Baked Tuna (Or Salmon) Croquettes
Baked tuna croquettes are crispy, flavorful bites with a savory blend of tuna, bread crumbs, and lemon, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a cookie sheet.
- Drain liquid from tuna into a medium bowl.
- Add bread crumbs and wheat germ; blend well.
- Stir in Miracle Whip, canned milk, minced onion, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and tuna; mix thoroughly.
- Sprinkle wheat germ onto waxed paper.
- Shape the tuna mixture into 8 croquettes.
- Roll each croquette in wheat germ.
- Place croquettes on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 375°F.
- Serve with tartar sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead of Miracle Whip. You can also substitute canned salmon for the tuna for a different flavor profile. Ensure that your mixture is moist enough to hold together; if it’s too dry, add a bit more canned milk. For added crunch, consider mixing in some finely chopped celery or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the croquettes with a side of homemade tartar sauce for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. For a full dinner experience, consider serving with a side of Baked Red Snapper Parmesan or over a bed of rice. These croquettes also make a great appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Tuna (Or Salmon) Croquettes contains roughly 270 calories, with 5g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1819mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the croquettes before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped croquettes before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
What can I use instead of wheat germ?
If you don't have wheat germ, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for coating. You can also use ground oats for a gluten-free option. Just ensure the alternative has a similar texture to achieve that crunchy exterior.
How can I make the croquettes spicier?
To add some heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the tuna mixture. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper or paprika into the mix to enhance the flavor. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).