Ethan'S Fish, The Easy Way

Prep: 45 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Ethan's Fish offers a delightful, easy-to-make seafood dish with a crispy cracker crust and flavorful tuna filling. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it combines savory tastes with a fun fish shape that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium potato
  • 2 16 oz cans tuna, drained
  • 1/4 cup tartar sauce
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 egg
  • 24 Ritz crackers
  • olives, optional

Instructions

  1. Peel the potato, cut into quarters, and boil for 15 minutes. Remove and mash.
  2. Mix the mashed potato with drained tuna, tartar sauce, parsley, and lemon juice. Divide the mixture into 6 parts and shape each into a fish about 3/4 inch thick.
  3. Beat the egg in a shallow bowl.
  4. Crush the Ritz crackers in another shallow bowl.
  5. Dip each fish into the beaten egg, then coat with crushed crackers.
  6. Place the coated fish on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
  8. Optional: Place an olive on each fish for the eye.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, try adding shredded cheese or diced vegetables like bell peppers to the tuna mixture. If you don't have Ritz crackers, any buttery cracker works well. Ensure the mashed potato is smooth for easy shaping. You can also bake the fish in a light breadcrumb coating for extra crunch. This dish is a kid-friendly option and pairs beautifully with Baked Limas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these fish patties with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Pair with a dipping sauce such as extra tartar or a zesty remoulade. They also make a great appetizer, similar to Cheddar Crab Meats, perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fish on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the fish soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ethan'S Fish, The Easy Way contains roughly 1183 calories, with 109g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (561% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (397% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1419mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

1183 kcal 59% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 109.2g 100% DV
Total Fat 27.7g 36% DV
Carbs 183.2g 67% DV
Fiber 111.3g 100% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1418.6mg 62% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 45mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 505.3mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 646.1mg 50% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Fish

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 use fresh fish instead of canned tuna?

Yes, you can use cooked, flaked fresh fish instead of canned tuna. Just ensure it's well-seasoned, as canned tuna is already flavored. Consider using baked or poached fish for the best results, and adjust the other ingredients accordingly to maintain the flavor balance.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that the tartar sauce and any other condiments used are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavor without the gluten.

Can I freeze the uncooked fish patties?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked fish patties. After shaping them and coating with crackers, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months; just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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).

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