Croquetas de Atún (Mexican Tuna Patties)

Croquetas de Atún are a delicious and easy-to-make dish. These Mexican tuna patties are a savory blend of canned tuna and crunchy vegetables that are gently pan-fried until golden on the outside and warm and flavorful on the inside. They are budget-friendly and a great option for a quick meal.

Just like Mexican Tuna Salad, Shredded Pork and Avocado Burritos, or Avocado Tostadas, my mom would make croquetas de atún when she needed a quick and easy meal.

Whenever she would make these tuna patties, they were always a welcome treat. We loved the golden exterior and the warm, flavorful interior. My mom would often serve them with a side salad or some saltine crackers and hot sauce.

I still make these patties and they always remind me of my mom. They're a delicious way to enjoy a homemade meal without much hassle, and they're sure to become a family favorite.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• The Ingredients
• How to Make Mexican Tuna Patties
• Tips and Variations
• FAQ
• Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These patties are perfect for busy days and weeknights when you need a fast and easy meal option.
• Healthy: The recipe consists of fresh vegetables and tuna, which is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Minimal Ingredients: This recipe only requires 5 simple ingredients, most of which are kitchen staples.
• Delicious: The ingredients might be simple, but their combination results in such incredible flavor.
• Budget-Friendly: Canned tuna is an affordable protein option that's also delicious.
• Gluten-Free: Many tuna patty recipes call for breadcrumbs, but this recipe does not, making it gluten-free and Whole30 compatible.
• Great for Lent: Tuna patties are very popular during the Lenten season.

The Ingredients

• Canned Tuna: I prefer canned tuna in olive oil as it has a richer flavor and more healthy fats. However, you can use tuna in water if that's what you have available.
• White Onion: I like to use white onions, which add a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
• Celery: Crisp celery adds freshness and crunch.
• Jalapeño: Fresh, diced jalapeños add a spicy kick and great flavor. Depending on your spice preference, you can adjust the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds and the white pith for milder heat.
• Egg: The eggs helps bind the ingredients together and are key in shaping the tuna cakes. They also add protein and richness to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: There are no extra seasonings in this recipe, we only use salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste of the croquetas.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions

Substitute canned salmon for the tuna for another delicious variation.

Yellow onion can be used in place of white onion if preferred.

For a spicier result, replace the jalapeño with serrano peppers.

How to Make Mexican Tuna Patties

1.  Prepare the Tuna

• Drain the tuna very well to eliminate as much moisture as possible.
• Place in a mixing bowl and use a fork or spoon to break up the tuna.

2. Add Vegetables

• Finely dice the white onion, celery, and jalapeño.
• Mix until combined.

3. Add Eggs

• Add the eggs to the tuna.
• Season with salt and pepper
• Mix everything together until the mixture becomes cohesive.

4. Heat Oil

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until hot but not smoking.
• While the oil heats up, begin forming the tuna patties.

5. Form the Patties

• Using a ¼ measuring cup, scoop out some of the mixture. Press any excess liquid out.
• Transfer tuna to hands and form a patty. 
• Continue until all patties are formed.

6. Fry the Patties

• Using a spatula carefully lay the patties into the hot pan.
• Fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
• Using a spatula in one hand and another spatula or spoon in the other, carefully flip and continue to cook on the other side until golden brown, about 2-3 more minutes.
• Transfer patties onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• Serve.

How to Serve

These tuna cakes are great served for lunch or dinner or even as an appetizer or snack. Here are some great ideas on how to serve them:

• My top recommendation is to enjoy them with a squeeze of lime juice
• Serve on a bed of lettuce or salad and topped with a drizzle of chipotle ranch dressing
• Serve with a side of arroz rojo or Mexican white rice with corn
• Serve with a side of salsa bandera
• They are also great topped with Mexican hot sauce and some saltine crackers

How to Store and Reheat

Store any leftover croquetas in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place on a nonstick skillet with a little bit of oil over medium heat. You can also bake them at 350ºF for 10-15 minutes or microwave in a microwave-safe plate covered with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes.

Tips and Variations

• Finely dice the onion and celery. This helps to create a smooth texture and helps the croquetas from falling apart.
• For the best flavor, use a good quality canned tuna.
• Be sure to use a non-stick pan, which helps prevent the patties from sticking and breaking apart while cooking.
• If you are having trouble keeping the patties from falling apart, consider doing the following:
  • Be sure to drain the tuna well. This helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
  • After combining the ingredients, refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping the patties. Chilling can make it easier to handle and form the patties.
  • If you are still having trouble, consider adding ¼ cup of almond flour to the mixture or ¼ cup of breadcrumbs.

FAQ

More Seafood Recipes

• Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
• Mexican Shrimp Ceviche
• Mexican Tuna Salad

I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.

Recipe