Tuna Tumbales
Tuna Tumbales is a savory baked dish featuring tender tuna and egg yolks, topped with creamy white sauce. Perfect for a hearty, comforting meal suited for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly brown tuna and onion in salad oil.
- Add beaten egg yolks, bread crumbs, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper to the tuna mixture and combine.
- Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites gently.
- Turn the mixture into greased custard cups.
- Bake in a pan of water at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the mixture is firm in the center.
- Remove from oven and top with warm white sauce before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or your favorite seasoning blend to the tuna mixture. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can substitute with crushed crackers or stale bread. To ensure even cooking, make sure the water bath is at a gentle simmer while baking. Always taste and adjust seasoning before folding in the egg whites.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tuna Tumbales warm, topped with the white sauce, and garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside the Shrimp And Lobster In White Wine for a delightful seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tuna Tumbales can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, adding a splash of white sauce to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Tumbales contains roughly 873 calories, with 47g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (94% of the Daily Value), iron (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2454mg per serving (107% 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 tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but you'll need to cook it first. Poach or sear the tuna until it’s cooked through, then flake it before incorporating it into the mixture. This adds a fresh flavor to your Tumbales.
What can I substitute for the white sauce?
If you don’t have white sauce on hand, you can use a simple cream sauce or even a store-bought Alfredo sauce as a replacement. Alternatively, a drizzle of lemon butter sauce can add a nice brightness to the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and fill the custard cups a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining or meal prep.
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).