Tuna Balls

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with these irresistibly flavorful Tuna Balls! Packed with pantry-friendly ingredients like canned tuna, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, these golden, crispy bites are bursting with savory goodness and seasoned with aromatic garlic, onion powder, and a hint of dried parsley. Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, they’re pan-fried to perfection for a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, savory interior. Serve them warm alongside zesty lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces—think tangy tartar or spicy mayo—for a versatile dish that works as an appetizer, snack, or light main course. Perfect for those seeking a protein-rich, budget-friendly recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cans (5 oz each) canned tuna
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 whole (optional, for serving) lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

Open the canned tuna and drain off any excess liquid. Transfer the tuna to a mixing bowl.

Step 2

Add the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the tuna.

Step 3

Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until a cohesive mixture forms. If the mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil to help bind it.

Step 4

Using clean hands, scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture, forming uniform tuna balls.

Step 5

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tuna balls to the skillet.

Step 6

Cook the tuna balls for about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning them gently with tongs or a spatula, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 7

Remove the tuna balls from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Step 8

Serve the tuna balls warm with lemon wedges on the side, if desired. They pair well with dipping sauces like tartar sauce, spicy mayo, or marinara.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	439.8 grams (439.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1077

Total Fat 56.50g	72%
Saturated Fat 16.60g	83%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g
Cholesterol 284mg	95%
Sodium 3475mg	151%
Total Carbohydrate 98.40g	36%
Dietary Fiber 7.70g	28%
Total Sugars 10.50g
Protein 53.60g	107%

Vitamin D 99IU	496%
Calcium 602mg	46%
Iron 8mg	44%
Potassium 367mg	8%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.5%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 35.3%