks and whites
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, drained tuna, diced onion, egg yolks, and season generously with salt and pepper. 🥔🐟🧅🥚🧂
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Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer or a whisk until stiff peaks form. This typically takes around 5 minutes and helps add lightness and fluffiness to the tuna balls. 🥚🥚🥚🥚🥚
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Incorporate the Egg Whites:
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the potato and tuna mixture until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the airy texture of the egg whites. ✨
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Chill the Mixture:
- Transfer the mixture to the freezer and allow it to chill for at least 1 hour. This step helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into balls. ❄️
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Shape and Fry:
- Once chilled, remove the mixture from the freezer and using your hands, shape it into ping pong ball-sized balls. 🏓
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or fryer to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place the shaped tuna balls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. 🍳🔥
- Fry the tuna balls in batches for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. 🥢🍽️
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Tuna Balls hot, either as a standalone appetizer or alongside your favorite dipping sauce. These crispy, flavorful bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering! 🎉🍽️
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 51.1
- Fat: 1.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 36.2mg
- Sodium: 152.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.3g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 0.8g
- Protein: 1.9g
Keywords:
Potato, Vegetable, Brazilian, South American, Weeknight, Deep Fried, < 4 Hours, Easy
Recipe Notes:
- For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs such as parsley or cilantro into the mixture.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispy, golden-brown tuna balls.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
