Tuna Loaves
Tuna loaves are savory, protein-packed dishes with a delicate blend of herbs and a golden crust, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Saute onion, celery, and parsley in 4 tablespoons of butter until the onion is golden, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with lemon juice, bread crumbs, hard-cooked eggs, pepper, tuna, salt, and beaten eggs.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- On a lightly greased jelly roll pan, shape the mixture into 8 loaves, using about 3/4 cup for each.
- Brush the tops of the loaves with the remaining butter.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese or using whole wheat bread crumbs instead of dry packaged ones. You can also substitute the canned milk with sour cream for a richer taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. The loaves can also be shaped into patties for a different presentation.
Serving Suggestions
These tuna loaves are best served warm and can be paired with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving them with a side of tartar sauce or a zesty lemon aioli for dipping. They also pair beautifully with a light pasta dish, like Seafood Pasta Salsa, for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tuna loaves should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For a quicker option, you can microwave them, but be cautious not to dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Loaves contains roughly 256 calories, with 12g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 470mg per serving (20% 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 use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna. However, make sure to cook it first before mixing it with the other ingredients. Canned tuna provides convenience and flavor, but fresh tuna can give a more robust taste if prepared correctly.
What can I substitute for bread crumbs?
You can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even cooked quinoa as a gluten-free alternative to bread crumbs. Each option will give a different texture and flavor, so choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
How can I make these loaves more flavorful?
Experiment with adding spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or even some chopped olives for an extra punch. Incorporating fresh herbs like dill or thyme can also elevate the flavor profile significantly.
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).