If you're looking for a quick and easy low carb dinner recipe, look no further than these tuna melt fritters. In this article, I'll be sharing my favorite method for making light and crispy tuna patties that are molten on the inside thanks to melted cheese. You'll also learn some key tips and tricks for ensuring success every time. By the end, these fritters will become your new go-to weeknight meal!
The Inspiration
Like many college students, I became quite familiar with tuna melts during my undergraduate years. They were one of the easiest and most budget-friendly dinners to whip up. However, as someone watching their carb intake, traditional bread-based tuna melts were off limits. That's when I started experimenting with lower carb alternatives like tuna fritters. After some testing, these melt-in-your-mouth morsels were born.
The Magic Ingredients
While canned tuna provides the hearty protein base, it's the addition of select pantry staples that truly elevate these fritters. Finely diced onions add moisture and complexity to each bite. Shredded cheese melts sinfully within the fritter cores. Eggs are the secret to achieving a cohesive yet light texture. A dash of seasoning like sriracha balances the flavors beautifully. Most importantly, almond flour works wonders as a binder while enhancing the nutty flavor profile.
The Right Binding Agent
When forming patties or fritters, the binding ingredient can make or break the final product. After testing various low carb flours, almond flour rose to the top. It lent just the right moisture absorption and texture for fritters that hold their shape during frying yet remain light and airy within. Feel free to substitute other nut or seed flours, but almond flour delivers crisp exteriors and molten interiors like no other.
The Simple Recipe
With just a few pantry staples, you'll be enjoying these fritters in no time. Here is the straightforward method:
Ingredients:
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp sriracha (optional)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Flake tuna and mix all ingredients until just combined.
- Form into 6 patties and chill for 30 minutes.
- Fry patties in hot oil until lightly browned, 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve warm with extra melted cheese if desired.
Tips for Flavorful Fritters
With a few tricks, you can take these already delicious fritters to the next level:
Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
Fresh onion and real mayonnaise make a huge difference in taste.
Chill Before Frying
Chilling firms up the patties for neat frying with no breakage.
Go Slow and Don't Overcrowd
Fry in small batches over medium heat for even browning.
Keep Them Warm
Transfer to a 200°F oven to stay hot and melty until serving.
You'll Be Hooked on These Fritters
With crispy exteriors and melt-in-your-mouth interiors packed with tuna, cheese and seasoning, these fritters are sure to satisfy any tuna melt or crab cake craving. Even better, the entire recipe comes together in just 30 minutes using pantry staples. So don't wait - give these ultimate low carb tuna melt fritters a try today!