How To MakeTuna Egg Rolls
How To MakeTuna Egg Rolls is a easy Trinidadian recipe that serves 4. 190 calories per serving. Recipe by WhaToCook Trini Recipes And More on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $8.67 total, $2.17 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 can Canned Tuna in Water (drained well)
- 1 small Onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup Mixed Vegetables (carrots, beans, corn, peas) (frozen or fresh, thawed if frozen)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (ground)
- 1 tsp Hot Pepper Sauce (optional) (e.g., Tabasco or local hot sauce)
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 8 pieces Egg Roll Wrappers (store‑bought, thawed if frozen)
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil for Deep Frying (neutral oil such as canola)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the onion finely, measure out the mixed vegetables, and drain the canned tuna completely.
Time: PT5M
Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl combine the drained tuna, diced onion, mixed vegetables, black pepper, optional hot pepper sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Lay Out the Wrappers
Place one egg‑roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond orientation. Spoon about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the tuna mixture onto the lower corner of the wrapper.
Time: PT5M
Seal the Wrapper
Moisten the two outer edges of the wrapper with a little water from the small bowl. Fold the corner over the filling, fold the sides inward like an envelope, then roll tightly toward the opposite corner, pressing gently to seal.
Time: PT5M
Heat the Oil
Fill the deep‑fryer or large pot with oil to about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Deep Fry the Rolls
Carefully lower the sealed rolls into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Serve
Allow the rolls to cool for a minute, then serve hot. They pair well with sweet chili sauce or a squeeze of lime.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 190
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains gluten, Contains soy
Allergens: Fish (tuna), Soy, Wheat (egg roll wrappers)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Canned Tuna in Water: canned salmon, cooked shredded chicken
- Instead of Onion: shallots, green onions
- Instead of Mixed Vegetables (carrots, beans, corn, peas): any leftover veggies
- Instead of Hot Pepper Sauce (optional): sriracha, chili flakes
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari
- Instead of Egg Roll Wrappers: spring roll wrappers, phyllo dough
- Instead of Vegetable Oil for Deep Frying: peanut oil, sunflower oil
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or Spatula
- Small Bowl
- Brush or Pastry Brush (optional)
- Deep Fryer or Large Pot
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Seal the wrapper edges with water to prevent opening during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even crispness.
- Do not overfill the wrappers; this avoids tearing and oil leakage.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use tuna packed in water and drain thoroughly for a lighter roll.
- If using frozen mixed vegetables, thaw and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
- A light brush of oil on the outside of the wrapper before frying adds extra crispness.
Troubleshooting
Wrapper tears during rolling.
Make sure the filling amount is modest and the wrapper is not overstretched; moisten the edges well before folding.
Rolls absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Maintain oil at 350°F and fry in small batches; drain on paper towels immediately after frying.
Filling falls out while frying.
Check that the edges are fully sealed with water; press the seam gently before placing in oil.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes.
Freezer: Uncooked, sealed rolls can be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to cooking time.
Room temperature: Best eaten fresh; can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour before becoming soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the tuna filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated.
- Wrap the rolls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze; fry from frozen when needed.
- Pat the wrappers with a paper towel before sealing to improve water adhesion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Tuna Egg Rolls in Trinidadian cuisine?
Tuna egg rolls are a modern twist on traditional Trinidadian street‑food snacks that originally featured fish or meat fillings wrapped in pastry and fried. They reflect the island’s love for quick, portable bites that combine Caribbean flavors with Asian influences brought by the Chinese community.
What are the traditional regional variations of tuna egg rolls in Trinidad and Tobago?
In some parts of Trinidad, cooks use seasoned ground fish or salted cod instead of canned tuna, and they may add local hot pepper sauce, green seasoning, or grated coconut for extra flavor. The wrapper can also be a homemade dough rather than store‑bought egg‑roll sheets.
How are tuna egg rolls traditionally served in Trinidadian households or street food stalls?
They are typically served hot, straight from the fryer, with a side of sweet chili sauce, tamarind chutney, or a squeeze of fresh lime. They are enjoyed as a breakfast snack, an afternoon treat, or a party appetizer.
On what occasions or celebrations are tuna egg rolls commonly enjoyed in Trinidadian culture?
Tuna egg rolls appear at family gatherings, birthday parties, and local fairs (fetes). Because they are quick to make and easy to eat by hand, they are a favorite for informal celebrations and school lunches.
How does tuna egg roll fit into the broader Trinidadian snack tradition?
The roll joins a family of fried handheld treats such as pholourie, aloo pies, and doubles. Like those snacks, it offers a crunchy exterior with a flavorful, protein‑rich filling, embodying the island’s blend of African, Indian, and Chinese culinary heritage.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Trinidadian tuna egg rolls versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include canned tuna, mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn), soy sauce, black pepper, and egg‑roll wrappers. Acceptable substitutes are canned salmon for tuna, fresh diced vegetables, tamari for soy sauce, and spring‑roll wrappers or phyllo dough in place of egg‑roll sheets.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Trinidadian tuna egg rolls?
Common errors include overfilling the wrappers, not sealing the edges properly, and frying at too low or too high a temperature. Overfilled rolls burst open, while a poor seal lets oil seep in, and incorrect oil temperature yields soggy or burnt rolls.
Why does this tuna egg roll recipe call for sealing the wrapper edges with water instead of egg wash?
Water creates a quick, gluten‑free bond that is sufficient for the thin egg‑roll skin and does not add extra richness. Egg wash is more common with thicker pastry, but it can make the edges too soft for a crisp fry in this recipe.
Can I make the tuna egg rolls ahead of time and how should I store them before frying?
Yes. Prepare the filling and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Assemble the rolls, place them on a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
What does the YouTube channel WhaToCook Trini Recipes And More specialize in?
The YouTube channel WhaToCook Trini Recipes And More specializes in sharing authentic and easy‑to‑make Trinidadian home‑cooking recipes, ranging from classic street foods to family meals, with a focus on using pantry staples and local ingredients.
What other Trinidadian dishes is the YouTube channel WhaToCook Trini Recipes And More known for?
WhaToCook Trini Recipes And More is known for videos on dishes such as doubles, pelau, callaloo, bake and shark, and various curried meats and vegetables, all presented with step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks.
Last updated: August 13, 2026








